Lewis Hamilton matches sensational F1 record after remarkable display

November 15, 2020, marked a historic day for F1 as a record many believed to be unreachable was matched by Lewis Hamilton.

The Briton had enjoyed a successful campaign in the season that was heavily disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and entered the Turkish Grand Prix having won the previous three events.

F1 returned to Turkey for the first time since 2011 amid a heavily revamped schedule, and there was drama from the off with low grip conditions offering a serious challenge for all drivers on a newly resurfaced track.

There was also wet weather to deal with, which sensationally saw Lance Stroll claim his maiden F1 pole position ahead of the race.

Starting from sixth position, Hamilton faced an uphill battle but found himself in third place after the first corner. However, a mistake later in the lap demoted him back to P6. 

The Mercedes driver was forced to regroup before carving through the field on the treacherous surface, making a crucial strategic decision to reject his team's call for fresh intermediate tyres during the pit window. This bold choice proved decisive in securing victory.

The championship mathematics were straightforward: Hamilton held an 85-point lead over teammate Valtteri Bottas, meaning victory would clinch the title regardless of other results. Bottas endured a disastrous race, spinning six times and finishing 14th, which ended his dwindling championship hopes and confirmed Hamilton's triumph.

Hamilton dominated the final stages, crossing the line 31.633 seconds ahead of Racing Point's Sergio Perez, with Sebastian Vettel completing the podium. The victory marked Hamilton's 94th career win and tenth of the 2020 season.

In doing so, he took his seventh F1 title, matching the record tally held by Michael Schumacher since 2004.

"I'm lost for words," Hamilton said after climbing from his car. "We dreamed of this when I was young, and this is way, way beyond our dreams." 

His emotional team radio message focused on inspiration: "That's for all the kids out there who dream the impossible. You can do it too."

The Turkish Grand Prix proved particularly demanding for all competitors. Stroll, despite leading much of the race from pole, suffered car damage and finished ninth. 

Charles Leclerc made a costly error on the final lap while battling Perez for second place, allowing team-mate Vettel to secure the final podium position.