Hamilton can create new benchmark - Stewart

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton can set a new benchmark for Formula One, according to triple champion and fellow-Briton Jackie Stewart.

"I think he is going to re-write the book," British newspapers quoted the Scot as saying yesterday after the 22-year-old McLaren rookie became the youngest driver to lead the overall standings.

"We will see a new generation of what I call properly prepared professional racing drivers," Stewart added.

"I don't think there is one who is that. (Ferrari's seven times champion Michael) Schumacher became that, but I am talking about fully-rounded.

"Schumacher was not as good as he should have been, not in terms of the driving but the total package."

"I believe Lewis will create the new benchmark for a whole generation of drivers," Stewart continued.

"Niki Lauda and James Hunt changed the culture of racing drivers, but they were not role models. They said nothing, didn't give a damn. Lewis Hamilton can become the role model."

Hamilton has finished his first four grands prix on the podium, the only driver in the history of the World Championship to achieve such a feat, and has now beaten double world champion and team-mate Fernando Alonso in his last two races.

Despite not having won, he leads Alonso by two points with the Monaco Grand Prix next up on the calendar at the end of the month.

Hamilton is the first black driver to compete in Formula One and Stewart highlighted his personality as a key strength.

He recalled how the youngster had been invited to a youth club, of which Stewart is the president, in London's impoverished East End to meet kids from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"He was magic," Stewart said.

"It was mostly one-parent families, mostly black, a very mixed group and he was just the best guest ever.

"This is a troubled area with gangs who shoot people. Lewis is the kind of guy who shows kids that if they think a little differently they don't have to go this route."

Stewart also contrasted Hamilton to Kimi Raikkonen, an early favourite for the title after replacing Schumacher at Ferrari, and was critical of the Finn's attitude.

"The way he lives his life is contrary to allowing him to put together the complete package," he declared.

"That is why Hamilton has the opportunity to be dominant over time and Raikkonen doesn't, unless something substantial changes."