On the official Formula 1 website, F1 journalist Chris Medland noted it would be “apt” for Lewis Hamilton to equal Michael Schumacher’s most career wins record at the German’s home circuit.
Lewis Hamilton had his first opportunity to equal Michael Shumacher’s 91 career wins record at the Russian Grand Prix, but two five-second penalties made sure the record stood at least two more weeks.
“The penalties Hamilton picked up for carrying out practice starts in the wrong place cost him a chance of victory in Russia,” wrote Medland in his formula1.com column.
“That means he’s still on 90 wins, and still one away from matching Michael Schumacher’s all-time record.“
But the Briton will have another chance at this weekend’s Eifel Grand Prix, which will be held at the Nurburgring. The legendary venue returns to the Formula 1 calendar for the first time since 2013. The interesting thing here is, as Medland notes, that the venue is located relatively near Schumacher’s birthplace of Hurth.
“Given the Nurburgring is Schumacher’s home venue – he was born in Hurth, less than 100km away – it would be somewhat apt if Hamilton were to match the benchmark at the circuit, especially as it was not expected to host a race this year before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
“Hamilton’s likely to face fewer questions about it in the build-up, but while he remains on 90 wins there’s always the potential for a major milestone to be achieved come Sunday afternoon.”
If you like SilverArrows.Net, consider supporting us by buying us a coffee!
Additionally, if Lewis manages to equal Schumaher’s record at Nurburgring, he will do so in front of his son Mick, who will make his Formula 1 debut for Alfa Romeo in FP1.
“Even while Hamilton is trying to match Michael’s record, Schumacher’s son Mick is ensuring the famous surname is in the headlines for his own reasons,” continued Medland.
“Before Lewis took pole in Russia, Mick won the Formula 2 Feature Race, and backed that up with a third place in the shortened sprint race to extend his championship lead.
“Now he will make his FP1 debut at the Nurburgring, driving for Alfa Romeo, and will do so in front of up to 20,000 fans. Schumacher has tested F1 machinery before, most recently for Ferrari at Fiorano and previously for Alfa Romeo in the Bahrain in-season test.
“But his FP1 run will be the first time a Schumacher has been part of an F1 session during a race weekend since Michael’s final race in Brazil in 2012.”