Hamilton equals Schumacher's record of seven titles with victory in Istanbul

We won't teach you anything by writing that Lewis Hamilton is an exceptional champion. Nevertheless, his driving on Sunday November 14 at Istanbul Park (Turkey) amply justifies his reputation as well as his new status as a seven-time winner in Formula 1.

DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE

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- Formula 1 (@ F1) November 15, 2020

Because yes, the Briton has joined Michael Schumacher at the top of the sport thanks to a 94th victory acquired by intelligence, its second in Turkey. Starting sixth, the spearhead of Mercedes wisely led his boat.

Still present in the top 5 after doubling Daniel Ricciardo at the start, he took advantage of better tire maintenance to double the surprising Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) Et les Red Bull, before catching up with the Racing Points which were too fast at the start of the course. Having taken the lead on lap 37, he chose not to observe a second pit stop.

This strategy paid off as he was able to build a sufficient lead in the second half of the race. The podium is completed by Sergio Pérez (Racing Point), who equals his best result in F1 (2nd) and Sebastian Vettel, after a driving error of Charles Leclerc (4th) in the last sector.

If we feared a hell of a fight at the start, the tightrope walkers mostly remained wise. Alas, Esteban Ocon (Renault) had a bad first round. The Norman was hit by his own teammate Daniel Ricciardo, the latter widening the trajectory to allow Lewis Hamilton to pass on the inside of the first corner. Barely leaving, the Frenchman was sent in the opposite direction by Valtteri Bottas !

Invigorated, Sebastian Vettel found the mastery he lacked this year to move up seven positions when the lights went out.

After six laps, track conditions were sufficient to prompt a tire change. “Rain” rubbers thus gave way to intermediaries. In this interval, Sergio Pérez lost precious time on his Canadian colleague by being recalled several laps later by his pit wall. Lance stroll still remained in the lead, with a margin of around ten seconds.

Whether it rains or not, viewers can always bet on Max Verstappen (Red Bull) to get excited about. The Dutchman put the turbo on to get back to the pink cars in the lead when he took off in a figure at very high speed. Starting at the bottom of the top 10, he was then placed under investigation by the stewards for a bitten white line leaving the pits. Oh, and he spun again while chasing Alex Albon.

Stroll, from dream to reality

Lance Stroll's dream of converting his first pole into victory only lasted 37 laps. The Canadian, it must be admitted, fought valiantly, making no mistakes in the first half of the effort.

But as soon as the second set of intermediate tires was fitted, his pace decreased. He finished in ninth place which does not reflect his Turkish background.

Racing Point, however, takes a giant step forward in the fight for third place in the Constructors' championship thanks to Sergio Pérez's podium. The Renaults were slower and slower while the McLaren, who left the top 10, picked up the pace. Carlos Sainz Jr and Lando Norris maintain a slim hope for the Woking formation.

The ranking is closed by Haas. Nicholas latifi (Williams) gave up after many errors, and Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo) went off the road on his grid lap.

Find the analysis of the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix by our special correspondent in issue 2287 of AUTOhebdo, on sale Monday evening digitally and Wednesday on newsstands.