Nige: Hamilton has the edge

Motor racing legend Nigel Mansell believes Lewis Hamilton has the edge in the battle of the Britons when the Formula One Championship gets under way at Bahrain next Sunday.

Hamilton, the 2008 World Champion, teams up with reigning champion Jenson Button, the new boy at McLaren, in the most eagerly anticipated season for years.

Mansell said: "I'd give Lewis the edge only because he's been there for a couple of years but Jenson will settle down and hopefully prove what a great World Champion he is and compete very strongly.

"I think they are both number ones in the same team. I give Lewis the edge for the first six races because he knows the team and the people and the car.

"Jenson will take a few races to get up to speed with the car but after that they should have total parity."

Mansell won the title for the first time at 39 and he does not rule out returning former world champion Michael Schumacher adding another trophy to his seven-title haul.

Schumacher, 41, comes out of retirement to take to the grid with Mercedes which is run by Ross Brawn, the team leader who guided Button to the world title at the now defunct Brawn team last season.

Mansell, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek, said: "Anything is possible with Ross Brawn and Michael. He's back with his old mentor.

"In the first year (the world title) probably is a little bit too far but if he's in for a couple of years I don't see any reason why not. I certainly put him down for some race wins this year."

Brawn, meanwhile, insisted no-one should underestimate Button in his battle with Hamilton.

He said: "Jenson has a depth that people do not see. He has this fluffy exterior that hides the steel inside him.

"You saw that in the second half of the year (last season). The first half of the year he was sublime. Second half got a bit tight, intense but he came through and that's to his credit.

"Only one of them can win and how is the other going to cope with it? Two World Champions determined to prove that they are the best. It's going to be fascinating to see how the one who doesn't come out on top copes."

Mansell, now aged 56, even floated the idea of a return to Formula one.

He is currently involved in the Le Mans series driving for Team LNT alongside his son Greg.

But when asked if he might return said: "Never say die. If there's a good Formula One seat, who knows? Why not, make a bit of history, wouldn't it?"

When it was suggested that was impossible he replied: "Absolutely not. We're pulling four to four and a half G in these cars so who says anything can't be done these days? It's having the opportunity."

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