Mon 27 September 2021:
On Sunday, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton won his 100th Formula One race in the Russian Grand Prix.
The seven-time champion English driver finished the race in 1:30:41.001, with Dutch driver Max Verstappen of Honda in second and Spaniard Carlos Sainz of Ferrari in third at the Sochi Autodrom.
Despite starting the race from 20th on the grid due to a penalty for using a new power unit, Verstappen was able to finish second at the end.
“It’s a magical moment,” said Hamilton.
“I could only ever have dreamed of still being here and having this opportunity to win these races and get to drive against such phenomenal talent this late in my career.
“To continue to build with Mercedes, of which I’m so proud of everything we’ve done, not only on track but also off and yeah, this is just a special moment for everyone that has been a part of it. I’ve had the most incredible team.”
Top spot of the driver standings is now owned by Hamilton with 246.5 points while Verstappen dropped to the second spot with 244.5 points and Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes ranked third with 151 points.
Mercedes currently leads the constructor standings with 397.5 points while Red Bull Racing Honda is at the second spot with 364.5 points and McLaren Mercedes took the third spot with 234 points.
Hamilton won his first F1 race in Canada in 2007 as a 22-year-old and behind the wheel of a McLaren.
He was also the sport’s first black race winner.
His 99th victory came on home ground at Silverstone in July this year but it was achieved in controversial circumstances.
On the opening lap, Hamilton, determined not to let Verstappen escape, charged through on the inside. The Dutchman shut the door, hit Hamilton and careened out of the race.
“There were moments where you didn’t even know if it was going to happen,” admitted Hamilton on the long wait to convert 99 into 100.
Next stop of the Formula One will be the Rolex Turkish Grand Prix held at Intercity Istanbul Park on Oct. 8-10.
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