Hamilton can become best driver in history - Kovalainen

Lewis Hamilton has the potential and talent to become the greatest driver in the history of Formula One and can already be recognised as one of the best ever, according to former F1 star and McLaren team-mate to the Brit, Heikki Kovalainen.

Hamilton is the currently F1 world champion and has won four titles so far in his career, putting him on par with current rival Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari and motorsport legend, Alain Prost.

Only two drivers have won more championships than Hamilton - Juan Manuel Fangio with five and Michael Schumacher with seven.

Kovalainen, who partnered Lewis Hamilton in his rookie days between 2008 and 2009, reckons his former team-mate has what it takes to surpass Schumacher's seven titles and be recognised as the best driver to ever get behind the wheel in F1.

"For sure, he's up there," said Kovalainen.

"He's a great driver obviously. He's got great achievements and I believe he can still get better and better.

"It's difficult to say exactly where he is. I think people like Schumacher, [Ayrton] Senna, [Alain] Prost, they're all up there and Lewis is up there.

"It’s everybody's own preference which order you want to put them in. But they're all among the greatest of all time and Lewis is already there and I think he can get better.

"So in terms of championships and in terms of achievements he could become the most successful ever in Formula One."

Hamilton has continually spoken of how he does not want to be in Formula One for many more years, but the lure of breaking Schumacher's record remains within his sights.