“I think if you saw him go karting, obviously I didn’t see him at a young age but I did at an older age, and I was happy to join him in the Race of Champions a couple of times.

“So you see a little bit more of the skills and the car control.

“On top of that, he had an incredible work ethic, but I think it’s the combination of the two that for me stands out. I haven’t seen a match yet.”

Meanwhile, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has opened up on the talents of Hamilton.

“There is no doubt that Lewis Hamilton drives exceptionally,” Marko explained to AutoBild.