Having equaled Michael Schumacher’s record for most Grand Prix wins last week, Lewis Hamilton has only gone and broken it, winning his 92nd race in Portugal.
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Hamilton has set the bar ridiculously high for the next driver trying to chase it down, that being Max Verstappen.
The Red Bull ace was in awe of Hamilton’s achievement. He couldn’t quite fathom just how quickly Lewis has gone on to win 92 races. But the young Dutchman takes it up as a challenge and believes that it could motivate him even more.
Speaking at the post race press conference, Verstappen said, “It’s amazing. What can you say? It’s just incredible. An incredible achievement.
“Ninety-two victories and I don’t think it stops there. It will go well over 100. He’s pushing me to go until I’m 40 years old or something. It’s a good motivation as well.”
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Portuguese Grand Prix – Algarve International Circuit, Portimao, Portugal – Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton crosses the line to win the race FIA/Handout via REUTERS
Max Verstappen believes consistency is key to Lewis Hamilton breaking the record so quickly
Verstappen added, “Everybody knows he’s very quick but what has also been a very strong point is that he’s also very consistent and very rarely makes a mistake. That’s why I think he got to this number so quick. Yeah, it’s just very impressive.”
While Hamilton celebrated his record-breaking win, Verstappen finished on the podium for the 9th time this season.
He couldn’t put his car in between the two Mercedes. But it was still a good showing for the 23-year-old. Especially considering that he lapped his teammate Alex Albon, who finished the race in P12.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Eifel Grand Prix – Nurburgring, Nurburg, Germany – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in action during the race Pool via REUTERS/Ina Fassbender
As for Hamilton’s teammate, Valtteri Bottas, he finished in P2. The Finn had actually got off to a good start and was initially ahead of Hamilton for a little while; however, it didn’t last long as the 6-time World Champion showed him who’s boss.
The Mercedes juggernaut continues to roll on
It’s only a matter of time before Hamilton seals his 7th world title. As for Mercedes, they have an insurmountable gap over Red Bull. They lead the Constructors’ Championship with 435 points, 209 points ahead of the Milton Keynes-based outfit who are in second place.
With only 5 races to go, it looks like we are headed for another season where Mercedes sweep up all the accolades.