Lewis Hamilton, normally unfazed by avalanches of accolades was uncharacteristically agog and asked:”Wow, did they really say that?”

The 30-year-old McLaren ace was referring to the flattery heaped upon him by Formula One legends and unashamed admirers, supremo Bernie Ecclestone and legendary British race hero Nigel Mansell.

And ahead of the reigning world champion’s bid for a third victory in his homeland British grand prix at Silverstone next Sunday Ecclestone hailed Hamilton:”He is sheer box office.

“He is the best world champion we have ever had, just fantastic, a super promoter and a fine example of our sport.

“He reaches all types of people, here, there and everywhere and even if he was not wearing his F1 suit people the world over would still recognise him.

“I can’t think of another driver to whom that would apply.I am, I admit,a huge Lewis fan because of his supreme ability, character and universal appeal and popularity.”

Tough negotiator Ecclestone, I can reveal, secretly helped Hamilton draw a close on his extended contract wrangles to clinch his 100 million pounds (Dh575 million) three-year new deal with Mercedes.

“I was only too happy to help him negotiate,” confided the F1 overlord.

Ecclestone was not a solo voice in his open appraisal of the 2015 title pacemaker’s ability and appeal.

Mansell,the 1992 champion,a British grand prix winner four times, added to the accolades with: “Lewis is so good, so fast and so talented he could break Michael Schumacher’s record of seven titles.

“He is doing an outstanding job right now — and in the Mercedes he has the best car of them all by far.

“With their absolutely superb backing , expertise and teamwork he could go on to challenge Michael’s fantastic record of seven championships.

“Sure, there is a long way to go, but it is a real possibility because he is only 30 years old and Mercedes want to be the best of the best for a long time to come.”

Hamilton, seeking an all-action replay of last year’s mighty Silverstone triumph when he won by more than half-a-minute after starting ninth, responds to the towering praise with :”I am flattered.

“What Bernie said fills me with pride and even more determination to live up to his appreciation of my ability.

“As for Nigel’s remarks, I am so chuffed. He is a hero of mine. I have been a long time admirer of his.

“He headed British hopes for grand prix success for many years and when he won the world championship gave he us all what we wished for.

“He holds the record for the most wins ... four...by a British driver at the British grand prix.

“I will, I promise, do my utmost to live up to the praise from both those guys. I still can’t believe how far I have come from my days as a kid from a very ordinary, loving home in Stevenage outside London.

“My family, my dad and my kid brother, and all my close friends are the people who have kept me grounded.

“What a blessing it is to be where I am right now.I can accept failure, everyone fails at something - but I can’t accept not trying.

“I feel uplifted, not pressured, by the amazing support.

“To win at Silverstone in front of my thousands of fans is unbelievable. To do it once was more than I could have hoped for.

“To do it again last season was more than I could have wished for - and, if I can make it three, that will be a dream beyond dreams.

“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I cannot accept not trying.

“And to use another great sports star, Michael Jordan’s motto, I say: a positive mindset gives you a more hopeful outlook and belief that you CAN do something great....and that means you WILL .”

— The author is an expert on motorsport