World champion Lewis Hamilton on Sunday described Stirling Moss, who has died at the age of 90, as a "racing legend" and a "comrade from a massively different time".

Although Moss never won the Formula One world title, he was regarded as one of the sport's greatest drivers, with his 1950s heyday seeing racers compete in a variety of disciplines.

The 35-year-old Hamilton, a six-time world champion, became a friend of Moss despite the pair's age difference and contrasting backgrounds.

"Today we say goodbye to Sir Stirling Moss, the racing legend," reigning F1 champion Hamilton wrote on Instagram.

"I certainly will miss our conversations. To be honest, it was such an unusual pairing, our friendship.

"Two people from massively different times and backgrounds but we clicked and ultimately found that the love for racing we both shared made us comrades.

"I am truly grateful to have had these special moments with him."

Meanwhile, three-time world champion Jackie Stewart, who came into Grand Prix racing shortly after Moss' injury-enforced retirement in the early 1960s, told the BBC: "I think he's probably the best example of a racing driver there's ever been.

"He walked like a racing driver, he talked like a racing driver, he behaved like a racing driver should behave."

Jenson Button, the 2009 F1 world champion, hailed Moss who always "drove to the max".

"I'm going to miss our chats, your knowledge, your jokes, your help, your direction, your infectious smile and seeing you push whatever you drove to the max even in your 80s," tweeted Button.

"Rest well Stirling. The racing world will not be the same. My heart goes out to his wonderful wife Susie."

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE