Lewis Hamilton says breaking Michael Schumacher’s record for the most podium finishes eclipses his boyhood dreams for his F1 career.
Hamilton enjoyed an 88th race victory, three short of Schumacher’s record, at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday to move 37 points clear of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in his bid for a seventh world championship.
Schumacher claimed his 155th and final podium in 2012 and yesterday’s win in Barcelona took Hamilton to 156 from 256 starts.
“We all grew up watching Michael and dreaming of one day being here,” said 35-year-old Hamilton. “What is happening right now is far beyond what I dreamed of as a kid and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity that I am given every day.
“Michael was an incredible athlete and driver so I just feel humble and honoured to be mentioned in the same light as a driver like him, like Ayrton Senna and like Juan Manuel Fangio, too. I hope the Hamilton family are also proud.”
Hamilton started on pole in Spain, going on to finish 24 seconds ahead of Verstappen and 44secs clear of team-mate Valtteri Bottas. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff hailed the Brit as being in a league of his own, and praised Formula One’s sole black driver for leading the Black Lives Matter movement within the sport.
“Lewis has always been at his best when fighting adversity, and the Black Lives Matter movement is close to his heart,” said Wolff. “So, it certainly helps him in terms of motivation.
“I am always impressed with how Lewis develops every season. At the moment he drives in a league of his own. He’s totally under control.”