SCHU-IN FOR LEWIS AGAIN
HE EQUALS RECORD TO TAKE TITLE RACE LEAD
LEWIS HAMILTON added another record to his growing collection with the simplest of victories at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The six-time world champion controlled the race from lights to flag for the second successive weekend to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of winning at the same venue for an eighth time. And the Briton now holds the world title lead for the first time this season, taking a five-point advantage over Valtteri Bottas in his quest for a recordequalling seventh title.
His Mercedes team-mate could have closed that gap but failed to pass
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for second.
Hamilton’s victory capped off a perfect weekend for the Briton after he romped to a record-extending 90th pole position to take his third victory in a row at the Hungaroring.
The 35-year-old also equalled that Schumacher record of winning a grand prix eight times – a feat the Ferrari great achieved in the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours.
The Mercedes star will deservedly take the plaudits, but hats off to the Red Bull mechanics for working wonders to save Verstappen’s race.
The Dutchman was perhaps fortunate to even make the start after he thudded into the barriers on his way to the grid.
He lost control of his Red Bull at turn 12, finding himself in the advertising boards and losing his front wing in the process.
But his mechanics pulled off a miracle job to ensure his wrecked car was repaired in time for the start.
Verstappen said: “It was not what I wanted at the beginning but the mechanics did an incredible job to fix the car, so to get second I am very pleased.
“I thought I was out of the race. To finish second feels like a victory.”
Indeed, the Dutchman had every reason to smile after a fabulous start enabled him to move from seventh to third in the early stages in the damp conditions. Hamilton also enjoyed a flawless start but Bottas had a nightmare opening in which he slipped from the front row to seventh by the end of the first lap.
The Finn started second and was expected to take the challenge to his team-mate, but his woes eased the pressure on Hamilton and the race leader went about his business with supreme confidence.
Hamilton even stopped for a fresh set of tyres with four laps to run to take a bonus point for the fastest lap, crossing the line 8.7seconds clear of Verstappen.
Bottas attempted to chase down the Red Bull star late on after taking on a new set of tyres with 20 laps remaining, but his challenge fell just short.
Hamilton’s 86th victory of his career moves him to within just five of Schumacher’s record, while he is on track to join the German on seven championship triumphs.
You would not bet against the Briton adding more records to his haul this season.