Home

F1

Michael Schumacher’s ‘Outright Speed’ Not on Lewis Hamilton’s Level: Button

Published 01/07/2021, 7:28 AM EST

Follow Us

via Reuters

Michael Schumacher or Sir Lewis Hamilton, who is Formula 1’s greatest driver?

The Mercedes driver wrapped up the season on an extremely high note, equaling Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles.

Moreover, the Briton broke Schumacher’s record of most wins this past season. As he racked up win after win, both Mercedes and Hamilton continued their domination and claimed another championship in 2020.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Jenson Button, the former Formula 1 champion and Hamilton’s teammate, gives his view on the Schumacher and Hamilton debate. “Lewis is definitely one of the best drivers that has ever driven in Formula 1,” said the former F1 driver.

via Reuters

“It’s tricky but Lewis is definitely up there and, in terms of outright pace, he is probably the quickest over one lap. But a Grand Prix isn’t just one lap and so you have to throw a lot of great drivers into the mix.”

“Michael Schumacher for example for his dedication. His outright speed probably wasn’t on the same level as Lewis Hamilton but his dedication and how much time and effort he put in,” Button points out.

‘Most Complete’: Former Mercedes Teammate of Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher Makes His Pick

Button admires Lewis Hamilton for his clean driving

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Jenson Button pointed out one difference between Hamilton’s and Schumacher’s style of driving. When needed, Schumacher displayed an aggressive driving style on the grid. One only has to look as far as the 2000 Belgian Grand Prix and Schumacher’s battle with Mika Hakkinen.

via Getty

The German was very aggressive while he defended his position against the Finnish driver. However, Button pointed out that Hamilton always played by the rules. “He’s a great racer, great to race wheel-to-wheel with and he will never do anything outside of the rules.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“Some of his moves were questionable on track but one of the things you can definitely say for Lewis and what I really like about him is he is very straightforward.  He is a very clean driver,” Button concluded.

Lewis Hamilton now holds the record for most wins, most pole positions, and equaled Schumacher’s record of world championship titles. Hamilton will hope to win the championship next season and officially become the most successful F1 driver in history. However, the Briton is facing a few challenges renegotiating his contract, do you believe Hamilton will stand atop the championship standing next season?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Ayush Manjunath

586Articles

One take at a time

Ayush Manjunath is a Formula 1 author for EssentiallySports with more than 500 articles to his name. A Law graduate and a current Sports Management student, Ayush also has a certificate from UCLA on Sports, Media and Entertainment Management. He has an undying love for motorsports and lives to see Max Verstappen, George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris battle for the championship one day!
Show More>