Like A Dream, Hamilton Did Not Expect To Break Schumacher's Winning Record

Lewis Hamilton (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Lewis Hamilton on Sunday said it would take him a long time to fully realize the fact that he has already broken the all-time record for winning numbers in Formula 1.

The British racer became the most successful driver in F1 after winning the 92nd career win when he won the Portuguese Grand Prix to surpass legendary racer Michael Schumacher and write new history.

The win also widened his distance at the top of the standings to 77 points from teammate Valtteri Bottas, who finished runner-up that day.

With five races remaining in this pandemic-affected season, Hamilton is in range to match Schumacher's seven world titles and chase a record 100 pole position.

"I can only dream about where I am now," Hamilton said after receiving a hug from his father, Anthony, who was manager at the start of his career.

"I didn't have the magic ball when I chose to come here (Mercedes) - and all we try to do is make the most of every day. We are all going in the same direction.

HE'S DONE IT! 9⃣2⃣ WINS! LEWIS MAKES @ F1 HISTORY. pic.twitter.com/y1aFx02gpP

- Mercedes-AMG F1 (@ MercedesAMGF1) October 25, 2020

"I had my dad coming here, which was amazing, and my adoptive mom, Linda, and Roscoe (pet dog). So it's a really special day.

"It will take some time to accept this ... Even now, I'm still in racing mode mentally so I can't find the words to describe how I feel right now ... Maybe I can later," Hamilton said.

Hamilton radio revealed, "it is an honor to work with you," and his flagship race engineer, Peter 'Bono' Bonnington, replied, "Likewise here, an honor."

It's not every day you get to make history. 🌟🙏To those of you who've been on this journey right from the start - we hope today was as special for you as it was for us! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/q8lsPhTGOH

- Mercedes-AMG F1 (@ MercedesAMGF1) October 25, 2020

After the race, Hamilton added, "I owe a great debt to these guys for their teamwork, constantly innovating and breaking even higher boundaries every year.

"It's an honor to work with them. It's just incredible.

Before winning in Portugal, Hamilton had complained about a cramp on his right calf.

Just a boy who had big dreams, and his best friend. ❤️🐶 pic.twitter.com/eqeOYCMcqg

- Mercedes-AMG F1 (@ MercedesAMGF1) October 25, 2020

"Pressing my leg when going in the straight, it hurts a lot. I can feel it pulling, but I have to get over it.

At 35, Hamilton is yet to show the signs of slowing down like he did when he finished in Portugal with a one-round advantage over nearly all the riders of the day except for the three behind him.

"I am 35 years old, I feel physically strong but of course you are wondering when it will end, when will it lose its performance? But as shown today, it is not yet"

Max Verstappen, the 23-year-old racer from the Red Bull team who finished third that day and is seen as the future champion, praised his rivals' achievements.

"Lewis said he kept pressing because he wanted to set a high standard because I had to work hard to achieve it," said Verstappen, who has nine wins so far.

"This is incredible. What a milestone, 92 wins and I don't think it will stop there. I thought it would be over 100 so he encouraged me to keep racing until I was 40 years old. That's good motivation," said the rider. The Netherlands.