Hamilton “just getting started” after ‘unimaginable’ seventh F1 title

Newly-crowned 2020 Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton says he feels he is “only just getting started” after claiming an “unimaginable” record-equalling title.

Hamilton clinched the 2020 F1 world title with a masterful victory in a wet and wild Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul Park to move level with Michael Schumacher on seven drivers’ world championships.

The Mercedes driver won by over 30 seconds in treacherously wet conditions in Turkey to record his 10th victory from 14 races this season and take the 94th win of his career.

“I know often I say it’s beyond my wildest dreams but I think my whole life I have secretly dreamt as high as this but it felt so far-fetched,” Hamilton said.

“I remember watching Michael winning those championship and we are all doing the best job we can. Just to get one, two, or even three, it’s so hard to get. So seven is just unimaginable.

“When you work with such a great group of people and you really trust one another, there is just no end to what we can do together with this team.

“I’m so proud of the work that we’ve done, and them trusting me out there today, that comes with experience. But what a day! A lot to take in.”

Hamilton is out on contract at the end of the year and recently caused a stir when he indicated that he might not continue to race with Mercedes in F1 next season.

But the 35-year-old Briton gave the strongest suggestion yet that he will remain in F1 as he explained his motivation to continue to push for change in the sport.

“I feel like I’m only just getting started, it’s really weird,” Hamilton replied when asked where he feels the limit is.

“I feel physically in great shape and mentally, this year has been the hardest year probably for millions of people and I know things always look great here on the big stage, it’s no different for us athletes.

“This has been a challenge that I didn’t know how to get through, but with the help of great people around me, the team, with the help of Team LH, I managed to just keep my head above water and stay focused.

“I am really hopeful for a better year next year and I would love to stay. I feel like we’ve got a lot of work to do here, we’ve only just begun to hold ourselves accountable as a sport.

“We cannot ignore the human rights issues that are going on around the countries we go to, and how we can engage with those countries and help them, empower them to do more to really change, not 10 years from now but now.

"I want to help Formula 1 and Mercedes in that journey. Also moving more sustainable as a sport, and I want to see if I can be a part of that, at least the first part of that for a little bit longer."