Lewis Hamilton is next Michael Schumacher says Derek Daly

According to Derek Daly, former Formula 1 and Indy car driver, Lewis Hamilton has the potential to replace Michael Schumacher as the next greatest driver in Formula 1 racing."He can have the same effect here as he's had elsewhere, very much so," said Daly. "Without a doubt.

"He has managed that Mansell touch and become the people's favourite almost overnight. Add to that that he's the first black guy and that he appears to have the whole package and he's a potential replacement for Michael Schumacher. He's that good."

"I expect similar scenes at Indy as there were in Montreal. He drives with such flair, and confidence and the way he sits in the car is like Mansell.
"Gilles Villeneuve had a similar impact but the promise was never fulfilled. He wasn't as well prepared as Lewis is.

"(Juan Pablo) Montoya had the impact with all his flair but he was not the complete package in terms of discipline and preparation that Hamilton appears to have.
"There's still a long way to go but he's so well spoken, he's got his Dad with him all the time and he looks to have the whole thing."

Hamilton factor may help Canada GP sellout

The Canadian grand prix this weekend could be heading for a sellout — thanks to Lewis Hamilton.

Montreal’s always-buzzing Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will be missing two usual drawcards in 2007, following the retirement of Michael Schumacher and local hero Jacques Villeneuve’s formula one exit.

Canada’s National Post reports that the event is not sold out, “but (it) could be by the end of the week, depending on an anticipated rush for general-admission tickets”.

The ‘rush’ is expected due to a late marketing campaign centred around the success of British McLaren rookie Hamilton, who has scored as many points so far in 2007 as his world champion teammate Fernando Alonso.