Russian Grand Prix Perfect Opportunity For 91st Career Win For Lewis Hamilton

If the record for holding the most driver titles or world championships is the greatest record ever in Formula 1, then surely the record for most race wins, is the next big record at the highest annals of the sport. Isn’t it? Then, even things like the fastest lap record fall later. As the F1 circus prepares for the upcoming Russian Grand Prix, there’s but one thought in everyone’s mind. Can Lewis Hamilton- currently sitting on 90 race wins- equal the great Michael Schumacher and win his 91st race?

Can Lewis Hamilton therefore be the only other driver in the seven-decade history of F1 to do what no other driver before or since Schumacher has achieved?

With 90 race wins, 158 podiums, and 95 poles- Lewis Hamilton has shaped a unique career; an utterly dominant one checkered with unchallenged authority at the very highest level.

At 35, he is fighting fit and at the very peak of his powers. Should he continue for another two to three seasons, which on fitness and form should not be an issue, he may end up with 130 odd wins or some number in that close range.

But he’s already inching closer to the very peak that any driver can achieve in Formula 1. Isn’t it?

Not only is he just one race win shy of equalling the iconic German driver but with six world championships, he’s only one away from matching the famous Ferrari driver on yet another account. All of that can happen in 2020. This is both unbelievable and surprising since at a time where it was being felt that just about anything might happen 2020 being a year riddled by complete suspense and near heartbreak thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, here’s Hamilton conquering milestones.

With 6 race wins already, including 7 podiums in 9 events, there’s little wonder why Lewis Hamilton is the greatest driver on the current grid.

As he prepares for September 27-bound Russian Grand Prix, he’d be eyeing yet another grand slam- pole, win, and fastest lap.

But having said that, by his own admission, Lewis Hamilton has also admitted that it’s a bit surreal to be in a position to match the iconic Michael Schumacher.

Back in the day when Michael won his last-ever Grand Prix, which was at China in 2006, then the tally of 91 wins was being considered untouchable.

Who would have thought that a driver several years younger to the great Michael Schumacher would come to a position of unprecedented authority and that too, be in a position to beat that tally in a German car?

That’s Formula 1 for us: utterly unpredictable and completely unforeseeable.

Recently having been part of the maiden Formula 1 Mugello race at Tuscany, Hamilton the winner in the event opened up on what lies ahead immediately, “It just doesn’t seem real.”

Obviously it’s ultimately a privilege to be in a position and have such a great team and a car to be able to deliver weekend in, weekend out.

“But I just feel forever grateful to the people that continue to work hard, I’m just a link in the chain but getting the wins is not easy when you have a great driver in Valtteri [Bottas] pushing you the limit, weekend in, weekend out.

“But I never thought that I would be here, that’s for sure.”

Having already won the famous Russian Grand Prix on four separate occasions, one each in 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, can Hamilton bag his fifth win at Sochi this weekend, and with it- his 91st career win? All to play for on Sunday.