Brawn compares Hamilton and Schumacher: “They are both massively talented”
- Bevan Youl
Formula 1 motorsport director Ross Brawn has compared the quality Lewis Hamilton and legend Michael Schumacher have in being “massively talented” and the ability to leave teams “speechless” at times.
Hamilton has been edging closer towards, what seemed at the time unachievable, Schumacher’s records of seven World Championships and 91 race wins that he set throughout his career.
The Briton has won five of the past six drivers titles with Mercedes to add to his first with McLaren in 2008 to put him second on the all-time list on six, with 84 wins to his name.
2020 could see the 35-year old break the German’s victory record and draw level in championships, but Brawn sees similarities between the two in being able to leave teams “speechless” from performances.
“They are both massively talented in what they do in the car and those moments where they pull something out of nowhere,” he told The Guardian.
“Some of the qualifying laps Lewis has done have left the team speechless. Michael was the same, there are sometimes just those drivers who can do that.”
Some have argued that Hamilton’s success has mostly been down to Mercedes’ dominance of recent years, compared to Schumacher building up Ferrari, but Brawn feels the Briton deserves the credit.
“Lewis has deserved it, he has deserved every championship he has won,” he added.
"He has got himself at the right team at the right time and he is at peak performance. He doesn’t make mistakes and is a fantastic driver, his performance is exceptional.”