(CNN)Lewis Hamilton has got used to making history and at a rain-soaked Turkish Grand Prix the Englishman put his name back in the record books when he equaled Michael Schumacher’s record seven world titles.
To win the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship at Istanbul Park, the Mercedes driver had to finish ahead of his team-mate Valtteri Bottas and did so with ease in often treacherous conditions. He secured a fourth consecutive title by winning the race after starting sixth.
Last month, Hamilton, 35, surpassed Schumacher’s all-time record of 91 Grand Prix victories to become the sport’s most successful racer and had long since broken the German’s career record for pole positions.
Should he remain in the sport, Hamilton is widely expected to add to his list of world titles. But whatever he achieves in the years to come, his place in the Formula 1 pantheon is secure.
“For all the kids out there dreaming of the impossible, you can do it too – I believe in you,” Hamilton said over the radio after crossing the finish line for his 94th Grand Prix victory.
It was a brilliant ride from one of the greats. After poor practice and qualifying sessions this weekend, question marks have been raised over Hamilton’s ability to win in Turkey. In wet conditions it was Hamilton’s crucial use of tires that ultimately proved decisive, with the Mercedes driver taking control halfway through the race.
After the victory was claimed, Hamilton hugged his team and tearfully told Sky Sports he was “wordless”.
“I have to start by saying such a big thank you to all the guys who are here and all the guys who are back at the factory…I couldn’t do this if I didn’t join this team and the journey that.” we did was monumental,” he said.
“I want to thank Team LH for sticking by me and my family over the years. This is what we dreamed of when I was young and it’s way beyond our dreams.”
Hamilton, who set a record many believed untouchable when Schumacher won his seventh title in 2004, received congratulations from his fellow drivers, sports stars from around the world and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
“Very well deserved,” tweeted the former world champion Nico Rosberg, a former Mercedes team-mate of Hamilton’s and one of the few drivers to finish ahead of Hamilton in the Brit’s 14-year career.
Former Manchester United and England footballer Rio Ferdinand tweeted that his compatriot was the “greatest athlete this country has ever produced – without a doubt”.
Johnson tweeted: “An impressive win – well done @LewisHamilton! You made us all so proud.”
Racing Point’s Sergio Perez was second over 31 seconds behind Hamilton, while Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was third. When he finished 14th, Bottas – the only man who could have denied Hamilton the title – was lapped by his teammate and finished without points.
The performance of Bottas, riding in the same Mercedes machines, showed just how superior a talent Hamilton is. No one has come close to the world champion this shortened season and he secured the title with three races remaining after winning four straight races and 10 of 14 races so far this year.
No driver has been as successful on track as Hamilton, and no F1 world champion has used his stature like Hamilton, the sport’s first and only black world champion in its 70-year history.
The 35-year-old has long been the face of his sport – his dominance and heart-on-sleeve persona have arguably made him the best-known British sportsman in the world – but, most notably in 2020, he became one of Britain’s leading voices in sport who support the Black Lives Matter movement, and consequently the voice of his sport.
Ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix, Hamilton said working for equality had made him “much prouder” than the prospect of a seventh world title.
But when the checkered flag was waved, it became clear just how much the title meant to this unique talent.
“All my life I’ve probably secretly dreamed this high, but it felt so far-fetched. Seven is just unimaginable,” said Hamilton on the podium.
“I feel like I’m just starting out, it’s really weird. I feel in great shape physically and mentally this year has probably been the toughest for millions of people.
“I know things always look good from here on the big stage, (but) it’s no different for us athletes. It was a challenge, I didn’t know how to get through. I’ve managed to keep my head above water and stay focused…”
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