F1: Hamilton impact shocks Schumacher

May 12 2007 by Ian Parkes, Western Mail

SEVEN-TIME Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher admits he has been stunned by Lewis Hamilton’s consistency in his rookie season.

The rising McLaren star goes into tomorrow’s Spanish Grand Prix as co-leader in the drivers’ standings after the first three races of the year.

Hamilton, 22, claimed a stunning third on his debut in Australia, before following that up with consecutive runner-up finishes in Malaysia and Bahrain.

In doing so, he became the first driver in F1 history to claim a place on the podium in the opening three grands prix.

It has all been a smooth transition for Hamilton after his success last year in GP2, and now all that is missing is a first win in F1.

“He has been doing a very good job, and that is not a surprise to me after seeing his races last year in particular,” Schumacher said.

“He is well prepared, he is quick and he does the job. It is maybe a surprise that he can deliver it so consistently. But there you go.”

Asked as to whether Hamilton has what it takes to become a future champion, the 38-year-old German was more cautious.

On his first return to the F1 paddock in the wake of his retirement last year after 16 years, Schumacher said, “We’ll find out.”

Speaking in his role as advisor to the Ferrari team, Schumacher added, “We have quite a few great drivers in the field, so we will see.”

Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso topped his first free-practice session since the season opener as McLaren dominated early proceedings in the build up to the Spanish Grand Prix.

Reigning two-time F1 world champion Alonso led the way at the start of the year in Australia, blitzing the field in opening practice at Melbourne’s Albert Park.

Since then he has watched the Ferraris of Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa, as well as team-mate Hamilton, top the timesheets in the nine intervening practice sessions.

At Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, British sensation Hamilton spearheaded a McLaren one-two in the first 90-minute run.

But it was Alonso who posted the fastest time of the day.