Lewis Hamilton will be quicker than Button

By Phil Huff
December 20 2006

John Surtees, a race winner with Honda F1 in 1967, feels that McLaren's new British star, Lewis Hamilton, will find success quicker than Jenson Button.

"I think Lewis can surprise a few people," Surtees told PA Sport. "It's not beyond possibility that he could win a race next year. He has the ability, the speed and a sane head on his shoulders to do well. In my opinion, Lewis' career will develop quicker than Jenson's has."

"Lewis is a very different person to Jenson," Surtees continued. "He will not be overawed by his sudden appearance as an F1 driver or the earning capacity it presents, unlike Jenson. Jenson has had to face up to mistakes he has made, although he is far from alone in this."

Jenson arrived in Formula One aged 19, fresh from a strong campaign in British Formula 3, getting a seat at the BMW backed Williams team. Impressing in his first year, Jenson suffered after Switching to Benetton, before reviving his career at BAR and now Honda.

In comparison, Lewis Hamilton will arrive in F1 aged 22, fresh from winning the international GP2 series, and getting a seat in the Mercedes backed McLaren team.

"I expect Jenson's year to be more consistent," says Surtees of 2007, "whereas Lewis will provide more excitement, more highs, but he will also make some mistakes.

"I certainly think Lewis can give Jenson a run for his money."