Lewis Hamilton admits that being on the brink of Michael Schumacher’s all-time Formula 1 wins record “doesn’t seem real”, ahead of his first chance to equal one of the sport’s greatest milestones at this week’s Russian GP.
Hamilton’s 90th career win at Mugello last time out has put him one away from Schumacher’s haul of 91 – a record number that was considered untouchable when the German great won his final race in 2006.
But Hamilton has relentlessly raced towards that total in recent seasons amid his own domination of the sport and, with another six victories in nine races so far this year, the six-time champion can draw level with Schumacher this Sunday in Sochi.
“It just doesn’t seem real,” said Hamilton after winning at Mugello.
“Obviously it’s ultimately a privilege to be in a position and have such a great team and a car to be able to deliver weekend in, weekend out.
“But I just feel forever grateful to the people that continue to work hard, I’m just a link in the chain but getting the wins is not easy when you have a great driver in Valtteri [Bottas] pushing you the limit, weekend in, weekend out.
“But I never thought that I would be here, that’s for sure.”
Most race wins in Formula 1
- Michael Schumacher 91
- Lewis Hamilton 90
- Sebastian Vettel 53
- Alain Prost 51
- Ayrton Senna 41
- Fernando Alonso 32
- Nigel Mansell 31
- Sir Jackie Stewart 27
- Jim Clark 25
- Niki Lauda 25