Ecclestone urges caution over Hamilton hype

With Hamilton's stunning start to the season elevating the Briton to a contender for the world championship, Ecclestone has found himself questioned several times on whether or not he believes the youngster can triumph this year.

Ecclestone has urged caution, however, believing that talk of becoming a rookie champion will only increase the pressure on Hamilton to perform.

"He is a nice guy, a really nice guy," said Ecclestone. "But I wouldn't want people to start talking about (the championship) because we don't want to put him under that much pressure, do we?

"He will do whatever he has to do to win races, and if by any chance he happens to be a world champion because of that, then that is how it is. It is a bonus."

But despite downplaying the Hamilton hype, Ecclestone has suggested that the McLaren driver can be put in the same league as seven-time champion Michael Schumacher.

"He is doing a super job. If you looked at him and put Michael's helmet on, then you would think it was Michael."