Michael Schumacher
German Formula One driver Michael Schumacher gestures at the end of the Brazil's F-1 GP on November 25, 2012 at the Interlagos racetrack in Sao Paulo, Brazil. YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images

F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton might never reach the fame his fellow racing icon Michael Schumacher has had.

Hamilton already has five world titles across his name. He is currently bound to add his sixth world championship this year which will leave him just one off Schumacher's haul. However, F1 legend and former Schumacher rival Damon Hill believes Hamilton might never be as big as the Ferrari superstar.

In a recent interview with Daily Mail, Hill, a former world champion himself, believes Hamilton is the best driver the sport has ever produced. He also claimed that Hamilton has “achieved the impossible” as he is now just one world championship win off Michael Schumacher’s total

"It is clear that Lewis is the best driver we have ever produced," Hill said.

“Only one more [WC] after this and he is on level with Schumacher. Something that was considered impossible," Hill added.

Despite being convinced that Hamilton is Formula One’s GOAT, Hill does have one reservation about his countryman – he does not think that Hamilton will be remembered as well as Schumacher.

Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton won his fifth F1 Drivers' title at the Mexico Grand Prix in 2018. In this picture, Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates on the podium during the Formula One Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on Nov. 11, 2018, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Clive Mason/Getty Images

The F1 legend stresses that the reason for his claim isn’t because of Hamilton’s ability. Instead, Hill thinks that it is due to the popularity of the sport. According to Hill, Formula One was way greater in Schumacher’s day than Hamilton’s.

“I don't think it's Lewis' fault. I wonder if it is because the sport itself is less in the spotlight. There are still many fans in the UK, but many people around the world have left since Michael won everything," Hill pointed out.

After all the comparisons and compliments, Hamilton was humble enough to still believe that he hasn’t reached Schumacher’s level yet, especially in terms of records.

"I'm really so far away from his records. Michael's records are the summit of a huge mountain, and I'm still in base camp," Hamilton said before the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.

But Hamilton let everybody know that he is aware of his legacy and what he has contributed for the sport.

"The closer you get, the bigger your footsteps get. But of course I'm incredibly honored to be located in this category and I've made it so far. I grew up watching Michael, and what he did is just incredible."

Some Formula One fans may not agree with Hill’s claim, but it is certainly difficult to argue that Hamilton doesn’t deserve to at least be in the greatest ever conversation.

Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher retired from Formula 1 in 2012 after returning to the sport for three seasons with Mercedes. Getty Images