John Surtees believes that Lewis Hamilton will 'surprise' people in 2007, during his debut season in the FIA Formula One World Championship.

Speaking to British newspaper, The People, Surtees, who is the only man to have won the world championship on two wheels and four, taking the F1 drivers' title in 1964 with Ferrari, added that the current GP2 champion might even take his first F1 victory next year, providing McLaren-Mercedes provide him with a competitive package.

"I think Lewis can surprise a few people. It's not beyond possibility that he could win a race next year. He has the ability, the speed and a sane head on his shoulders to do well," he noted.

Indeed Surtees reckons that Hamilton has the potential to do better than Jenson Button, Britain's main hope in F1 in recent years: "In my opinion, Lewis' career will develop quicker than Jenson's has," he continued, "Lewis is a very different person to Jenson. He will not be overawed by his sudden appearance as an F1 driver or the earning capacity it presents, unlike Jenson.

"Jenson has had to face up to mistakes he has made, although he is far from alone in this. I certainly think Lewis can give Jenson a run for his money. But I also expect Jenson's year to be more consistent [in 2007 given his experience], whereas Lewis will provide more excitement, more highs, but he will also make some mistakes."

Four Brits will compete in F1 in 2007, with Hamilton and Button joined by Anthony Davidson, who will race with Super Aguri and veteran, David Coulthard.