LEWIS HAMILTON won’t break down in tears when he equals legend Michael Schumacher’s document of 91 F1 wins — as a result of he’s solely eager about titles.
The Brit can match the tally at this weekend’s Russian GP in Sochi — a race he has received 4 occasions out of six.
Lewis Hamilton wants one win to equal Michael Schumacher’s all-time documentCredit score: Reuters
It could mark an unbelievable achievement, as most thought the German’s document was untouchable.
SunSport reminded the six-time world champ how Schumacher sobbed when he equalled Ayrton Senna’s then-record of 41 wins on the 2000 Italian GP.
However Hamilton stated: “I noticed that video of Schumacher’s response just lately.
“I don’t bear in mind seeing what occurred afterwards.
“I’m certain he did discuss why he did that or what he was feeling.
“For all of us drivers, there’s a whole lot of emotion concerned in what we do. I don’t know why I’m the best way I’m and why numbers will not be essentially one thing I concentrate on.
“I come into this weekend because it being no totally different to every other weekend. I’ve set to work my bottom off to beat my team-mate Valtteri Bottas and everybody else on the market.
“I understand how laborious that’s, as do the opposite drivers. I simply don’t consider the rest actually.
Michael Schumacher cried when he equalled Ayrton Senna’s then-record of 41 winsCredit score: Getty – Contributor
“If it occurs, it’s going to occur at some stage, as I’m not quitting any time quickly. I can’t let you know how I’m going to really feel, or what it’s going to imply.”
Hamilton has a whopping 55-point lead within the championship over Bottas and appears set for a seventh world title.
That may equal one other Schumacher document, and whereas the variety of wins he has doesn’t appear to hassle him, Hamilton actually IS eager about gathering championships.
He added: “Championship numbers are totally different. Once you win a championship, it’s one thing that’s thus far within the distance, it’s virtually not possible or appears out of attain.”
Hamilton, 35, raced Schumacher for under three seasons between 2010 and 2012 after he got here out of retirement for Mercedes.
Satirically, Schumacher was changed at Merc by Hamilton however the two by no means actually had a lot of a friendship.
Hamilton stated: “I met him as soon as on the observe he has at Kerpen — and that was wonderful as a child.
“Most likely my fondest reminiscence was in Abu Dhabi once we exchanged helmets and that was actually large for me. That’s probably the most priceless helmet I’ve.
The ten best F1 drivers of all-time – in response to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
Lewis Hamilton can match the tally at this weekend’s Russian GP in SochiCredit score: Reuters
“In any other case, we by no means actually had any deep conversations or something like that. It was simply pure admiration.”
Whereas Hamilton by no means had a lot of a connection to Schumacher, one driver who did is Sebastian Vettel.
The Ferrari man idolised Schumacher when he was rising up and says he will probably be ‘unhappy’ to see Hamilton equal his hero’s document.
He stated: “91 wins has at all times been a quantity that gave the impression to be not possible to achieve. However Lewis’ observe document over time has allowed him to get nearer. It’s only a matter of time earlier than he reaches it.
“On one hand I will probably be unhappy as a result of Michael remains to be my hero, however alternatively, I’ll at all times be completely happy for Lewis.
“He deserves all of the success he has had within the final years, this 12 months — and the subsequent years, too. It’s half and half, I’ve combined feelings.”
Bottas set the early tempo in Russia after topping each observe periods in Sochi.
The Finn is making an attempt to cease Hamilton from including to his six wins this season.
Hamilton, second quickest within the afternoon session, was comfortably forward of Daniel Ricciardo, who was better of the remaining in his Renault.
McLaren duo Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris have been additionally spectacular in P4 and P5.
In the meantime, F1 have confirmed that Stefano Domenicali will substitute Chase Carey as F1’s new CEO from January.
