Exciting style puts Hamilton ahead with the fans - Lowe

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Former Mercedes tech boss Paddy Lowe believes Lewis Hamilton's exciting style out on the race track is what makes him a clear favourite with the fans.

Lowe, who conquered two of Hamilton's four titles alongside the Briton at Mercedes, was unsure where the 32-year-old ranked among the sport's greatest drivers.

But the Williams boss and tech chief does know why he is a favourite among the fans.

"It is not only that Lewis produces results," says Lowe.

"Before, even when he only got one world championship, he was still an incredibly exciting driver for the sport – arguably the most popular driver for the fan base.

Fourth title reflects the best team, not the best car - Hamilton

"I think it is because of the style with which he qualifies and races with, it is always very exciting.

"His race craft is probably unparalleled. It would have been great to see him race against the likes of [Ayrton] Senna.

"Michael [Schumacher] achieved fantastic records but his race craft was not one of his greatest strengths, for example. Why people love Lewis is they love the way he races."

Lowe labeled Hamilton's 2017 campaign as the best he's seen from the driver, underlining not only his speed, but especially his outstanding consistency.

"From the outside it looked to me like his best season ever," he said.

"He drove really well every race, whether good day or bad day, and he was always in there getting the points. He is a really, really worthy champion.

"Lewis has been much more consistent – not that he was inconsistent before – but he has shown his highest level of consistency this year of all the years he has been driving in the sport," he added.

"That has paid dividends to him to take this championship."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.