© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Back in 2001, while Lewis Hamilton was competing in the World Karting Championship, Michael Schumacher said “the 16-year-old has got what it takes to make it to the top”.
Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher are tied in the number of Formula 1 world championships, both drivers winning the crown seven times.
At one point it seemed impossible that anyone could ever break the numerous records held by Schumacher, but Lewis was able to surpass all but this one record.
Of course, had the rules been followed at the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi, it is very likely that the Briton would already be an eight-time champion, however as it stands, this milestone is yet to be reached.
It’s interesting, then, to look back on a time when Schumacher himself saw a promising future for the 16-year-old Lewis, while the legend was making a guest appearance at the 2001 World Karting Championship.
Giving his comments on Lewis, Michael said “he’s a quality driver, very strong and already 16”.
“The 16-year-old has got what it takes to make it to the top,” he continued.
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“If he keeps this up I’m sure he will reach F1. It’s something special to see a kid of his age out on the circuit. He’s clearly got the right racing mentality.”
A few years later, in 2007, Lewis made his Formula 1 debut, and ultimately missed out on that year’s championship by only one point. The very next year he won his first F1 title.
At the time BBC asked Schumacher if the Briton could go on to win seven world titles.
“I would say, absolutely, yes,” Michael said.
“Nobody thought, even me, that I could beat [five-time F1 champion Juan Manuel] Fangio. Then I did. Records are there to be beaten.
“I’m quite relaxed that one day it will happen, whether it’s Lewis, whether it’s Massa, or whoever,” the seven-time champion concluded.
