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.
2. Nigel Mansell
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Championships 1, GPs contested 187, wins 31
Despite winning just one F1 title, Mansell is unparalleled in terms of the national fervour he created in the 80s and early 90s - so much so that when he won at Silverstone in 1992, crowds invaded the track even before the race had finished.
He was popular because he was a man of the people, remortgaging his house to pursue his racing career, and a true Brit. He moaned a lot, talked in a Brummie accent, made horrific mistakes and, more importantly, drove the nuts off most cars. He was belligerent, irritating but utterly engaging. He even took the fight to Senna... and often won.
