F1: Ferrari praise for Hamilton

May 26 2007 Western Mail

LEWIS HAMILTON has earned the respect of the man trying to stop him winning the Formula One world title.

Hamilton is a major threat to Ferrari’s Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen becoming champions, and for many that is a major surprise.

The consensus was that Hamilton’s McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso would be the thorn in the side of the Ferrari duo, but ahead of tomorrow’s Monaco Grand Prix, all three trail the young pretender.

Third place on his debut in Australia has been followed by three successive runner-up finishes, guaranteeing Hamilton a place in the history books as the youngest driver to lead the standings.

The 22-year-old heads Alonso by two points, Massa by three and is eight clear of Raikkonen, and that has made Ferrari boss Jean Todt sit up and take notice.

“He had a good school last year,” commented Todt on Hamilton’s GP2 success, and the fact he has been groomed by McLaren over the last decade.

“He’s a very skilled, talented driver, who has been fortunate enough to drive one of the best cars this year.

“But we know that in racing you need to have the car, you need to have the team and you need to have the drivers. If you miss one of those components, it cannot work.

“He has a good car, he has a good team and he’s a great driver, so I would say that I’m not really surprised.

“But I’m full of respect for this young guy.”

The Frenchman’s concern for the young Briton is that he has found himself thrust into the spotlight too soon.

The glare can often be a harsh, unforgiving one at this level of motor sport, and, while Hamilton appears to be unfazed, these are early days.

“I simply hope Formula One won’t damage him too quickly,” added Todt.

“It is among the sports that attracts a lot of media, and if you want to stay at the highest level for a long time, whatever your position, I think you have to stay with your feet on the ground.

“You have to remain focused on the important things, rather than consider things which are not important but which could distract you.”

Hamilton certainly gives off the air of being his own man, someone unwilling to be turned by praise or criticism.