Relief for Lewis as he salutes a magic milestone

LEWIS HAMILTON breathed a sigh of relief after finally claiming a ‘magical’ 100th victory on a dramatic afternoon in Sochi. The seven-time world champion triumphed by 53 seconds from title rival Max Verstappen, but only after rain seven laps from the end had robbed McLaren’s Lando Norris of his debut win. Hamilton, who prevailed after changing tyres when Norris didn’t and took a two-point lead, said: ‘It has taken a long time to get to 100 and I wasn’t even sure if it would come. ‘It is a magical moment. I could only have dreamed of still being here, to have this opportunity to win these races, and to drive with such phenomenal talents this late on in my career. ‘I am so proud of everything we have done with Mercedes, on and off the track, and this is a special moment for everyone that has been part of it. ‘My dad called me last night and he has always been the one to reassure me. I feel incredibly grateful for that and all the support I have received.’ Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff (right) said: ‘We are witnesses of a career that is just amazing. That 100th race victory is mind-blowing. ‘Today we talk about it — it’s going to be in the news for 24 hours — but only 20 years down the line are we going to realise we’ve been part of that.’ Hamilton came into the weekend with just one victory in the past 10 races as the landmark century proved elusive in the face of Verstappen’s charge. He also suffered setbacks on Friday and Saturday of this weekend, knocking over his jack man by overshooting the pit box, then damaging his front wing on the pit lane entrance. He started fourth and fell back to seventh before reviving his victory hopes. ‘I was so determined when I woke up this morning to deliver the best performance I could,’ said Hamilton. ‘Max must have done a great job to come up from last to second, so we have got our work cut out. But there is nothing I can do about who is behind me and that is a dream result for him. ‘For two-thirds of the season, Red Bull have had the edge. It has been difficult with all sorts of curveballs sent to both of us, and our teams, and there is still everything to play for. ‘I anticipate that it will continue to be really close between us for the rest of the year.’ Asked who would end the season in Abu Dhabi in December as champion, Verstappen offered just four words: ‘50-50. Yes, no.’