Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton chasing Michael Schumacher record 'one step at a time'

Hamilton

Hamilton chasing Schumacher title record 'one step at a time'

Can Hamilton equal Schumacher in 2020?

Sam Hall

Wednesday 12 February 2020 18:00

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Lewis Hamilton addresses his fans as he begins the hunt for a record equaling seventh Formula One world title - the reigning champion talking on his first day back in the office.

Throughout the career of Lewis Hamilton, there have been benchmark targets and comparisons set. Equaling the three titles secured by his hero Ayrton Senna and his mentor Niki Lauda was a milestone he reached in 2015. Then came the direct comparison as he became a four time champion, equaling his rival Sebastian Vettel and the subsequent 'Race for Five' in 2018.

Now, all other records,although there to be broken, are almost irrelevant in 2020, as Hamilton goes on the hunt to equal Michael Schumacher's seven title haul.

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"I know that you guys are all gunning for number seven but I think we've just got to take it one step at a time," said Hamilton, addressing his fans on the Mercedes Instagram account. "We have no idea where we're going to stand compared to everybody else, so we've just got to try and be more efficient this year with our test programme, particularly as we have less time.

"We still have a lot of work to do."

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A post shared by Mercedes-AMG F1 (@mercedesamgf1) on Feb 12, 2020 at 3:04am PST

Hamilton has been open throughout the winter about his relationship with his family, being especially open about the previously difficult relationship he had with his father Anthony Hamilton.

The two enjoyed some father-son time over the winter and the Mercedes driver again reflected on his enjoyment of this time.

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"This is my first day back at work and I've not really been massively active on social media, but I've really missed all of you," said Hamilton. "I've missed the engagement and seeing you guys at the race weekends.

"I'm definitely excited to be back in and re-engage with you guys. It's been an incredible winter. I've had a lot of time with family and friends and I'd say one of the best times has been with my Dad and secondly just the training has been different this year.

"The feeling I have physically and mentally is on another level compared to last year so that's a real positive."

Mercedes have already launched their 2020 livery at an event at the Royal Automobile Club in London, but the team will reveal the W11 properly when conducting a filming day at Silverstone on Friday.