Hamilton wants to get 'close' to Schumacher’s F1 records

Newly-crowned five-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton says he targets to “at least get close” to Michael Schumacher’s all-time records.

Hamilton moved level with Juan Manuel Fangio on five drivers’ world titles following his latest championship triumph at the Mexican Grand Prix.

The 33-year-old Briton is now behind only seven-time world champion Schumacher in world title victories, while he has already surpassed the German’s pole position record and is also edging closer to his win (91) and podium (155) tallies.

Earlier this year Hamilton signed a new two-year deal with Mercedes that will keep him in F1 until at least the end of the 2020 season.

“I was just really not trying to take anything for granted,” Hamilton said. “The way I’ve always approached it, is I’ve just been really thankful for the ones [titles] you have.

“I’ve very, very fortunate to be up here now, obviously with more than most people have, and I don’t take that for granted.

“Whether or not I’m going to have the chance to win more, who knows, but I’m going to give it everything to do so. But I think just one step at a time.

“The 91 wins that he [Schumacher] has, for example, that’s a lot of wins. There’s still a long way to go but I’m here for a few more years, so I’m hoping that I can at least get close.”

After becoming just the third man in history to win five or more world championships, Hamilton says he still considers Schumacher, who he labelled a “genius” for what he achieved with Ferrari, as F1’s greatest of all time.

“Michael’s still quite far ahead in race wins so you have to say he is still the GOAT,” he explained.

“Fangio, I think, is the godfather and always will be, from a driver’s perspective. To do what he did at that time when everything was so dangerous – my respect is so high for him.

“I feel very honoured to have my name alongside his, that’s for sure and naturally just every proud to have the Hamilton name up there. If I stopped today, the Hamilton name will always be there.

“I feel like I’m still driving with that fierce fire that I had when I was eight years old which I love, so I’ll keep going until that goes – which I don’t think it’s ever going to go – but my bodyclock will run out at some stage.”

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