British racing driver Lewis Hamilton has become the Formula 1 Champion for the record-equalling seventh time, equalling Michael Schumacher. With most race wins, most pole positions and most podium finishes, Hamilton has now become the most successful F1 driver of all time. He achieved the feat by winning the Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday.
Hamilton has now won 94 races in his career, occupied 97 pole positions with 163 podium finishes. The first time when Hamilton was declared World Champion was in 2008. He repeated the feat in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
The champion driver said, “For all the kids out there who dream the impossible, you can do it too… Thank you so much for your support.”
He added, “It’s so important for kids out there to see this… “Don’t listen to anyone who tells you you can’t achieve something. Dream the impossible. Speak it into existence. You’ve got to work for it, chase it, and never give up!”
Former Renault driver Jolyon Palmer told BBC 5 Live Radio, “It has been a long time coming but what a race to seal it. If Hamilton didn’t win today he would have done it at one of the next three but to seal it at the first time of asking, with a drive from sixth to first, kind of emphasised with Bottas and his spins, it highlights the year he has had.”
Former team-mate Nico Rosberg said, “7 x World Champion – that’s insane! Massively deserved. Surely one of the greatest achievements in the history of sports. Congratulations Lewis and enjoy the celebrations with your family and friends.
Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel was the first to congratulate Hamilton on his record-equalling feat.