Former champs back Hamilton

Four-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton has received the backing from 2009 champ Jenson Button and 1992 title holder Nigel Mansell.

Hamilton became only the fifth person in history to win a fourth Formula One World title last season.

Following in the footsteps of Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, Hamilton became Britain’s first four time World Champion (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017).

All of his titles have been won in different ways, with one coming driving for McLaren in only his second season, whilst his following three have come for Mercedes, a move that he made under a great deal of criticism.

Becoming Britain’s most successful Formula One driver in history was not the only record Hamilton claimed in 2017.

At the Italian Grand Prix he claimed his 72nd pole position, the most by any driver in the sports history.

At the United States Grand Prix he claimed his 40th Grand Prix victory started from pole, another record.

That race also saw him start his 118th Grand Prix from the front row, also a record.

Those records were added to the previous records he had broken in previous seasons, as well as edging closer to the all time race victories record held by Michael Schumacher.

‘What I would encourage Lewis and his fans to get across, he has an incredible opportunity to set new records, You’re in the best team with the best car, there isn’t the depth of competition there used to be, make hay when the sun shines. Just like Michael Schumacher did for three or four years.

‘I really hope Lewis keeps his focus. The other problems will go away. Lewis is a fabulous driver and you get him on a good day and everyone understands him, we love it. We really do. Everyone is entitled to have some difficult days, there is a lot of pressure on him and I hope he has a wonderful year.’ Mansell told Sky Sports.

Former team-mate Jenson Button added, whilst also speaking to Sky Sports: ‘He is unbelievably quick and, over one lap, he is the quickest guy I think that has ever driven a Formula One car.

‘In a race, I could challenge him, and we could race for wins.

‘Over those three years [as team-mates at McLaren] we won a lot and some of the races I did win were the best races in my career, because I had to beat Lewis to achieve them.’