‘Magical second’ as Lewis Hamilton hits 100 wins

System One F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – September 26, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton is interviewed after successful his a centesimal race REUTERS/Anton Vaganov

Lewis Hamilton described changing into the primary driver to win 100 System One races as “magical” on Sunday whereas his Mercedes group boss Toto Wolff hailed the landmark as “mind-blowing”.

The 36-year-old Briton reached his century by winning the rain-lashed Russian Grand Prix at Sochi.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton additionally moved again to the highest of the drivers’ standings by two factors from Max Verstappen, who completed second in a Pink Bull.

“It’s a magical second,” stated Hamilton.

“I may solely ever have dreamed of nonetheless being right here and having this chance to win these races and get to drive in opposition to such phenomenal expertise this late in my profession.

“To proceed to construct with Mercedes, of which I’m so pleased with the whole lot we’ve executed, not solely on observe but additionally off and yeah, that is only a particular second for everybody that has been part of it. I’ve had probably the most unimaginable group.”

At present we received our a centesimal race! Phrases can’t describe the way it feels to make historical past with this group of hardworking, pushed and passionate human beings. We should preserve combating, preserve rising. We’ve acquired a championship to win #LH100 pic.twitter.com/e2oQHVAVDi

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) September 26, 2021

Hamilton received his first F1 race in Canada in 2007 as a 22-year-old and behind the wheel of a McLaren.

He was additionally the game’s first black race winner.

His 99th victory came on home ground at Silverstone in July this year but it surely was achieved in controversial circumstances.

On the opening lap, Hamilton, decided to not let Verstappen escape, charged by means of on the within. The Dutchman shut the door, hit Hamilton and careened out of the race.

Hamilton served a 10-second penalty, then hunted down Charles Leclerc to seize an eighth dwelling victory.

“There have been moments the place you didn’t even know if it was going to occur,” admitted Hamilton on the lengthy wait to transform 99 into 100.

Wolff described Hamilton’s achievement as “mind-blowing”.

“These closing few laps had been so intense, however we managed to make the appropriate calls and lead the sector throughout the end line,” he stated.

“A giant congratulations to Lewis on his a centesimal win. What we’re witnessing is simply mind-blowing.

“It’ll be talked about for the subsequent few days, but it surely’ll solely be years down the road after we understand that we’ve all been a part of this journey.

“A journey no different driver in F1 historical past has executed thus far. That’s past race wins and championship victories, that’s the very human a part of all this.”

Pink Bull group chief Christian Horner, in the meantime, described Hamilton’s achievement as “insane” however predicted the title race will go right down to the final race in Abu Dhabi in December.

“Max was assured going into the race, however we thought high 5 is perhaps potential so to return away with that podium is massively worthwhile,” Horner informed Sky Sports activities.

“I’ve to say congratulations to Lewis on his century of wins, which is insane. For us, to return away from right here solely two factors behind within the drivers’ championship with an engine penalty taken, that’s nice information.”

Horner added: “That is going to go all the way in which to Abu Dhabi, I’ve acquired completely little doubt about that, and it’s going to be an exceptional competitors.”

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