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Lewis Hamilton unsure Vandoorne is future champion

Published on 21 Nov 2017 12:53
9
By: Rob Veenstra

Lewis Hamilton says he is not sure if Stoffel Vandoorne can become a world champion. Hamilton won his fourth crown in 2017, but many consider Belgian Vandoorne as a potential title contender of the future.

"I cannot say that about other drivers," the Mercedes driver told the Belgian news agency Sporza. "I don't know much about him or his career, but I know he's been driving well in recent years and especially this year has been pretty good. But to say that he can be world champion? I don't have a crystal ball," Hamilton added.

When asked what advice he might give Vandoorne for the future, Hamilton answered: "He doesn't need my advice. He's already made it to formula one with Fernando Alonso as his teammate, and he's already beaten him more than once."

As for himself, Hamilton admits he is in very good form as the 2017 season ends. "Yes, I had a very strong second half of the season and I cannot perform better at the moment, but I will continue to grow with age and experience. The regulations aren't changing for a while so I will try to perform as well next year as I did in the second part of this one," Hamilton added.

Finally, Hamilton extended his race win tally to 62 late this season, meaning he might have Michael Schumacher's all-time record of 91 wins set as a target. But the Briton insisted: "It's not a goal."

"It will depend how long I'm racing, but at the moment I do not think I'll be racing long enough to improve that record. In my best years I win up to 10 races, which means that I would have to continue for at least another three years with a competitive car," Hamilton said. (GMM)

mbmwe36

Posts: 533

I guess it depends. If he finds himself in a rocketship one day, then even mediocrity can become WC, amirite Lewis?

That being said, I'm still not convinced about Vandoorne, although he seems to be improving.

2
Nov 21 2017 - 14:20

F1 News Lewis Hamilton Stoffel Vandoorne Mercedes

Replies (9)

mbmwe36

Posts: 533
I guess it depends. If he finds himself in a rocketship one day, then even mediocrity can become WC, amirite Lewis?

That being said, I'm still not convinced about Vandoorne, although he seems to be improving.
- + 2
- Nov 21 2017 - 14:20
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  I'll fetch some cooling balm for Hamilton...
  
  And yeah, havent been impressed by Vandoorne yet, but then again its his first year.
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  Nov 21 2017 - 18:38
- rastaman44
  
  Posts: 17
  Are you being STUPID or what? Hamilton is the best driver on the grid and an all time great. That is undisputed, except to those who are benighted. So please spare us the garbage about mediocrity !!!
  + 0
  
  Nov 23 2017 - 00:09
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  If you want to say something feel free to, but do so in a polite fashion. By all means think Ham is the best, but we dont have to agree, and I dont. He is good, but undisputed best? Undisputed best would've been if he year after year won in the second or third best car. He won with a Mercedes. IMO, undisputed best as of now is probably Schumacher. 7 times world champion, and at least 3 of those were won with a not that dominant car. The Benetton cars were certainly inferior to the Williams cars. Even now on the grid, Im not sure he would win against a driver like Vettel, Verstappen or Alonso if they drove a Mercedes. Thats my take on it. Feel free to disagree.
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  Nov 23 2017 - 08:03
krommenaas

Posts: 155
You can't be sure about anyone winning a future WDC. Unless they're driving a Mercedes and have a weaker teammate.
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- Nov 21 2017 - 16:11
ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475
First, Hamilton say he was unsure about Vandoorne because he can't tell if anybody, not because of lack of merit. Second, we can all agree Hamilton is a douche, However, anyone questioning his talent is deluded with prejudices. He did win championships with a fast car with Mercedes, but he did have a competitive teammate. Vettel and Schumacher could not say that with Red Bull and Ferrari. Third, Vandoorne is a bit of an unknown to me, especially considering the incredibly inconsistent performance of the Honda engine. He seemed close to Fernando in the last few races. I'll withhold judgment until next year.
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- Nov 21 2017 - 20:39
Barron

Posts: 625
Hamilton is far from being a douche and he wasn’t commenting on Van Doorne’s ability. Honestly, these ‘journalists’ Casual question, casual answer, boom! Shock headline!
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- Nov 22 2017 - 10:19
- rastaman44
  
  Posts: 17
  Amen !!!
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  Nov 23 2017 - 00:11
rastaman44

Posts: 17
Hamilton was answering a question, not volunteering an opinion on Vandoorne's WDC prospects.
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- Nov 23 2017 - 00:11