Hamilton equals Schumacher's record with win at the Nurburgring

The world championship leader takes his 91st career win
Michael Schumacher won his 91st win in China 2006Michael Schumacher won his 91st win in China 2006
Michael Schumacher won his 91st win in China 2006

It was once the home circuit of Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton drew level with his all-time wins record by claiming victory at the Eifel Grand Prix at the Nurburgring on Sunday.

Hamilton's 91st career win came at a canter in the end, after a brief battle with Valtteri Bottas in the early stages before the Finn ran wide to allow his teammate the chance to take the lead, Hamilton controlled the race to extend his championship lead to 70 points.

Schumacher's record had stood untouched since 2006, the year before Hamilton's first race in the sport, and the German's record of seven championships also looks to be equalled by the Mercedes man.

Lewis Hamilton wins at the NurburgringLewis Hamilton wins at the Nurburgring
Lewis Hamilton wins at the Nurburgring

He was given one of Schumacher's helmets in Parc Ferme by Michael's son Mick afterwards.

"I don't know what to say," Hamilton said. "When you grow up watching someone, idolise them, seeing his dominance for so long, I never imagined getting close to this record. I didn't compute that I'd drawn level until I pulled into the pitlane. Huge respect to Michael.

"Valtteri did an amazing job at the start, it was really good! But I tried to hang on to him for as long as possible. Then he locked up and allowed me through.

"Those Red Bulls are getting close though."

Daniel Ricciardo celebrates his first podium for RenaultDaniel Ricciardo celebrates his first podium for Renault
Daniel Ricciardo celebrates his first podium for Renault

Bottas suffered engine issues after a virtual safety car period, allowing Max Verstappen to claim second spot. The Red Bull man, while he couldn't mount a challenge on Hamilton, was nearly a minute clear of the rest of the field before a safety car, caused by Lando Norris' retirement 12 laps from home, closed the gaps up.

Verstappen said: "Overall, it was a good race, I was just following Lewis after Valtteri dropped out. At the end I thought I'd give it a go for the fastest lap for the extra point so I was quite happy with that.

"I think we deserved second today."

Daniel Ricciardo claimed his first podium for Renault, and his first since his Monaco win in 2018 as he held off Sergio Perez in the Racing Point.

The Australian said: "It has been a while. It feels like the first podium all over again. The feeling is really nice, it's fresh! We've waited a long time, so we'll all soak it up."

Carlos Sainz was fifth for McLaren, with Pierre Gasly sixth, Charles Leclerc seventh and a brilliant eighth for Nico Hulkenberg, who had only driven a handful of laps as he was a late call-up for the unwell Lance Stroll.

Romain Grosjean claimed ninth in the Haas, with Antonio Giovinazzi claiming the final point in the Alfa Romeo.

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