Hamilton's talent will be realized when he retires - Wolff

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes the full extent of Lewis Hamilton's talent and achievements will only be realized long after his retirement from the sport.

Hamilton conquered his fifth world title last season, and enjoys a victory tally that currently stands at 73 - that's 18 wins short of the outright record held by seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.

"Lewis, in my opinion, along with Michael, are the best we have ever seen," Wolff told Middle East newspaper The National.

"We're only going to realise when he retires one day. We tend to never acknowledge somebody's great performance while it happens.

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"We are always full of the types of people who retire or die. But they are never saying 'This guy is really unbelievable, we're alive to witness an exceptional performer'.

"I think we should recognise that while we are still racing."

At 33-years-old, Hamilton is at the peak of his game, and with many productive seasons ahead if his motivation is sustained.

On the eve of their seventh season together, the Mercedes/Hamilton combo is a formidable and fearful force.

"The way he has developed as a human is exceptional," added Wolff.

"He's become a strong pillar of winning with the team, which is rather unusual for a driver; your driver is more complaining about the team than praising, and he praises.

"We have an environment of brutal honesty with each other. So, if things go wrong, we go into the meeting and we say: 'That was wrong, that was wrong, and that was wrong'.

"That has allowed us to perform better, and he has a perfect attitude."

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