Williams team principal James Vowles has named Lewis Hamilton as the most naturally talented driver he has worked with, placing him above Michael Schumacher. Vowles worked with both Formula One legends during his 12 years with Mercedes.
Vowles' verdict on Hamilton and Schumacher
Speaking on the High Performance Podcast in January 2024, Vowles said: "With Lewis, when he joined us [he] was, and still is today, the most - within my Mercedes career - the most naturally talented driver I've worked with, including Michael. Just so much natural talent. That journey we took him on was, 'We'll win Championships together.'"
Schumacher won his maiden world championship with Benetton in 1994, a feat that is the subject of a new Netflix documentary. He went on to secure five consecutive world titles with Ferrari from 2000 until 2004. After a hiatus, Schumacher returned to the F1 grid with Mercedes in 2010, where he worked alongside Vowles.
Hamilton's natural talent and approach
Hamilton has since equalled Schumacher's record of seven world title triumphs, with the bulk of his championships coming at Mercedes. Vowles highlighted Hamilton's unique approach to racing: "Lewis just has oodles of natural talent. And, with him, he's got these tendencies and traits where, when you go out in FP1, he's like an octopus all over the wheel. He'll change every setting on the wheel near enough and explore it. But it's what makes him incredible."
"At times you'll see Lewis drop backwards and often when he jumps forwards again, it's because he's gone to a set-up that's known and now he's back on the money. But he's able to do that and many drivers aren't. He's able to explore often, perhaps in the wrong place on set-up, but he's learning from it. And that's Lewis all over," Vowles added.
Schumacher's legacy and Hamilton's tribute
While Hamilton continues to compete with Ferrari, Schumacher has been out of the spotlight since suffering a serious skiing accident in 2013. The 57-year-old's family have kept details of his health private, though his legacy remains felt throughout motorsport. Ferrari honoured the 30th anniversary of him joining the team during the recent Italian Grand Prix.
Hamilton also shared his admiration for Schumacher last month: "I just always remember seeing Michael in the red car, and I remember playing computer games and always being Michael in that Ferrari, and always just trying to imagine what it would feel like to be in his shoes. I have the privilege of having that experience now. But I mean, he was such a leader. Obviously, he did such an amazing job throughout his career. And again, I had the privilege of racing in a moment where he was still racing and being on track with him, which meant a lot."
