Lewis Hamilton bagged a record-equalling seventh Formula One world title and became F1’s most successful driver of all time after winning a wet and slippery Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday.
Following a dominating drive from sixth on the grid, the Briton matched Michael Schumacher’s haul of drivers’ crowns with three races of the season remaining.
Hamilton already had more race wins, pole positions and podium finishes than any other driver in the history of the sport.
The 35-year-old sealed his latest title 12 years after his first with a typically measured masterclass, handling treacherous wet early conditions to claim his 94th career win.
It was widely declared as one of his finest triumphs and entirely appropriate on the day he drew alongside the legendary German in the record books.
“That’s for all the kids out there that believe in the impossible,” said an emotional Hamilton on Mercedes’ team radio. “You can do it.”
Hamilton admitted he found it difficult to express his feelings afterwards. “I’m definitely a bit lost for words,” he said.
“Naturally, I have to start by saying a huge thank you to the guys here and the guys at the factory. The journey we’ve been on is monumental. I want to also thank ‘Team LH’ for sticking with me, and my family.”