The paddock amazed by Lewis Hamilton’s 100th victory
This Russian Grand Prix 2021 marked Lewis Hamilton's 100th victory in Formula 1, a figure that most observers thought was unattainable. The Paddock pays tribute to him.
When Michael Schumacher left Formula 1 (initially) at the end of 2006, his incredible figure of 91 wins seemed to remain forever as an untouchable achievement. By becoming a centenarian only fifteen years later, Sir Lewis Hamilton has demonstrated that nothing is impossible and is now (even more) alone in the world. Martin Brundle (158 races in F1 including nine podiums) saluted this sporting monument in an interview for Sky Sports F1. It is an incredible number of wins in two different teams (79 for Mercedes and 21 for McLaren). He once again showed how good he was in the changing conditions this weekend. We know that getting to Formula 1 and winning a race is already difficult, but winning 100 races and seven titles is truly extraordinary.
Mika Häkkinen, former McLaren driver like Hamilton (and double world champion in 1998-99) also praises the talent of the British driver. Lewis Hamilton used all his natural speed and experience to achieve an incredible 100th Grand Prix victory. It is a huge achievement for the seven-time world champion. He showed another important quality during this race: patience.
« He will remember this victory »
Yet, upon closer inspection, the current Mercedes driver was not really destined for this new success. The twists and turns of the race and the strategic move by his team played a major role, an aspect that Jacques Villeneuve (1997 world champion) was keen to point out on the Canal + set. « It’s a beautiful 100th victory. It could have been ordinary. Today he didn’t have it in the bag, he wasn’t supposed to win it and then there was this gamble. It paid off, he will remember this 100th victory ».
Lewis Hamilton’s feat is so great that praise has come not only from the world of Formula 1, as evidenced by this small message from Valentino Rossi (nine-time motorcycle world champion, including seven times in MotoGP) to him on the Youtube channel of his current team, Petronas SRT. Congratulations Lewis on this 100th victory, this number is incredible, you are having a fantastic career.
The duel between the British driver and Max Verstappen continues. Following the Russian Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion takes the lead in the championship by two points over his Dutch rival with six races to go. Following this success achieved last Sunday, Mercedes remains undefeated since the appearance of Sochi on the calendar in 2014.
