Lewis Hamilton

Schumacher's records in Hamilton's mind - Wolff

Matthew Scott Saturday 22 June 2019 11:58

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has no doubt that matching, and even eclipsing, Michael Schumacher's Formula 1 records is inspiring Lewis Hamilton to continued success. Hamilton is closing fast on Schumacher's record for race wins, and has just two fewer titles than the German.

Having retired with seven championships and 91 grand prix wins, many thought Schumacher may always reside in a lonely spot in both regards.

However, Hamilton and Mercedes have dominated recent seasons as Schumacher did at the turn of the century with Ferrari, and the Brit is now a cert to break some records, with the most prestigious ones also in sight.

Hamilton himself has regularly played down his interest in the record books, but Wolff believes this is tactical ignorance.

"Provided he stays motivated and energised, he has another four, five years in him," Wolff told The Telegraph.

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"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.

"He is very good now in his self-assessment – and his self-improvement, every year.

"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."