Boitumelo Rantao
SIX-time world championship winner Lewis Hamilton clinched his 92nd Grand Prix win overtaking racing legend Michael Schumacher for all-time wins in Formula One.
Two weeks after equalling Schumacher’s prestigious honour, the Mercedes driver now owns the record outright and shared a special mind-numbing experience upon taking the chequered flag.
“I could never have dreamed of being where I am today,” said Hamilton, who shared a loving embrace with his father Anthony after the race.”
He added: “I didn’t have a magic ball when I chose to come to this team and partner with great people, but here I am and what I can tell you is I’m trying to make the most of it every single day. It’s going to take some time to sink in.
“The reliability has been absolutely incredible, thanks to Mercedes and Petronas and all our partners who are continuously pushing again. No one is sitting back on their success. Everyone is pushing. Pushing and pushing and pushing. That’s the most incredible thing to be surrounded by. It inspires you, that collaboration. There’s nothing quite like it.”
Hamilton finished ahead of teammate Valterri Bottas, who took the lead in the first lap but ultimately fell prey to his British teammate.
Bottas described suffering in the conditions “The opening lap was pretty good. There was a bit of drizzle and some cars behind with the soft tyre had the upper hand but I was pretty pleased I could get the lead. But after that I just had no pace today. I don’t understand why, but no pace.”
A familiar face completed the podium as Max Verstappen crossed the line in third place. The 23-year old sang praises for the record-breaker on his special day “Lewis is incredible, [and] it looks like, of course, he’s also going for his seventh world title, which is very impressive,
“Everybody knows he’s very quick but I think what has also been a very strong point is that he’s consistent and very rarely makes a mistake, and that’s why I think he got through these numbers so quickly and yeah, it’s just very impressive.” Verstappen continued.
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc endured a lonesome drive in fourth place ahead of AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly and early race leader Carlos Sainz. Driver of the day Sergio Perez recovered from an early collision, which left him in last place, with Verstappen to finish in seventh.
Renault pair Esteban Ocon and Daniel Ricciardo finished eighth and ninth respectively with Sebastian Vettal taking the last point in 10th.
11. Raikonnen – Alfa Romeo
12. Albon – Red Bull
13. Norris – Mclaren
14. Russell – Williams
15. Giovinazzi – Alfa Romeo
16. Magnussen – Haas
17. Grosjean – Haas
18. Latifi – Williams
19. Kyvat – AlphaTauri
DNF (Did Not Finish):
Stroll – Racing Point
