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Hamilton in dreamland after record-breaking triumph
Hamilton in dreamland after record-breaking triumph

Hamilton in dreamland after record-breaking triumph

Cindy Van Wyk
Nampa/AFP



Lewis Hamilton said he was in dreamland on Sunday after powering to victory in the Portuguese Grand Prix to become Formula One's record all-time race winner.

His 92nd win lifted him one clear of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher's 16-year-old record of 91 wins and opened up a 77-point lead ahead of Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, who finished second, in the title race.

Five to go

With five races remaining in the Covid-19-affected season, Hamilton is within reach of a record-equalling seventh championship and a record-increasing 100th pole position.

"I only ever dreamt of being where I am today," he said after the race and a long hug with his father Anthony, who managed his early career.

"I didn't have a magic ball when I chose to come here (Mercedes) and all we have ever tried to do is make the most of it every single day. We are all rowing in the same direction.

"I have got my dad here, which is amazing, and my step-mum Linda and Roscoe (his dog) so it’s a very special day. It’s going to take time to sink in, but I was still pushing coming across the line.

Team player

“Even now, I’m still in race mode mentally so I can't find the words right now to describe my emotions at the moment. Maybe I will be able to later on."

On the team radio, he emotionally told Mercedes that it was "such an honour to work with you" and his race engineer Peter 'Bono' Bonnington replied, saying: "It's the same here, an honour, genuinely".

After the race, he added: "I really owe it all to these guys for their teamwork, continually innovating and pushing the barrier ever higher every year.

"It's such a privilege working with them. It really is absolutely incredible,” he said.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-27

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