LEWIS HAMILTON could break a staggering SIX records in the 2023 Formula One season.
The Mercedes man, 38, endured heartbreak at the end of the 2021 campaign when he was denied the world championship in ridiculous fashion.
And then he suffered last year with an underperforming car as he failed to win a single race and watched on helplessly as Max Verstappen claimed back-to-back crowns.
But with the new 24-race season starting next month – the first race is in Bahrain on March 5 – Hamilton is gearing up to wrestle back the top gong in F1.
The Stevenage star already has a whole host of records in the sport, including the most race wins (103), most podiums (191) as well as the most points, consecutive race starts, consecutive points finishes and pole positions in history.
However, the Mirror report there are six more records Hamilton could claim in 2023 to cement his status as the F1 GOAT.
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Firstly, and most obviously, he could take the outright lead for the most drivers’ championships.
Hamilton currently shares the lead on seven with Michael Schumacher, but world title No8 would see him clear at the top.
Hamilton can also claim the record for the most wins at the same Grand Prix.
Schumacher won the French GP eight times – the same number of times Hamilton has won the British and Hungarian GPs.
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So claiming the chequered flag at Silverstone or the Hungaroring would take him on to nine.
Similarly, the Hungarian GP could be the scene of another new record for Hamilton if he claims pole.
The Brit has eight poles in Hungary – and also in Australia – which is tied with Schumacher in Japan and Ayrton Senna in San Marino.
The last of the Brazilian’s poles at Imola was claimed the day before he tragically died in 1994.
Hamilton could also become the very first F1 driver ever to win a race after their 300th race start.
No one has managed this feat yet and with 310 starts already under his belt, a win in 2023 would secure that for the Merc driver.
However, he is not the only man who can achieve this one in the upcoming season, with Fernando Alonso in the same position as he prepares for his debut season at Aston Martin.
Hamilton already holds the record for the most podiums shared with 56 alongside Sebastian Vettel.
That figure won’t be added to following the German’s retirement but it could be surpassed by Hamilton and Bottas (53) but far more likely Hamilton and Verstappen (52).
Lastly, and arguably the most difficult to achieve, is the number of F1 ‘grand slam’ weekends – defined as qualifying on pole, winning the race by leading every lap and recording the fastest lap.
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Hamilton has managed this six times in his incredible career, more than anyone else in the current F1 field.
However, it is still two shy of the all-time record of eight set by Jim Clark so might be a stretch too far for Sir Lewis to level or even overtake that tally in 2023.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
