The 2008 F1 world champion and runner-up in last weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone made his call in a message delivered at the eSafety Challenge 2010, at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire.

The event was organised by eSafetyAware, a not-for-profit association that promotes awareness of eSafety systems and their benefits, and was targeted at fleet decision-makers.

Mr Hamilton said: 'There are affordability issues around ESC, which is why it is not yet fitted in all cars, but where there is an option for fleets I would endorse the decision to operate the car equipped with ESC.'

According to a Department for Transport study, vehicles equipped with ESC are 25% less likely to be involved in a fatal accident than those without it. That equates to 380 fewer fatalities and the reduction of 7,800 injuries a year on UK roads.

The European Commission has decreed that all new vehicle types should be equipped with ESC from 2012 with all new vehicles being equipped by 2014.

Mr Hamilton added: 'When there is an option I would always choose a car with ESC. Don’t wait for ESC to be mandatory.'