Lewis Hamilton is a better all-rounder than Michael Schumacher according to former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber.
With Hamilton closing on Schumacher’s all-time records – many of which he has already surpassed – comparisons between the two are naturally going to be made and where they rank amongst the all-time greats is a subject of much debate.
Webber though has no doubts that Hamilton ranks amongst the very best and in his personal opinion, sits above Schumacher given he is a “more complete” package.
“Absolutely, no question about it,” the former Red Bull driver told SpeedCafe.com when asked if Hamilton is among the all-time best drivers.
“I think he’s more complete than Michael,” he added. “I think he went about those results in a technically cleaner executed way, just by the way of wheel-to-wheel combat and no real trickery in his contact with the other drivers.
“I think he’s certainly up there. I mean, obviously Alain Prost, where do you go with the [Niki] Laudas, the [Jackie] Stewarts, or [Ayrton] Senna?
“Clearly Michael is absolutely in there, he’s got all the records in terms of championships and race victories, but I’m confident that Lewis can give those a red hot go.”
If Hamilton wins the title this season he will go equal with Schumacher’s seven and could even surpass Schumacher’s all-time number of victories (94), as the Briton is just seven shy.
Speaking about Hamilton as a person, Webber understands his personality isn’t to everyones liking, but says his talent can’t be questioned.
“I personally get on with him well, I don’t have any issues with Lewis, but it’s not something for everyone,” added Webber.
“But on the track he is Nadal- and Federer-esque. He just executes, and he does it in a way that is very, very clinical.
“He’s got so much mind management, and composure – [he’s an] extraordinary, extraordinary talent now, and he keeps reinventing himself, so deserves everything.”
