2009 Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button believes former team-mate Lewis Hamilton has every chance of matching Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world championships.
Hamilton could potentially wrap up his fourth drivers’ title in Austin this weekend, should he win and nearest rival Sebastian Vettel fail to finish inside the top five.
Button, who drove alongside his compatriot at McLaren for three years, still labels Schumacher as a greater driver, but reckons Hamilton could match the German’s all-time record if he remains in a competitive car.
Asked if only Schumacher ranked ahead of the three-time champion as claim to being the sport’s greatest ever driver, Button told BBC Sport in a fan Q&A: “When you look at the facts and the stats, of course.
“He’s out-qualified Michael. In terms of world championships, he’s got a little way to go.
“I think we can honestly say he’s got a very good chance of winning this year. And I hope he does. Last year was a very tough year for him in terms of he was very unlucky, this year it’s been on his side and he deserves to win the world championship.
“Michael is still the greatest if you look at the outright results but if Lewis stays in the sport and Lewis stays as competitive, he could get close to winning seven world championships. But only time will tell.”
