LEWIS HAMILTON sat in his Mercedes’ cockpit with his hands covering his face as fought back the tears.
He’d just won a record-equalling seventh world style in typical style but was desperate not to show any weakness to his rivals.
Lewis Hamilton celebrates with his trophy after victory in TurkeyCredit: Getty Images
The Brit was in tears after winning his seventh world titleCredit: AFP
Hamilton celebrates with Sebastian Vettel and Sergio PerezCredit: Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff on the podiumCredit: Reuters
Victory number 94 came as he crossed the line a whopping 31.6 seconds ahead of Sergio Perez.
Hamilton said: “My whole life I’ve secretly dreamt as high as this.
“I remember watching Michael winning those championships. We always hear just to get 1 or 2 or even 3 is so hard to get – 7 is just so unimaginable.
“There’s no end to what me and this team can do together. What a day. A lot to take in.
“I feel like I’m only just getting started. I feel physically in great shape and mentally this year has been the hardest year for millions of people and it’s no different for us athletes.
“I’m a bit lost for words. I think naturally I have to say thank you to the team. The journey we’ve been on is monumental.
“I want to say also a big thank you to team LH for sticking with me all these years. And to my family who dreamed of this when we were young and watching the grand prix. This is way beyond our dreams.
“It’s so important for kids out there to see this and know that don’t listen to anybody who tells you you can’t achieve something. Dream the impossible and speak it into existence. You’ve got to work for it, chase it and never give up.”
Hamilton wipes away the tears of joyCredit: AFP
Lewis Hamilton tosses the trophy in the air as Sebastian Vettel looks onCredit: Reuters
Brit Hamilton equalled Michael Schumacher’s record of seven titlesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Lewis Hamilton raises his fists in delight after a seventh world titleCredit: AP:Associated Press
Only needing to ensure he finished ahead of his teammate, Valtteri Bottas, who had a stinker and was left dizzy after a number of spins, Hamilton could have played it safe.
But if there is one thing we have learnt about the 35-year-old during his career is that he doesn’t do things the easy way.
Instead of coasting home, he thumped on the accelerator and thumped the brake pedal like his life depended on it.
There is an argument that he only wins races because he has the best car. But in these wet slippery conditions it is simple; it was the best driver that won.
Before the race, there were some worried faces as the dark clouds gathered over the Istanbul Park circuit and the heavens opened.
The rain had caused havoc the previous day to result in an unlikely first pole position for Lance Stroll.
But there was one man who looked an oasis of calm, despite what was at stake as Hamilton stuck to his usual pre-race routine.
The rain continued to fall and caused some spins on the way to the grid as Antonio Giovinazzi and George Russell both found the barriers before limping back to the start.
As for the start itself, it was like these 1,000bhp cars were stuck in treacle as they sluggishly pulled away from the line.
It was like being at your local rink watching people take to the ice for the first time, taking pigeon steps as they tried to get their balance.
Max Verstappen, pent up having missed out on pole the previous day, barely moved forward as Hamilton quickly went from sixth to fourth.
By contrast, Bottas was tagged by Esteban Ocon and sent into the first of many spins for the day.
The Finn was powerless as he slid into a 360 degree spin that dropped him down to 18th.
It was game over from Turn One on Lap one.
Hamilton won his seventh world title on Sunday in TurkeyCredit: AP:Associated Press
The Brit nursed his Mercedes home in the rain to win another world crownCredit: AP:Associated Press
With Hamilton in fourth, he played out a thrilling duel with Sebastian Vettel over a handful of laps, as the German rolled back the years by finishing in the top three.
When Bottas stopped for intermediate tyres at the end of lap seven, he had hauled himself back to 15th.
But he soon started going backwards again as he spun again – so much for all that rally experience he did over last winter.
Then it was Hamilton’s turn to have a nervy moment.
He bailed out of an attempt to overtake Vettel on Lap 16 and ran wide, allowing Alex Albon to pass, dropping Hamilton down a place.
Out in front, Stroll was being caught by Perez and Verstappen until the Dutchman proved a little too keen and sent into a terrifying spin at 200mph.
Michael Schumacher won seven world titles during his own dominant careerCredit: AP:Associated Press
The German dominated in the early 2000s in his FerrariCredit: AP:Associated Press
Somehow, he managed to keep on the blackstuff and avoided contact with the barriers.
Another two spins for Bottas dropped him even further back as Hamilton kept things clean, despite keeping up the pace.
It was like when the TV cameras at The Open cut to the engraver writing the name of this year’s winner on the Claret Jug.
No need for nervousness as Hamilton was handed an unexpected double boost.
First, Vettel makes a slow pitstop before Albon spins, allowing the champ into third place.
A pitstop for Stroll promoted Hamilton to second on lap 36. He was in P1 a lap later after overtaking Perez.
Drivers started on the wet tyres after rain lashed down in IstanbulCredit: Getty Images
Valtteri Bottas spun on the opening lap to all but end his chances of extending the world championshipCredit: Getty Images
So much for taking it easy.
As for Bottas, he was sent into another THREE SPINS, and with 12 laps to go there was the ultimate indignity, as Hamilton lapped his teammate.
The Finn made life more difficult for the Brit as he refused to move off the racing line.
Bottas, who trundled home in 14th place, was left wondering – like others before him – if he will ever get the better of his teammate.
On being told he had four laps to go, the dead-pan Bottas replied: “I wish it was less.” And who could blame him?
The threat of a rain shower on the final few laps nearly added another twist as Hamilton warned his team that the worn intermediate tyres would not work.
But the rain stayed away and as he conducted his post-race interviews a beautiful rainbow arched its way across the paddock.
Hamilton had conjured this win out of nothing, the pot of gold was a seventh title at the end of 14-year long rainbow.
The drivers take part in a message against racismCredit: Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton admits he doesn’t know if he’ll be in F1 next year after winning Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
