Lewis Hamilton snubbed as Sebastian Vettel handed Michael Schumacher comparison
SEBASTIAN VETTEL is more like legendary Formula One driver Michael Schumacher than Lewis Hamilton, says Mika Hakkinen.
Championship points: Hamilton and Vettel battle it out
Vettel and Hamilton are both battling for their fifth world championship this season but it is the Brit who is 24 points ahead heading into the summer break.
Hamilton won his fifth race of the season to remain top of the Drivers' Championship in Hungary last weekend, while also keeping Mercedes 10 points above Ferrari in the Constructors’ standings.
Both drivers harbour slim hopes of one day replicating Schumacher’s incredible seven world titles.
But the ex-F1 driver’s old nemesis, Hakkinen, thinks Vettel’s driving style resembles the most similarities.
“I first think of Sebastian’s driving style as unique, but the similarities to Michael are there,” Hakkinen told Speedweek.
“He always braked at the same point, always drove the same line, accelerated very sensitively, everything controlled.
“It’s a very good, clear, clean and aggressive driving style. Even over the curbs, he always has the car under control.
“Lewis always tries to drive a bit more extreme. Very controlled, but he pushes the car more to the limit and risks much more.
“But it is not careless, he makes conscious decisions. If he does not go off track, a super lap comes from his effort.
“You can take that risk, but not always, otherwise you’ll spin sooner or later.”
Formula One has often come under fire in recent years for its predictability but Hakkinen thinks times are beginning to change.
“Ferrari is in a good position for the title, unless unpredictable things happen,” he added.
“Formula One has not been as exciting for a long time now.
“[Nico] Rosberg against Hamilton was anything but boring, but the number of fans was reduced by the duel within one team.
“Now Mercedes against Ferrari, plus the young talents like [Max] Verstappen – now it’s exciting.”