Lewis Hamilton backed to break Michael Schumacher F1 record on one condition
LEWIS HAMILTON has what it takes to beat Michael Schumacher’s seven Formula One world titles, but only if he stays motivated and energised.
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That is the view of Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, who has seen his team win each of the first seven races of the 2019 season.
Lewis Hamilton is currently top of the drivers’ standings having won five of those races, including the last three.
His blistering start makes the Englishman huge favourite to go on and win his sixth world title, which will put him just one behind the all-time record holder Schumacher.
Wolff has given his thoughts on Hamilton possibly becoming the most decorated F1 driver in history, and backed him to do so if two things happen.
He told the Telegraph: “Provided he stays motivated and energised, he has another four, five years in him.
“The Schumacher record, the seven titles, is certainly in the back of his mind.
“The reason he’s not saying it is because there’s a sixth in between.”
Hamilton, 34, is yet to sign a new deal with Mercedes and could consider retiring when he contract runs out at the end of the 2020 season.
His team-mate Valtteri Bottas is the only driver likely to put pressure on him for the remainder of the season.
Despite the excitement around the Ferrari car driven by Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc at the start of the campaign, both have failed to win a race and have only secured one finish higher than third between them.
Wolff is proud of what Hamilton has achieved so far this year as he targets a third-consecutive title, and named one area in which he has vastly improved.
“He is very good now in his self-assessment – and his self-improvement, every year,” Wolff added.
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“He has been growing each year, with fewer emotional swings.
“He is more stable now, and very well-integrated in the team.
“Overall, I have been most impressed by his personality development.
“It’s one of his strongest assets when I look around at the other drivers.”