Jenon Button believes his former team-mate Lewis Hamilton can match or even surpass Michael Schumacher's record of seven titles and 91 race wins.
Hamilton is on the brink of securing a fourth title this season – and could do so this weekend in Austin – which would rank him amongst Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel, but still one adrift of Juan Manuel Fangio and three behind Schumacher.
However Hamilton has already surpassed Schumacher's pole position record and Button believes he could do the same with titles and race wins.
"When you look at the facts and the stats, of course [he could]," Button told the BBC.
“He's [already] out-qualified Michael but in terms of world championships he’s got a little way to go."
"Michael is still the greatest if you look at the outright results but if Lewis stays in the sport and Lewis stays as competitive he could get close to winning seven world championships. But only time will tell."
The fellow Briton is rooting for Hamilton to secure a fourth title this year, insisting the Mercedes man deserves it after a tough 2016 season.
"I think we can honestly say he’s got a very good chance of winning this year. And I hope he does. Last year was a very tough year for him in terms of he was very unlucky, this year it’s been on his side and he deserves to win the world championship."
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