Mosley plays down Hamilton's impact on F1

LONDON (Reuters) - FIA president Max Mosley has played down Lewis Hamilton's impact on Formula One this year despite the rookie driver's brilliant season.

The governing body chief also believes the Briton is unlikely to win the F1 title on appeal, even if drivers who finished ahead of him at the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix are disqualified.

Hamilton, the first black F1 driver, produced four wins and nine podium finishes in a row in his opening nine races but lost the title by one point to Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen of Finland.

"There is always somebody new," Mosley told the BBC. "If it wasn't him (Hamilton) it would be either (Nico) Rosberg or (Robert) Kubica or one of the other new stars.

"I think there's a tendency to exaggerate the importance of Lewis Hamilton."

Mosley said Hamilton had worldwide interest because he "does not come from a rich background" but added if he continues his rate of progress that could also result in negatives.

"If he does the same thing next season as he's done this season, it will certainly have a big effect," said Mosley.

SCHUMACHER EFFECT