Lewis Hamilton Equals Michael Schumacher Race Win Record

The Eifel Grand Prix marked a tremendous achievement for Lewis Hamilton. He has achieved what only one other driver in Formula One history has achieved 

He has equalled the most number of race wins, currently held by Michael Schumacher, with 91 Formula One Race Wins within his career.

It was a record many thought might never be equalled, but he did just that, scoring a 91st victory to move level with Michael Schumacher at the top of F1's all-time wins list. 

And after stepping out of his car, Hamilton became the proud recipient of a surprise gift to mark the occasion - one of Michael Schumacher's race-worn helmets, presented by none other than the seven-time world champion's son, Mick.

Hamilton had been helped on his way to that 91st victory at the Nurburgring after the retirement of his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, leaving Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to chase Hamilton down for all 60 laps of the Eifel Grand Prix. 

But after coming up just short, Verstappen – whose father Jos was teammates with Schumacher at Benetton during the 1994 season – hailed Hamilton’s 91st victory as “very impressive”.

“It’s an incredible achievement,” said Verstappen. “Ninety-one wins, everyone thought that was almost impossible to reach, right? To be there now, himself, it’s incredible and very impressive. 

And I’m pretty sure there will be some more victories coming his way – and probably also championships. So, yep, just very impressive. And hard to beat.”

The driver who sits third on the all-time wins list, Sebastian Vettel, also doffed his cap to Hamilton’s achievement, admitting that he’d never thought he’d see the day when someone matched Schumacher’s 91 victories – although he added that Schumacher would remain his hero…

“I can't respect his efforts enough,” said Vettel. “I think it's been a number in my head that I'd always thought would never be beaten, or equalled. I think we're generally quite certain that he will exceed this number!

Congratulations Lewis Hamilton on this remarkable achievement. Here's to many more race wins and to equalling another Schumacher record at the end of this season: Seven World Driver Championships!