Brawn says Hamilton can be the next Schumacher
Ross Brawn says British Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton reminds him of a young Michael Schumacher.
Brawn teamed up with Schumacher as his technical director at Ferrari and helped him to a record seven Formula One titles.
Now Brawn, who leads his Honda team into this weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, believes Hamilton has what it takes to emulate the German and become an all-time great.
Since his pit-lane crash with Kimi Raikkonen in Canada, Hamilton has come under criticism with some believing he is feeling the pressure of the title challenge.
But Brawn believes the young Brit is still learning his trade and is coping with the strains of Formula One remarkably well.
“It’s the learning process, it’s still very new to him,” Brawn said. “He’s a young driver and is going to make mistakes, but I think he’s dealing with it all extremely well.
“Lewis is also very tough mentally and that’s where you can draw a comparison with Michael. Both are supremely talented and have been thrust into the limelight having fought their way through the ranks.
“Not having worked with Lewis I don’t know how he is dealing with it all, but from inside the business we can see he is doing a very good job for McLaren.”
But while Hamilton is looking for a first success at his home grand prix, Brawn will be happy for a place among the points as his Honda team continue to weather a transitional season.
So far, Honda have registered just nine world championship points with drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello under pressure and struggling for consistency and reliability.
Button is another British driver who has come under scrutiny, but Brawn believes the 28-year-old still has a lot to offer the sport.
“He’s had a difficult couple of years, but can be seriously quick and capable with the right equipment,” he added.
Ross Brawn is supporting the Let’s Go Karting programme, which allows children to try Karting for just £5. See www.letsgokarting.net.