Ex-F1 driver Derek Warwick believes Lewis Hamilton deserves the GOAT moniker, not only for his remarkable track record in F1 but also for the way in which it was achieved.
Hamilton shares with Michael Schumacher the record for the greatest number of titles won in F1, with both drivers winning seven world championships.
However, with 103 Grand Prix victories, the Briton stands alone at the top in terms of race wins.
Comparing drivers from previous eras is a futile exercise, as just like everything in life, things move forward. And Formula 1's evolution over the decades implies that there is little common ground on which to compare an individual's achievements with those of his forebearers.
Yet, Warwick, who often visits the F1 paddock in his capacity as FIA steward, wouldn't think twice about placing Hamilton at the top of the heap.
"He is a great champion," the Briton told Express Sport. "I don’t think you're going to get many arguments that would say he’s not the greatest champion of all time.
"And I’m putting him up against Senna and Prost, Fangio and Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart, all those guys."
Warwick also underscores how Hamilton's dominance and triumphs, supported of course by Mercedes' extraordinary potency, have been void of controversy.
"He’s won his races very clean and very dominant," said the former Grand Prix driver. "Yes the Mercedes has been dominant, but you need a dominant car.
"I don’t know many world champions that was actually the world champion in a bad car so I think the same goes for everybody."
An eighth world title for Hamilton would statistically put the Mercedes driver in a league of his own. But the clock is ticking for the 37-year-old who is expected to retire from the sport at the end of 2023.
And given Mercedes' early struggles of late, Sir Lewis may only have one shot left in 2023 to single himself out in F1's history books.
But Warwick refuses to write off the might Mercedes squad and its star driver.
"It seems the concept of the Mercedes exaggerates the porpoising but the one thing you have to say with Toto Wolff, Ron Meadows and people like that, they will turn the corner," he added.
"That car will be competitive, it will be winning and Lewis will be winning in it, as will George Russell.
"He's fighting, he knows the odd point here and there, if the car becomes competitive, he knows he will still challenge for the world championship."
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