Two-time Formula One world champion Emerson Fittipaldi is convinced Lewis Hamilton can continue to reign at the top of the sport deep into his fifth decade.
The 35-year-old Hamilton will begin his quest for a record-equalling seventh world crown at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne next weekend.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Fittipaldi's Formula One debut at the 1970 British Grand Prix, with the Brazilian only calling time on his career after being injured in a crash in the US CART Championship at the age of 49.
Fittipaldi, 73, said: "Lewis has all the ingredients to be one of the best in the history of Grand Prix racing, and I think he has the potential physically, mentally and spiritually to pass Michael Schumacher's record.
"If Lewis is strongly motivated and has the desire to compete and win, and has love for the sport, he can keep winning world titles.
"It is tough to continue competing for so many years, but he can do it for sure.
"In my last two years of Indy racing when I was 48 and 49, I was racing guys who were 20, 21. For my last win I was 48 and I beat Jacques Villeneuve, who was 21.
"Lewis has many years ahead of him. When he is 40 years old he can still be extremely competitive physically and mentally, if he takes care of himself."
Fittipaldi became the youngest Formula One world champion when he won his first title with Lotus at the age of 25, a feat he emulated two years later driving for McLaren.
The Brazilian is now heavily involved in karting, where his 12-year-old son, Emmo Jr, has won numerous major races and championships and already landed a lucrative sponsorship deal.
And Fittipaldi singled out former karting world champion Lando Norris, who finished 11th on his Formula One debut last year, as someone who could challenge Hamilton in the years ahead.
"I'm always looking five years ahead," added Fittipaldi.
"I think Lando Norris is extremely talented. It is always good to see the new generation coming through, and Lando has the potential to be a future world champion."
