'Incredible' Hamilton talent compared to F1 legend

Former Mercedes aerodynamics engineer Philipp Brändle has outlined Lewis Hamilton's special talent, and compared it to seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. 

After going two seasons without a victory, Hamilton has won two of the last three races, ahead of this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix. 

His most recent win in Spa-Francorchamps was inherited after initial winner George Russell was disqualified, although Hamilton had led the majority of the race. 

However, his British Grand Prix victory was entirely on merit, with the Briton having mastered tricky mixed conditions. 

Since the W15 has improved, Hamilton has been driving more like himself, whilst before he often appeared downbeat and negative. 

This is identified by Brändle, who highlighted that when things are good with the car, Hamilton is absolutely on it but then struggles when the car is not performing how he wants. 

"What I think always sets him apart a little bit, both positively and negatively, is that when he knows he has the slightest chance of doing something, then he can drive at 200 percent," Brändle told Motorsport-Total. 

"But when he has the feeling that the car isn't running well, that he somehow has no chance of winning the race, then he unfortunately lets himself down a little, which is a real shame."

Hamilton 'just like Schumacher'

The part of Hamilton's talent which sets him apart, in Brändle's eyes, is his "feel" for he car. 

This is compared to Schumacher, who also had an ability to extract performance even in the most difficult of conditions. 

However, something Hamilton struggles with is his data and technology maturity, with Brändle revealing that George Russell and 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg are stronger in this area.

"What sets Lewis apart is simply his incredible feel for the car," Brändle added. "I would say that in terms of data and technology, he is perhaps not as mature as other drivers, such as Nico Rosberg or now perhaps George Russell.

"But he has an incredible feel for the car, just like Michael Schumacher was said to have back then: He feels the car like no other. 

"So if there's a screw that feels loose somewhere at 320 kilometres per hour, he can feel it right from the start."

Another part of Hamilton's driving which is matched by very few is his tyre management skills. 

Hamilton is often able to make tyres last longer than expected, which at times has been the difference between victory and second place.

"[Hamilton] can simply judge things extremely well," continued Brändle. "He is also a tyre whisperer, he feels the tyres like no other and can also manage them sensationally well."