Former Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has said that seven time champion Michael Schumacher is sure to be one of his biggest rivals, but he is not scared of him.

"Michael is a real legend, a guy with seven titles. I grew up watching him and always dreamed of beating him," The Sun quoted Hamilton, as saying.

"I was dying to get in the car and race him. And then I passed him on the last lap of the final practice session in Barcelona. How cool was that?" he added.

The 25-year-old further reckons that Schumacher's return after a three-year gap is remarkable, but he has not given any boost to F1.

"There may be enormous anticipation, but I would not put it all down to Michael. It's far bigger than just one person," Hamilton said.

"Yes, he has definitely added something, but it's not some sort of champagne fizz. We already had that. It's been really exciting for a few years - years when he wasn't involved," he added.

Schumacher, who had retired in 2006, has signed a three-year contract to drive for the new Mercedes GP team. (ANI)