Former Formula One champion Sir Jackie Stewart has backed two-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to surpass him by emulating the triple F1 champion's record.
Stewart is Britain's only triple Formula One world champion and knows that Hamilton would eventually eclipse his record after the Mercedes racer stormed to victory in Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix.
Forty-two years have passed since the Scot won his third and final title in 1973 but Mercedes' double world champion is well on the road to joining him after a third triumph in four races this season, Stuff.co.nz reported.
Stewart was on hand to conduct the post-race podium interviews at the Sakhir circuit, congratulating Hamilton on the hell of a season he is having. He has not always been complimentary in the past, questioning the Englishman's mind management skills, as well as career and lifestyle choices, but Hamilton accepted the praise gratefully.
Hamilton said that it's always positive to have other real champions appreciate what one does, so he added that it feels nice. He said that Stewart said something to him in the room afterwards, insisting that the Scot always talks about him catching the three-time champion.
Hamilton claimed that Stewart said that he is going to catch him, but added that the Scot is fine with it.
Hamilton was already Britain's most successful driver in terms of race wins - Bahrain making 36 for his career compared to Stewart's 27 and Nigel Mansell's 31, the report added.