Briton Lewis Hamilton clinched a record-tying seventh Formula One title Sunday — matching Michael Schumacher’s victories — by winning the Turkish Grand Prix and declaring, “I’m only getting started!â€?/p>
Hamilton, 35, claimed his 94th career win, equaling the legendary German, 12 years after his first with three races remaining in the season.
“That’s for all the kids out there that believe in the impossible,” Hamilton said excitedly on Mercedes’ team radio. “You can do it.”
He admitted he found it difficult to express his feelings later, Agence France-Presse reported. “I’m definitely a bit lost for words,â€?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,â€?Hamilton said.
The euphoric driver started from sixth place but took advantage of errors and poor tire strategies from other teams to win his fourth straight race.
“I know I often I say it is beyond wildest dreams but my whole life secretly I have dreamt as high as this,â€?Hamilton said. “It felt so far-fetched. I remember watching Michael win those world championships.”
He placed about 30 seconds ahead of Racing Point’s Sergio Perez and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, who overtook teammate Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton said: “We dreamed of this when I was young. I remember watching Michael win those world championships. To get one or two or even three is so hard.
“Seven is unimaginable. There is no end to what we can do together, me and this team,â€?he added. “I feel like I’m only just getting started. Physically, I’m in great shape.”
With Post wires