Hamilton on brink of Schumacher record after three-in-one win

91-win tally was once held up as a milestone to withstand the test of time

14 September 2020 - 10:05 By Reuters
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Lewis Hamilton is just one race shy of matching Michael Schumacher's record of wins.
Lewis Hamilton is just one race shy of matching Michael Schumacher's record of wins.
Image: Reuters

Six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton took his tally of Formula One wins to 90 and the brink of Michael Schumacher's record on Sunday, but said it felt like he had just done three in a day.

The Briton's latest victory, in a Tuscan Grand Prix that was twice red-flagged and restarted, left him one shy of the Ferrari great - a record once held up as a milestone to withstand the test of time.

"Hectic," the 35-year-old Mercedes driver said when asked to sum up his afternoon at Ferrari-owned Mugello in central Italy.

"Such a rollercoaster ride, emotionally and physically. It was all a bit of a daze. It was like three races in one day."

Hamilton has won six races out of nine this season and, with a seventh title looking inevitable, the year has become a countdown to two of the greatest records in the sport - both owned by Schumacher.

There are eight races remaining and it is inconceivable Hamilton will not win at least one more. He has been averaging 10 a season for the past six years.

Schumacher, who has been out of the public eye since suffering severe head injuries in a December 2013 ski accident, took his seventh title with Ferrari in 2004 and last win in 2006.

Hamilton can pull alongside at the next race in Sochi, Russia, in two weeks' time.

"It just doesn't seem real," he said.

"It is ultimately a privilege to be in the position and have such a great team and a car to be able to deliver weekend in and weekend out. I am forever grateful to the people who continue to work hard. I'm just a link in the chain.

"Getting these wins is not easy when you have a great driver in Valtteri Bottas pushing you to the limit. I never thought I would be here, that's for sure."


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