NÜRBURGRING, Germany (AFP) – Lewis Hamilton controlled his emotions on Sunday as he equaled Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 F1 wins with a measured triumph and thoughtful homage at the Eifel Grand Prix.
After completing his seventh win of the season, Hamilton was surprised to be greeted Mick Schumacher, the son of the German seven-time champion. Mick presented a red helmet from his father’s career collection to Hamilton.
”Congratulations on a great achievement,” said Schumacher, a rising star who is leading the F2 series.
Clearly moved, Hamilton struggled for words.
”Thank you so much,” he said. ”It’s such an honour. I don’t know what to say. When you grow up watching someone and idolising them…”
”Seeing his dominance for so long, I don’t think I imagined I would be near him in terms of records so it’s an incredible honour.
”As I came in the pit lane, that was only when I realised I had equalled the record.
”I hadn’t computed it when I crossed the line — and I couldn’t have done this without this incredible team pushing behind me. So, a big thank you — and huge respect to Michael.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said he still believes that Schumacher is ”above all” but described Hamilton’s achievements as ”surreal”.
”It is unbelievable that Lewis has reached those 91 wins,” said Wolff. ”Lewis is still on his journey, but maybe there is somebody now in nursery or school that will someday go for the Lewis record as well — and that is how it should be.”
Taking full advantage of team-mate and pole-sitter Valtteri Bottas’ early retirement with engine problems, the runaway series leader and six-time champion drove a well-judged race to claim his landmark victory.
On a circuit where Schumacher, a seven-time champion, won five times, Hamilton came home 4.5 seconds ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to take his second Nurburgring victory, the other for McLaren in 2011. Daniel Ricciardo was third for Renault.
”I just tried to follow Lewis, but the Mercedes was just a little too fast for us,” said Verstappen. ”But I did manage to grab fastest lap for the extra point.”
