Lewis Hamilton overtakes Michael Schumacher with record 92nd Formula One Grand Prix win in Portugal

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George Flood25 October 2020

Lewis Hamilton has moved clear of Michael Schumacher to become the most victorious driver in Formula One history.

The six-time world champion sealed the 92nd race win of his illustrious career at the Portuguese Grand Prix on Sunday.

Hamilton did not initially have everything his own way at the Portimao Circuit in the Algarve despite clinching his 97th career pole on Saturday, dropping down to third during a truly hectic, wet opening lap behind McLaren's Carlos Sainz and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

However, the Briton remained focus and eventually claimed back the race lead from Bottas on lap 20 and did not let up thereafter, constantly extending his lead and cruising to a historic 92nd win and eighth of the coronavirus-impacted 2020 season despite a late touch of painful cramp in his right calf.

The manner of victory was eventually an emphatic 25.5 seconds ahead of Bottas, with Max Verstappen taking the last podium spot for Red Bull.

Total F1 race wins Driver
92 Lewis Hamilton, Britain
91 Michael Schumacher, Germany
53 Sebastian Vettel, Germany
51 Alain Prost, France
41 Ayrton Senna, Brazil
32 Fernando Alonso, Spain
31 Nigel Mansell, Britain
27 Jackie Stewart, Britain
25 Jim Clark, Britain
25 Niki Lauda, Austria
24 Juan Manuel Fangio, Argentina
23 Nico Rosberg, Germany
23 Nelson Piquet, Brazil

"I owe it all to these guys here and back at the factory for their tremendous work. They are continually innovating and pushing the barrier even higher every year.

"It's been such a privilege working with them and I'm so grateful for all the moments. The reliability has been absolutely incredible.

Hamilton has now moved clear of the legendary Michael Schumacher in terms of overall career race victories
Getty Images

"No one is sitting back on the success. Everyone is pushing. That's the most incredible thing to be surrounded by, because it inspires you, and that collaboration, there's nothing quite like it.

"I could only have ever dreamed of being where I am today. I didn't have a magic ball when I chose to come to this team and partner with these great people, but here I am and what I can tell you is that I'm trying to make the most of it every single day.

"We're all rowing in the same direction and that's really why you're seeing the success that we're having.

The Mercedes star is well on track to go on and equal Schumacher's record haul of seven world titles this season
Getty Images

Hamilton had initially equalled the iconic Schumacher's record at the Eifel Grand Prix at the Nurburgring a fortnight ago, after which he was presented with one of Schumacher's race helmets by the German's son, Mick.

Another world title for the 35-year-old this season - F1 champion in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019 - would see him match Schumacher's record haul of seven.

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