Anthony Hamilton, Lewis Hamilton, Autodromo do Algarve, 2020

Hamilton says he “could only have dreamed” of becoming F1’s most successful driver

2020 Portuguese Grand Prix

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Lewis Hamilton says he could only have dreamed of becoming Formula 1’s most successful driver by grand prix wins after setting a new record at the Portuguese Grand Prix.

Hamilton’s 92nd career victory saw him overtake Michael Schumacher’s career tally of 91 wins to become the most successful driver in the history of the sport in terms of grand prix victories.

The Mercedes driver said it was hard to find the words to describe breaking one of the Formula 1’s most significant records.

“It’s going to take some time to fully sink in,” said Hamilton. “I was still pushing flat out all the way to the line. I’m very much still in race mode, mentally. I can’t find the words at the moment.”

Having won five of the last seven drivers’ world championships since moving from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013, Hamilton says he could not have imagined the success he has enjoyed with the Silver Arrows.

“I could only ever have dreamed to have been where I am today,” he says. “I didn’t have a magic ball when I chose to come to this team and partner with these great people, but here I am.

“What I can tell you is that I’m trying to make the most of it everyday. Everything that we do together, we’re all rolling in the same direction and that’s really why you’re seeing the success that we’re having.”

The six-time world champion said it was especially meaningful to break the record with some of his close family in attendance.

“We’ve got my dad here, which is amazing and my step-mum Linda and Roscoe [Hamilton’s dog]. So it’s a very blessed day.”

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    Will Wood
    Will has been a RaceFans contributor since 2012 during which time he has covered F1 test sessions, launch events and interviewed drivers. He mainly...

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    13 comments on “Hamilton says he “could only have dreamed” of becoming F1’s most successful driver”

    1. Sweet to see his dad there again for his 92nd win. I remember back in the old days when Lewis was young and his dad was there all the time for his races.

      1. Yeah, that moment when they were tightly hugging was really good to see @yaru.

    2. Time for a new challenge I think.

      Schumacher won two in a row at Benneton and said this is too easy I’m going to set myself a harder challenge.

      1. I’m not sure he said this is too easy, he wanted to build a legacy at Ferrari just like Hamilton did when he left McLaren for Mercedes.
        But don’t let us spoil your narrative Bondo.

        1. Hamilton went to Mercedes for the “freedom” and because they were tipped to have the best engine in the hybrid era.

          1. Oh David! 😃 You are the gift that keeps on giving.

          2. Thanks for the entertainment Bondo. Keep going.

        2. @john-h I think a huge wedge of cash also played a part in him moving to Ferrari as much as anything else! $25m a year if I remember correctly which back then was truly mind-blowing ans simply too much to turn down!

    3. That moment with his dad was emotional.

      1. @pironitheprovocateur +1 The pride in his dad’s eyes is really moving.

    4. It’s a definitely a good thing for F1 that in such trying times a black guy is the most successful in a predominantly white sport.

      1. Lewis is mixed race. If ever there were to be a uniting force in this race debate then Lewis is it!!

    5. “Formula 1’s most successful driver by grand prix wins after setting a new record at the Portuguese Grand Prix.”

      How about “Formula 1’s winningest driver.”

      He’ll be most successful in a few races when the WDC is wrapped up. He’ll have most wins, poles, and be tied for WDC.

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