Gian Carlo Minardi, founder of the team that gave so many drivers their F1 debuts, including Webber, Trulli, Fisichella and two-time world Champion Fernando Alonso, knows a thing or two about racing drivers.

Therefore it is interesting to note his comments on Lewis Hamilton, at a time when the English youngster is already under pressure, not only from the British media and his rivals, but from himself.

"In my opinion, there are four drivers better than Hamilton," says Minardi. "Robert Kubica has not committed any errors since the first race of the season, and even that incident was the fault of Nakajima. Without that incident he would still be ahead in the World Championship. He is proving to be more consistent and mature in his approach than Hamilton.

"Another is Alonso," continues the Italian, "despite having a car that is not competitive he can always pull out something good. Then there are the two Ferrari drivers.

"Having said this, Hamilton is clearly a gifted driver. However, he is committing serious errors which show his inexperience and a certain amount of nervousness. Over the next few Grands Prix it will be interesting to witness his ability to grow in these respects."