LEWIS HAMILTON was handed one of Michael Schumacher’s race helmets after equalling his 91-race win record.
The Brit was interrupted during his interview by Michael’s son, Mick, who presented him with the iconic piece of memorabilia in a touching moment.
It was only fitting that Hamilton would level Schumacher’s record, set in 2006, in the former Ferrari driver’s native Germany.
The Eifel GP track is where Schumacher won five times in his illustrious career.
Hamilton then stood on the podium and held the helmet aloft as he celebrated his seventh win in 11 races.
The 35-year-old said: “Thank you so much. It’s such an honour. I don’t know what to say.
“When you grow up watching someone and idolising them. What he was able to continuously do.
“I remember playing [as] Michael Schumacher on a game called GP2. Seeing his dominance for so long, I don’t think I imagined I would be near him in terms of records.
“So it’s an incredible honour. It’s going to take some time to get used to it.
“As I came in the pit lane that was only when I realised I had equalled the record.
Formula 1
– @LewisHamilton
wins the Eifel GP to equal Michael Schumacher
on a RECORD 91 GP wins. #EifelGP pic.twitter.com/lXWWf2OfNw
— Gracenote Live (@GracenoteLive) October 11, 2020
“I hadn’t even computed it when I crossed the line. I couldn’t have done this without this incredible team pushing behind me. So a big thank you and huge respect to Michael.”
Hamilton started the race in second behind team-mate Valtteri Bottas and survived an early scare when the two cars touched on the first corner.
The Finn then made a major error on lap 13 when a right lock up sent him wide, allowing Hamilton to make the overtake.
Bottas’ day went from bad to worse when he lost power on lap 19 forcing him to pull out of the race.
That allowed Hamilton to create a lead of over 10 second upfront before the safety car was deployed with 12 laps to go when Lando Norris crashed.
But after moaning the safety car was travelling too slowly, he kept his cool to cruise to extend his lead at the top to 69 points.
