McLaren chief Ron Dennis believes it is not "unrealistic" to expect a win from his protégé Lewis Hamilton in the 21-year-old British star's debut season.
Hamilton, the reigning GP2 Series champion, was confirmed on Friday as Fernando Alonso's team-mate for 2007, making history as the first black driver to compete in Formula 1.
"Obviously we exist to win and the expectation for Lewis to win next season is not unrealistic if we have a strong car, but certainly not in the early part of the season," said Dennis.
"In the early races it's not about where he finishes, it's about how he conducts himself in the race."
"The important thing is how does he attack the first few races? Does he have a balanced approach? We will be patient."
Dennis reckons that Hamilton is every bit as good as the hype suggests and that, in the right environment, he will become Britain's next superstar driver.
"If you put all the drivers in equal cars I think Lewis would beat a significant percent of them," said Dennis.
"I'm distinctly unimpressed with the majority of drivers in F1 today.
"We looked at the grid and felt that a lot of them had reached a plateau in their careers and none really shone out.
"Looking at Lewis and his actions in and out of the car we felt he was worthy of being given the opportunity to show what he can do."
One of the biggest challenge's facing Hamilton will be how to make an impact in his first season while also being matched alongside the world's best driver.
But the McLaren boss says no comparisons will be made and Hamilton will be given time to settle into his role.
"He shouldn't compete with his team-mate," said Dennis.
"He has to focus on his own performance. We will give him the opportunity and the time to blossom as a GP driver.
"Of course we have reservations he is an unproven product," he added.
"But we have a double world champion in the other car so we are not going to get lost.
"We have got the best driver driving for us and this allows us to be less concerned about giving Lewis a chance."
According to Dennis McLaren's decision to sign Hamilton was taken weeks ago, before the end of the season, but the team wanted to time its announcement away from Michael Schumacher's retirement and the world championship battle.
Of the three options available to him for the second seat, according to Dennis, Hamilton stood out for his qualities; refusing to give up, dedication and commitment, and a Schumacher-like ability to soak up advice and wisdom from others.
Dennis also paid tribute to both McLaren's loyal test drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett, who missed out on the drive.
He added that it was Paffett's decision to turn down an offer from Honda to become its test and reserve driver.
There seems to be some amazing hype abt this guy.....hope he beats the crap out of Crybaby..... And he sure can win a race or two. I hope he beats Alonso though
Lewis Hamilton can win in '07, says Ron Dennis
