Hamilton ‘can’t comprehend’ reaching Schumacher’s F1 record

Lewis Hamilton says he “can’t really comprehend” matching Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of seven Formula 1 world championships as it still feels “so far away”.

Hamilton became the second most successful driver in F1 history as he wrapped up his sixth world title on Sunday with a second place finish at the United States Grand Prix.

The Briton has now moved clear of Juan Manuel Fangio and is just one world championship triumph away from equalling Schumacher’s long-standing feat of seven drivers’ titles.

“I’ve always said that reaching Michael’s [record] was never a target for me,” Hamilton explained. “I’m not really one that really thinks of records and those kind of things.

“I definitely had thought that getting anywhere near Michael was just so far-fetched and I remember having my one for a long period of time, then getting a second one.

“It was so far away and now yet it seems so close yet it is so far away that I still can’t really even comprehend.”

Hamilton, who is also eight victories away from matching Schumacher’s wins record of 91, insisted he does not want to get carried away with the prospect of drawing level with the German - something he could achieve as early as 2020.

“The challenges that we’ll face in these next coming months, the next season… You look at these other teams that have really been putting some astonishing performances in in the second half of the season,” he added.

“It’s going to take another load of incredible performance and work from myself and all the people who are around me and I really don’t want to have to think about it right now.

“And also, I don’t want to build up the idea of trying to get to seven because at the moment, I’ve got enjoy right now.

“Tomorrow’s not a given, I don’t know what’s going to happen over these next days or months but what I have to do and what we all really should try to make sure you enjoy each day because one day you’re here and one day you’re not.

“So not trying to think of what’s going to happen potentially at the end of next year or 2021. I believe that I have the ability to continue to grow and to do more with this team and within Formula 1 and so that would be the target but time will tell.

“Right now I just focus on trying to be as fit and healthy as I can be and smile as much as I can and enjoy this beautiful journey we call life.”

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— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) November 4, 2019