17 September 2023 , 15:17
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Ex- Formula One champion Jody Scheckter claims Lewis Hamilton was “more like a gentleman” compared to the legendary Michael Schumacher.
The pair have claimed seven world championship titles each - sharing an all-time record at the top of the standings. Ever since the Mercedes star levelled with Schumacher, there has been a debate over who is the greatest driver between the two.
1979 champion Scheckter has thrown his weight into the debate. He believes that the pair are both deserving of their place in Formula One history, but did give Hamilton a slight edge down to his conduct behind the wheel.
As quoted by Stats Perform via LiveScore, the South African said: "I put them all in the same category. You know, there's the car there. I think Lewis was a cleaner driver than Schumacher. In his tactics and stuff, he was more like a gentleman on the track than Schumacher was, so I commend him for that."
Hamilton was expected to potentially retire in the near future but decided to prolong his career by penning a new Mercedes contract. Scheckter has remained full of praise for the 38-year-old and respects his decision to continue.
Mick Schumacher free to race for McLaren in 2023 after Mercedes deal reached
"I retired at 30 years old. He wants to carry on," he added. "That's such a personal decision. He's got to do what he wants to do, if he's enjoying it.
Jody Scheckter has offered his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher (Getty Images)Who do you think is the greatest F1 driver of all time? Share your thoughts in the comments below
"He's doing a good job, too. I thought [team-mate George] Russell would be quicker. But you know, Lewis is quick, he's doing a good job.”
He further suggested that whenever the decision comes for Hamilton to bid farewell to Formula One, his spot in the sport’s hall of fame will always be assured. "If he gets a team-mate that beats him all the time… it's going to come, there's no question about it, it will come sooner or later,” Scheckter said.
“But people will still remember. You can't win that many world championships and not be recognised as an all-time great. Some people get off at the wrong time, they carry on and want to hold onto it until they lose that, and people forget some of the other stuff that happened before."
Hamilton reminded all of his abilities on Sunday afternoon during the Singapore Grand Prix. He secured third come the end of the race - his fifth podium of the campaign.
That leaves the Mercedes driver in third in the race for the 2023 Championship - albeit former title rival Max Verstappen still closing in on glory. The Dutchman could only finish fifth at Marina Bay as his record-breaking run came to an end.