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Image: Keystone
Lewis Hamilton dominates Formula 1 at will. The number seven of the world title could follow on Sunday. For the British racing driver, he won’t be the last at Mercedes.
Of course, he’d be “incredibly proud to catch up with an icon like Michael Schumacher,” says Lewis Hamilton. The seventh Formula 1 world title is very close. Another victory on Sunday in Istanbul is enough to do what only the record world champion Schumacher has accomplished so far.
When the German set the Ferrari record in 2004, he was deemed unassailable. A milestone for all time. But the insatiable Hamilton will not only catch up with Schumacher, he should surpass him in the years to come. It is not finished yet, after the win the extension of the contract should follow.
Formula 1 – Turkish GP, race
Sun Nov 15 10:30 am – 1:00 pm | SRF two
TRK 2020 | 150 min
Racing is no longer everything in the 35-year-old Mercedes driver’s life. “The driver’s license does not necessarily have an impact on people’s lives. Trying to improve conditions for people around the world, to create equal human rights, is the most important thing for me, ”said Hamilton before the Turkish Grand Prix.
This year in particular, he showed his face in the fight against racism and oppression, as well as greater diversity, and used his reach on social media: 20.5 million followers on Instagram alone.
Only Rosberg could stand up to Hamilton
In practice on Friday, Hamilton, like everyone else, struggled with the slippery asphalt and only finished fourth. The tires did not adhere to the new surface as usual. “It was a bit disastrous,” said Hamilton: “The tires still don’t work.” The long-term winner didn’t fear a bad race for that.
Setbacks are rare because he is always in control. Only Nico Rosberg managed to defeat his childhood friend Hamilton during his time with the Silver Arrows in 2016 and be crowned world champion. The relationship between the two suffered from rivalry, Rosberg resigned shortly after his triumph and denied his stable rival the possibility of revenge.
And so Hamilton has been driving in his own league ever since, and already holds the records for the most pole positions (97) and the most Grand Prix wins (93). He won his first world title in a McLaren in 2008, followed by five more in a Mercedes in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
“They laughed at us”
All of that was out of the question when he, the boy from Stevenage, got into his kart as a kid and just wanted to drive. “We started with nothing,” Hamilton writes on Instagram below a photo with his father. Anthony Hamilton had four jobs at the same time to fund his son’s hobby.
They laughed at her for her dream of getting into Formula 1. “But we packed it up as a family and we never gave up.” What will these people think of him from now on? Asked Hamilton rhetorically.
It has already made its way into the motorsports history books. Even if his achievements are not always as recognized as Schumacher’s. “To be honest: 90 percent of the drivers would win with this car,” said late Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. The statement was not intended to detract from Hamilton’s performance, but the Dutchman, like so many others, is upset about boredom in Formula 1. “He’s a great driver, but this car is so dominant,” Verstappen said.
Hamilton is far from over
Mercedes has won seven constructors ‘titles in a row, and is now followed by the seventh drivers’ championship. It is not enough for Hamilton. “I think there are always areas where you can improve,” he said at the Bosphorus: “I love racing. I love the challenge. And that won’t change anytime soon. “
His contract expires at the end of the year. However, with an extension, you are not only interested in the Mercedes cabin, but also in its role in society. He wants to help ensure that mobility is greener, that there are more electrically powered cars in the future, and that more is done for diversity. “There’s not enough. So there is a lot to talk about, “said Hamilton. The resignation does not play a role at the moment, although nothing has been signed:” I have the idea to continue with Mercedes.
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