To win the Formula One Drivers’ Championship at Istanbul Park, the Mercedes driver had to finish ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas and did so with ease in often treacherous conditions, securing a fourth consecutive title by winning the race after finishing sixth. started.
If he stays in the sport, Hamilton is widely expected to contribute to his number of world titles. But whatever he achieves in the coming years, his place in the F1 pantheon is assured.
“For all the kids who dream the impossible, you can do it too – I believe in you,” Hamilton said on his radio after crossing the finish line for his 94th Grand Prix win.
It was a brilliant ride from one of the greatest of all time. After poor practice and qualifying sessions this weekend, questions arose as to whether Hamilton could win in Turkey. In wet conditions it was Hamilton’s decisive recourse to tires that ultimately proved crucial, with the Mercedes driver taking control mid-race.
After the win, Hamilton hugged his team and told Sky Sports with tears in his eyes that he was “lost for words”.
“I have to start by saying such a huge thank you to all the guys who are here, and all the guys who are back at the factory…I couldn’t do this if I didn’t get to join this team and the journey we’ve been through. has been huge,” he said.
“I want to say a big thank you to team LH for staying with me all these years, and also to my family. We dreamed of this when I was young and this is way, way beyond our dreams.”
Hamilton, who has equaled a record many thought was untouchable when Schumacher won his seventh title in 2004, received congratulations from his fellow drivers, sports stars from around the world and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Racing Point’s Sergio Perez finished second more than 31 seconds behind Hamilton, while Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was third. When he finished 14th, Bottas – the only man who could have denied Hamilton the title – was flipped by his teammate and finished with no points.
Driving the same Mercedes machines, Bottas’ performance illustrated how superior a talent Hamilton is. No one has come close to challenging the world champion during this truncated season and he secured the title with three races to go, having won four races in a row this year and 10 of 14 races so far.
No driver has been as successful on the track as Hamilton, and no F1 world champion has used his status as Hamilton, the first and only black world champion in its 70-year history.
The 35-year-old has long been the face of his sport – his dominance and heart-on-the-sleeve personality have made him arguably the most recognizable British sportsman in the world – but especially in 2020 he became one of Britain’s leading voices of sports that support the Black Lives Matter movement and thus the voice of its sport.
Ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix, Hamilton said campaigning for equal rights has made him “much prouder” than the prospect of a seventh world title.
But when the checkered flag was waved, it became clear just how much this title meant to this once-in-a-generation talent.
“My whole life I have probably secretly dreamed so high, but it felt so far-fetched. Seven is just unimaginable,” said Hamilton on the podium.
“I feel like I’m just starting out, it’s really weird. I feel in top shape physically and mentally this year was probably the hardest for millions of people.
“I know it always looks great from here on the big stage, (but) it’s no different for us athletes. This was a challenge, I didn’t know how to get through it. I managed to keep my head above water and to stay focused…”