Hamilton tipped to become the best driver ever

LEWIS Hamilton is on course to become the greatest Formula One driver of all-time, his Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has claimed.

Hamilton, who holds a 66-point lead over rival Sebastian Vettel with just three rounds remaining, will earn another shot at world championship glory in Mexico City on Sunday.

After storming to victory in the United States, Hamilton needs only to finish fifth to become the first British driver to surpass Sir Jackie Stewart and claim four F1 championships.

The Englishman, 32, has been in sensational form of late — winning five of the six races since the summer break — and surpassing Michael Schumacher’s pole position record at the Italian Grand Prix in September.

A fourth championship would still leave Hamilton some distance off Schumacher’s record haul of seven titles, but Wolff believes his star man warrants greater recognition for his already remarkable career.

“Lewis is about to break all records that have been set in Formula One, and it is just a matter of time that people will say he is on track to being the best driver that has ever existed,” Wolff said.

“Lewis stands out. Those sport icons that polarise eventually get the credit, but maybe after their career ends.

“This is the best Lewis — both on and off the track — that I have worked with since 2013,” added Wolff.