Formula One news

Hill: Hamilton can be the next champ

Former Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill believes Lewis Hamilton has what it takes to become the next British Formula One champion. Hill said Hamilton entered F1 with the right package and has the opportunity to defeat his team-mate and his other competitors.

Speaking with PA Damon Hill said: "There's a pattern that develops in grand prix racing, one that you recognise. At the moment it has to be Lewis Hamilton. He fits the template, although I know Jenson (Button) won't take that lying down.

"Obviously, David (Coulthard) during his time carried a lot of hopes with him, while Jenson is still very much a shining light. A lot of people have invested a lot of hope in him that he will pull it off. We know Jenson can win grands prix now, while Honda are always knocking on the door. But now we have Lewis. He is in the right place, with the right team at the right time, with his only obstacle being the two Ferraris and his team-mate ( Alonso)."

Hill is confident Hamilton enters Formula 1 in the right way and with Ron Dennis as his perfect guide. "Ron has advised and guided Lewis, and he has avoided many of the pitfalls other drivers have fallen into without a good adviser," Hill said. "It may well be we will look back at Jenson's career - and he may look back on it too - and say it was screwed up at the beginning because he was wrongly advised or with the wrong team."

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