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.
4. Stirling Moss
:
Championship 0, GPs contested 66, wins 16
Sometimes you are just born in the wrong era: Stirling Moss certainly was.
Moss never won a world championship, so you might suggest that he should be lower down the list. He was, however, unfortunate to be racing at the time of Juan-Manuel Fangio, Argentinian genius and five-time world champion.
Moss, however, might well have had his name on the world champions' list in 1958 when he gave evidence to ensure rival and compatriot Mike Hawthorn was not penalised at a race in Portugal. Hawthorn took the title and Moss was just one point behind as runner-up. That was when racing was a gentleman's sport - honour and decency were more sacred than winning.
