Lewis Hamilton has been an absolute phenom in the modern world of Formula 1. The 6-time World Champion now stands on the cusp of equaling the record for most F1 race wins (91) set by the legendary Michael Schumacher.

However, Hamilton is not deviating in his approach towards the Russian Grand Prix and prefers staying clear of exhibiting too many emotions.

Hamilton now stands in the shoes of Schumacher when the German equaled Ayrton Senna’s record two decades ago. At that time, Schumacher was very emotional and had burst into tears. But Hamilton doesn’t expect himself to do the same.

At the drivers’ press conference ahead of the race in Sochi, Hamilton said, “I saw that video (Schumacher in tears) recently and I do remember it. I’m sure he didn’t talk about what he was feeling or why he had that moment.

“But obviously, for all of us drivers, there is a lot of emotion involved in what we do. With the love and the pressure and everything. I don’t know why I am the way I am. (But) numbers are not necessarily something that I focus on.

“So this weekend is not really different to any other weekend for me. I’m going to work my backside off this weekend to beat this guy (Valtteri Bottas) and beat everyone else out there.”

Lewis Hamilton talks about the feeling of winning a championship

For Hamilton, winning a championship feels so surreal that it takes a while to process. And by then one is already focused on the next task.

He said, “When you win a championship, it’s something that’s so far in the distance and almost impossible, out of reach. You try to get there but you’re never really sure whether you’re going to get there.

“When you do get there, you’re already then focused on what’s next. So perhaps it’s not till long after for me that perhaps I will realize (what I have achieved).”

9 races into the season, Hamilton currently sits comfortably atop the leaderboard with 190 points. His closest challenger is teammate Valtteri Bottas, who is 55 points behind him. As things stand, Hamilton should bag his 7th championship title at a canter.

However, the races in Mugello and Monza have shown that plenty of drama is possible. So the title race isn’t over just yet.