Hamilton moved by Senna comparison

Lewis Hamilton admitted to being humbled by Gerhard Berger's assertion that the Mercedes driver is the only Formula 1 racer to have come close to Ayrton Senna's talents since the Brazilian's F1 career. Berger said this week: "Lewis is the first driver I put on the same level as Ayrton."

Hamilton grew up idolising Senna, but has since vastly surpassed the three-time world champion statistically.

Berger partnered Senna at McLaren following the end of an infamous partnership with Alain Prost and added of Hamilton: "Lewis, in the wet, on a quick circuit, on a street circuit, qualifying, he's always there."

And the reigning champion said he was delighted when informed of the Austrian's high praise.

"It's the first time I've heard of it," Hamilton said. "I'm really fond of Gerhard and he got to race up alongside him [Senna] and was a really good friend of his so that means a lot coming from him, someone who knew him so well.

"And it's quite humbling to even just be put in the same sentence as someone like Ayrton.

"But for me Ayrton is always in his own light and he's always on his own unique level that as a driver you just aspire to emulate or be like."

Asked why Senna is such an inspiration to him, Hamilton explained: "I didn't really know his personality so much apart from the small clips you were able to see.

"So it was more what he stood for, what he stood up against and what he was able to do in a car that I loved to see.

"He was the driver that inspired me as a kid and he's still a hero today and he always will be."

Related

F1 Social

Hamilton set for shock F1 challenge after legendary return unveiled

• Yesterday 22:28

Lewis Hamilton

Ferrari chief admits Hamilton health doubts as update issued

• Yesterday 09:57