Wolff: Hamilton critics should realise he maybe the best driver ever!

Hamilton has been crowned world champion five times and is now two behind the all-time record holder, Michael Schumacher (seven titles). The Mercedes driver's victory last season drew him level with Juan Manuel Fangio.

However, despite his clear status as one of the best in Formula 1, Hamilton is often criticised for what he does outside of the sport. His boss Wolff has hit out at the critics and has told them to be more grateful, as they could be watching the greatest ever F1 driver right now.

When asked by Motorsport.com about Hamilton's critics, Wolff replied: "In general, in the United Kingdom, Lewis is not recognised how he should be recognised. One day he's going to stop his career, with multiple records, and people will say 'he was the greatest driver on the planet and we were witnesses of that journey and wasn't he an interesting personality with all the things he did?'.

"But for whatever reason, there is this idea of hitting out, which maybe it provides the better headline, maybe it sells more newspapers, or gives more clicks. I don't think it recognises the opportunity that we are part of, to see maybe the best driver that has ever existed on an exceptional journey."