Words by: Tim Bowdler
Photos by: Getty Images
Motorsport magazine F1 Racing has revealed the top 100 grand prix drivers, voted for by its readers.
Now, here's the thing. Lewis Hamilton came in at number 15, ahead of fellow Brits Graham Hill (18), Damon Hill (19), James Hunt (20), John Surtees (26) and Mike Hawthorn (53) - all of whom were F1 world champions.
So, has Hamilton-mania gone overboard? Surely it's a bit early to start putting a bloke, who has only done one season of F1, alongside multiple world champions?
We have every right to celebrate Hamilton - he's a Brit after all - but who is the best home-grown driver ever? Here's our take.
7. James Hunt
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Championship 1, GPs contested 93, wins 10
A lot is made of the fact that Hunt was a bit 'rock'n'roll'. Legendary pictures of blonde-haired Hunt on a beach, smoking fags, point to the classic devil-may-care hero. The thing is, he was cool even in the BBC commentary box. Here's a quote: 'Pierluigi Martini - mobile chicane - not a very good driver'. Brilliant.
So what about Hunt the racer? He started out in Minis, worked his way though single-seaters and then secured a race drive with F1 Hooray Henrys, Hesketh. He drove like a demon, was rewarded with a top drive with McLaren and took the title in 1976 in the most challenging circumstances. At a rain-soaked Fuji, his main title rival Niki Lauda pulled over because he felt the conditions were too dangerous. Hunt carried on, and did enough to take the title.
