“Ferrari's pace is the real danger. If you had asked me before the race who I would put money on, I would have said Lewis, but I have to say I would want my bet back. I'd be saying 'wait a moment, that Ferrari looks strong', so as an outside bet I'd put my money on Raikkonen.”

Hill also suggested Hamilton would have been completely take aback by Massa's bold overtaking move all the way around the outside of him at the start of the race, and praised the Ferrari ace for his superb performance – one that ultimately ended in agonising disappointment almost within sight of the chequered flag, just as he was poised to reclaim the championship lead.

“[Hamilton] said before the race 'I'm not counting any chickens and getting ahead of myself',” the 22-time grand prix winner stated, “but I'm absolutely certain he thought it was in the bag.

“[Massa] made a great start; it was a great move – it was a Senna-esque overtaking manoeuvre – but then he had such bad luck, and it can be quite difficult to pick yourself up from that.

“There is a huge gulf from something that is there on paper and what is real. To get within three laps, having a commanding lead, and then to have the engine blow like that after having driven such a great race is quite cruel.”