WITH a sixth world title Lewis Hamilton’s place among the greatest Formula One drivers is assured.
But where does the Brit racer, 35, rank among the very best of them all?
The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
SunSport’s Ben Hunt puts the Mercedes man, at the very top of the list ahead of Ayrton Senna and seven-time champ Michael Schumacher.
Check out his full run-down of the top 10 below and let us know who YOU think is the greatest of all time.
Victory at last week’s Mexican Grand Prix put Hamilton on the brink of a sixth Driver’s ChampionshipCredit: AP:Associated Press
1. Lewis Hamilton
Like Michael Schumacher and Aytron Senna before him, Hamilton has taken F1 to a new level when it comes to dominating races.
Astonishingly consistent, brilliant over a qualifying lap and smart race-craft. Rarely makes a mistake. Always delivers.
2. Ayrton Senna
Supremely talented and wonderfully competitive. Senna’s raw talent over a single-lap made him a hero, as did his ability to win races in any conditions.
Hugely passionate, he helped elevate the publicity of F1 to new levels.
3. Michael Schumacher
All-time record hold for most wins (91) and titles (seven), Schumacher’s record stands as the best in F1 history.
His meticulous focus and attention to details helped make him a multiple world champion, even if his racing methods were called into question.
Schumacher won an unprecedented seven championships during a glittering careerCredit: Reuters
4. Jim Clark
The greatest driver of his generation, Clark was a two-time world champion and won 25 times in 72 starts – more than any other driver at the time.
His versatility also saw him win the Indy 500, the British Touring Car Championship, the Tasman Series in Australian and New Zealand.
5. Juan Manuel Fangio
One of the pioneers of Formula One, Fangio won an incredible five world titles when the sport was in its infancy.
With safety at a minimum and reliability commonplace, the Argentine was a remarkably consistent performer.
6. Sir Jackie Stewart
Won his three world titles during a dangerous period in Formula One’s history.
Stewart saw countless competitors perish in the cockpit and set about making safety improvements.
A wonderfully measured driver who was also calm behind the wheel.
7. Niki Lauda
Tenacious competitor both on and off track.
A true hero after coming back from suffering horrific burns in 1976 following a crash at the Nurburgring only to make an astonishing comeback just six weeks later.
He won the F1 title the following season.
Niki Lauda scooped three championships during the 70s and 80sCredit: Getty – Contributor
8. Alain Prost
The Frenchman enjoyed a titanic battle with Senna for F1 supremacy.
For what he lost out in natural ability compared to the Brazilian, he made up for it with ruthlessness and dedication.
A smooth driver in the same mould as Stewart and Clark.
9. Sir Stirling Moss
Without doubt the best driver never to win a Formula One world title.
Fabulously charming and such a wonderful character.
The Brit won 212 of the 529 races he entered.
10. Fernando Alonso
The Spaniard is a remarkable driver, blessed with skill, pace and a cunning that means he should have more than the two F1 titles he owns.
But for poor choice when it comes to making decisions about which teams to race for, he should have been rivalling Hamilton for titles.
Lewis Hamilton gets boxing tips from Julio Cesar Chavez ahead of Mexican GP
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
