Lewis Hamilton has sensationally been snubbed not once, but twice by ex-Formula 1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella, who believes the seven-time World Champion is worse than Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen.
Fisichella retired from F1 at the end of 2009 following half a season with Ferrari, after being signed by the Italians mid-season to replace Felipe Massa.
A replacement was needed following Massa’s horrific crash at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix, after he was hit by part of Rubens Barrichello’s car.
Fisichella left Force India mid-season to make the switch to Maranello, before retiring from the sport.
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He made his debut back in 1996 and is arguably best known for having partnered Alonso at Renault during 2005 and 2006, the two seasons which were won by the Spaniard.
It was Alonso who brought Schumacher’s domination to an end, with the seven-time World Champion having won five consecutive titles from 2000-2004.
Fisichella still believes that Schumacher and Alonso are the greatest drivers ever seen, with them being “head and shoulders above everyone else”.
“Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso are head and shoulders above everyone else,” he told Corriere dello Sport.
“Fernando at almost 42 is living a second youth with Aston Martin,” he added. “The car is fine, and he puts his mind and desire into it.”
Whilst Fisichella rates Alonso and Schumacher so highly, it’s Hamilton who holds the record for most pole positions and most victories.
The Mercedes driver also holds the record for most titles, alongside Schumacher.
However, Fisichella would even take reigning World Champion Verstappen over the 38-year-old, due to the Dutchman having “something more” that Hamilton doesn’t have.
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“Verstappen,” he said, when asked to choose between Hamilton and the Red Bull driver. “It is the evolution of the species, Max has something more and gives the impression of driving with one hand.”
Verstappen is currently on track to claim a third consecutive Drivers’ Championship, whilst he’s also on a sensational run of eight consecutive victories.
The 25-year-old has overall won 10 races in 2023, with him looking set to eclipse his 2022 record of 15 wins in a season.