Mansell gives Hamilton early edge in battle of British champions

Hamilton pictured during practice (GETTY IMAGES)

The former Formula One world champion Nigel Mansell believes Lewis Hamilton will have the edge in the battle of the Britons when the 2010 championship gets under way at Bahrain on Sunday. Hamilton, the 2008 world champion, is now teamed up with reigning champion Jenson Button, the new boy at McLaren.

Mansell said yesterday: "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."