Barrichello puts Hamilton ahead of Senna and Schumacher

Former F1 driver Rubens Barrichello believes that Lewis Hamilton's talent puts him ahead of fellow F1 greats Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

Barrichello, who raced in F1 from 1993 to 2011 and who still holds the record for the greatest number of Grand Prix starts, is the only driver in F1 history who had the privilege of sharing the track with the three great champions.

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As he assesses their genius, the Brazilian puts Hamilton slightly ahead of Senna and Schumacher.

"Hamilton has a talent that is possibly even greater than that of Ayrton and Schumacher," Barrichello told ESPN Brasil.

"The only thing he lacked was maturity. He has progressed on that, and today you see the final product."

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Barrichello said the six-time world champion's qualities combined with those of Senna and Schumacher would form the perfect driver.

"When I listened to the radio in Brazil, I noticed that he is incredibly calm, passing on information, saying what he does and doesn't need," he added.

"The perfect driver would have Ayrton's skill, Schumacher's courage and Hamilton's coordination. That would be something to see!"

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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.