Say what you like about the state of modern F1 racing but Lewis Hamilton had to do it the hard way in yesterday’s British Grand Prix, passing two Williams cars who’d previously overtaken him in his relentless pursuit of the chequered flag.
The nerve-jangling win completed a hat-trick of Silverstone titles for the current World Champ, fuelling further speculation that Hamilton is indeed the greatest Briton to ever get behind the wheel and soak awkward-looking models in teetering heels with warm champagne.
And now according to the whizzes at betting site Bwin, here's proof: by applying a mathematical algorithm - wins, poles, average finish positons, win percentage, points (weighted across the different eras) - to each major driver, this list might just help settle the argument once and for all, as Hamilton narrowly ousts Jackie Stewart and Jim Clark for the top of the proverbial podium.
Jenson Button beats the legendary James Hunt in the battle of the playboys, and in the battle of the Hills, Graham places fourth and Damon doesn’t even feature. Unlike square-jawed hero David Coulthard, that is, as the Scot finds himself entering the fray in ninth place.
Best of all, the actual car designs have been included so you can see exactly what each driver had to contend with at the peak of their powers. Because given the technology which drivers of today benefit from and what previous stars of the sport had to rattle around in, we're sure it’s a debate that will rage on for a long time yet.
Take a look at the infographic below, and let us know who you think is the best racer at the bottom of the page.
Bwin.com
