Formula One is a sport known for great rivalries; Hunt and Lauda, Senna and Prost, Hamilton and Rosberg.

One of the greatest was surely that of Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen in the 1990s, as the latter tried desperately to keep pace with the German, a record seven-time champion.

While Hakkinen could never quite match the successes of his counterpart, he is enjoying the fiercely-contested rivalry of Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, both currently searching for the fifth title that will see them surpass their opposite number.

Hakkinen has cast his eye over both drivers and paid Ferrari's Vettel a huge compliment by noticing his similarities to the legendary Schumacher.

"I first think of Sebastian's driving style as unique, but the similarities to Michael are there," he said, per F1.co.uk.

The Flying Fin believes both drivers focus on controlling the car is an important connection.

"He always braked at the same point, always drove the same line, accelerated very sensitively, everything controlled.

“It’s a very good, clear, clean and aggressive driving style. Even over the curbs, he always has the car under control.”

Hakkinen sees this as a crucial distinction between Vettel and Hamilton's approach.

“Lewis always tries to drive a bit more extreme. Very controlled, but he pushes the car more to the limit and risks much more.

"But it is not careless, he makes conscious decisions. If he does not go off track, a super lap comes from his effort. You can take that risk, but not always, otherwise you’ll spin sooner or later.”

Hamilton has long been known for being a little more carefree in his driving, and is often seen as more vulnerable to spin, compared to his other rivals.

It is perhaps the contrasting styles, the tension between the Ferrari and Mercedes and the race to title number five that has made Hamilton and Vettel's rivalry so intriguing.

Hakkinen believes the competiton between the two has re-ignited the interest in Formula 1, remarking that the inter-Mercedes rivalry between Rosberg and Hamilton meant the sport had 'not been exciting for a long time'.