Felipe Massa says Lewis Hamilton must be considered a Formula 1 great, ranking amongst the likes of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher and three-time champion Ayrton Senna.
The idea that Hamilton ranks amongst the best often splits fans, with some claiming he has simply had the best car at every opportunity, but Massa, who Hamilton pipped to the 2008 title, says it cannot be argued.
"Lewis is definitely one of the best drivers in the history of Formula 1," Massa is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
"You cannot really take him away or [put him] in a different level compared to Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. He's there."
Hamilton is on the brink of a fourth title this season and missed out on claiming the crown in his rookie season by just a single point. He has won a race at least one race in every season he's competed and currently holds the record for the most pole positions (72).
Massa added: "All the time you see Lewis in the car he was impressive. He impressed the people in whatever category he did. It was the same with Ayrton Senna. It was the same with Michael Schumacher.
"The problem is people always love to look back and say in the past it was much better than now, which is not true."
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