Basil Shaaban, who is attempting to follow Lewis Hamilton’s path into Formula One racing, believes the brilliant British driver can capture the world drivers’ crown at the first attempt.
Shaaban, who takes his Shell-sponsored Dallara-Merecedes-Benz back into F3 Euro Series action at Brands Hatch, England on 9-10 June, has been anything but surprised by Hamilton’s brilliant start in F1 with the McLaren team.
After watching him claim another second place in Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix, the Lebanese driver, who was raised in Abu Dhabi, said: “If Mclaren can maintain their early season pace, and Lewis continues to have mechanical reliability, and avoids making big mistakes, he definitely could take the title this year.
“He has impressed me, but not surprised me really. He has been trained on the right progression of championships, always with the top teams on the F1 Ladder, and he has been honing his high level of natural talent for a decade now.
“With that sort of development and training, if you are put into one of the top two teams, you will perform. But what has impressed me is his consistent pace and measured aggression, particularly with all the pressure on him. The mental side of his driving is exemplary.”
Shaaban, like Hamilton before him, has turned to specialist instructor Marc Hynes to guide him through the F3 and GP2 Series ladders towards F1.
“Marc's Porsche Supercup commitments have meant we have not yet had the chance to work together this year, but luckily he will be with me at Brands Hatch and I look forward to it,” said the Shell-sponsored driver. “This is the first of the F3 circuits that I’ve driven before, so I won’t be at a disadvantage like I was at Hockenheim, and I’m determined to show more pace.”
Working with Hamilton for four years, Hynes helped him develop the skills which led to the F3 Euro Series crown in 2005 and the GP2 Series title the following year, before he burst into F1 this season.
While Hamilton’s success serves as an inspiration, Shaaban is counting on his own determination and dedication to help him achieve his goals.
“Anyone who makes it to F1 has had to climb long and hard,” he says. “I think my road is one of the hardest, especially considering my late start and the lack of precedence or history in my part of the world. This makes my challenge a very enticing one, and success will be all the sweeter.”
