Mansell tips Hamilton for early 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." Sporting Life