22nd July 2007

I’m not quite sure why the 7th of the 7th, 2007 was any more of a special date than 5/5/05 or 6/6/06, but we were told we would all remember where we were on that date more than any other – and for a change, that might be right! My only other memory of seven being a lucky number came from growing up watching my heroes, such as Stirling Moss. For a reason I have long forgotten, Moss always preferred to race with that number. Good luck perhaps?

	There is a new 22-year-old in the headlines. Lewis has got the country talking, just as Stirling Moss did all those years ago

The F1 stalwart was a baby-faced youngster when he made his grand prix debut back in 1951, at the age of 22, among a pack of hardened veterans, many of whom had begun their careers before World War II. Hugely gifted, with a natural talent on the circuit, and great charm off it, this boy wonder would soon become the byword for a racing driver – “Who do you think you are, then? Stirling Moss?”

Now fast forward 56 years, and it’s happening all over again. This time, Sir Stirling Moss has returned to Silverstone, but by now as a spectator. There is a new 22-year-old hitting the headlines, and everyone, including Stirling, is talking about him – one Lewis Hamilton. I’ve been amazed how quickly and brilliantly this young British talent has shot from virtual obscurity to the very top of his sport, and into the TV and press limelight. Podium finishes every time he races and a couple of victories already, Lewis has got the country talking – just like Moss did all those years ago.

Everywhere I go, people ask me about Lewis Hamilton. How good is he? Will it all last? Can he win the driver’s title? The youngster with the mature driver’s head on his shoulders has created a bigger noise than an F1 grid at the green light. And rightly so. Britain loves a winner, and in Lewis we have certainly been given that. And the beauty of it is that as he’s still so young, there are potentially years to go yet where he will get better and better – just like Michael Schumacher did.

I was hosting one of Silverstone’s VIP Corporate hospitality suites for the big GP event, and I couldn’t help but get carried away with this wave of enthusiasm for the sport’s new star. It was only Saturday – qualifying day – but the room quickly filled and, compared with previous years, the action on the track at 1pm seemed far more important than what was on the menu.

Three former British Grand Prix winners, Jackie Stewart, John Watson and Damon Hill, all dropped by for me to interview during the afternoon, and they had nothing but praise, admiration and even astonishment for how quickly the new sensation has matured.
You can draw many comparisons between Hamilton and a number of race legends, and there are many to choose from, as the sport has always been blessed with characters.

But if Lewis is to be compared with any of our former greats, I feel sure it is Moss. Short on hair – by virtue of choice rather than nature as in Stirling’s case – and small in stature, he has a similar presence and the same relaxed style, both on and off the circuit. He’s modest, knows where to improve things, but like Moss, he makes something incredibly hard look very easy.

My favourite moment of the day came after qualifying. There he was, at the press conference, the cheeky, gap-toothed smile beaming with delight. He knew he had done well to get pole. It’s true, he finished the race in what he would call a ‘disappointing’ third place. But never fear. As it was way back in 1951 with Stirling Moss, this is only the beginning...

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