Hamilton ‘not thinking about’ Schumacher’s F1 wins record at Eifel GP

Lewis Hamilton insists he is “solely focused on trying to do the best job I can” and is not getting distracted by the prospect of matching Michael Schumacher’s all-time Formula 1 wins record at the Eifel Grand Prix.

Hamilton can draw level with Schumacher’s benchmark of 91 grand prix victories by winning Sunday’s race at the Nuburgring, a venue the German triumphed at on five occasions throughout his career.

But the Briton, who remains on course to also equal Schumacher’s tally of seven world titles this year with a 44-point advantage in the 2020 championship standings, was beaten to pole position on Saturday.

Hamilton will line up on the front-row alongside his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas who grabbed top spot in qualifying, while he has Red Bull’s Max Verstappen sitting just behind him.

Asked whether it would mean more to him to equal Schumacher’s record at an iconic venue, Hamilton replied: “Honestly it wouldn't make any difference, I’ve got my work cut-out tomorrow.

“It’s not something I particularly think about. If and when it happens, it’ll be great – but right now these two [Bottas and Verstappen] are making it pretty hard for me. I’m enjoying this battle I’m having with these guys.

“I know you keep asking me questions about it but I can’t tell you [how it feels],” he added. “I don’t feel a particular way about it right now.

“I’m solely focused on trying to do the best job I can. If that gets me to that win then great but of course, I’m not looking short term, I’m looking further ahead, you know.”

P2 might not be a bad starting position for Hamilton, given that four of the last five winners at the Nurburgring have come from second on the grid - including Hamilton himself in 2011.