Matching Schumacher record will send a message you can 'dream big' - Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton believes that winning a seventh Formula 1 world title will send a message that there is nothing wrong with dreaming big.

Hamilton heads into this weekend's Turkish Grand Prix on the brink of history as a combination of the right result in tandem with Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas will see him equal Michael Schumacher's legendary record.

The 35-year-old recognises that from the viewpoint of fans and the media, the enormity of his success is almost lost on him given his own inward-looking perspective.

Asked as to what such an achievement would mean, Hamilton replied: "Pretty difficult to say. That's the question I get asked all the time. Naturally, the numbers, figures, titles and all that stuff, it appears to me more from the outside.

"I remember watching tv and Michael getting that seventh and you're like 'Wow!' But when you're in it, it's different."

Hamilton at least hopes he inspires and proves that no matter what you set your sights on, it should never be dismissed.

"Naturally, matching an icon like Michael I will be incredibly proud of that," added Hamilton.

"But it's more the message it sends, hopefully to people, not just kids, but mostly kids because they're the future, that you have to dream bigger than you think you can dream, and don't let anyone tell you can't go for that."

Hamilton has suggested he is far from finished with F1 after this season despite the fact he has yet to sign a new contract and the lure of what he is doing off track with his stand against racism and his push for equality and diversity.

"We're going to continue to fight for more championships, we're going to continue to try to improve, to continue to race and to do what we love doing," insisted Hamilton.

"I think what's important is the journey this year has been combined with the fight for equality and a real growing process this year of learning about what's happening around the world and being a little bit more aware of surroundings and starting to see progress with that."

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