Hamilton is on track for Schu record
RECORD-BREAKER Lewis Hamilton is all fired-up for a memorable Russian Grand Prix after recovering from a messy practice and qualifying.
The six-time world champion looked anything but a winner until a dramatic last-ditch touch of genius rocketed him into the lead and increased the prospect of him matching Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 victories.
The Brit clinched a new record of 96 pole placings but only after recovering from a string of errors at the slippy Sochi Autodrom.
He looked to be heading to his worst qualifying show of the season and was close to being ousted from Q2 when a Sebastian Vettel (right) crash stopped the action.
Hamilton set out in fourth place for the final crucial showdown and edged out Max Verstappen, with Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas third.
Hamilton’s qualifying brilliance eclipsed his 2019 winner’s lap record and team boss Toto Wolff said: “Michael Schumacher was my hero but I will be happy to see Lewis beat his record.
“He deserves all the success that he has enjoyed so far with more, much more, to come this season and new records to be set by him.”
Hamilton, who is currently haggling with Mercedes for an extension to his £40million-ayear contract, said: “That was one of the worst qualifying sessions of my career. It was horrible and my heart was in my mouth.
“I will probably get outdragged at the start because this is one of the worst tracks to start from pole.”