Lewis Hamilton has moved clear of Michael Schumacher to become the most victorious driver in Formula One history.
The six-time world champion sealed the 92nd race win of his illustrious career at the Portuguese GP on Sunday.
Hamilton did not initially have everything his own way at the Portimao Circuit in the Algarve despite clinching his 97th career pole on Saturday, dropping down to third during a truly hectic, wet opening lap behind McLaren’s Carlos Sainz and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.
However, the Briton remained focus and eventually claimed back the race lead from Bottas on lap 20 and did not let up thereafter, constantly extending his lead and cruising to a historic 92nd win and eighth of the coronavirus-impacted 2020 season despite a late touch of painful cramp in his right calf.
The manner of victory was eventually an emphatic 25.5 seconds ahead of Bottas, with Max Verstappen taking the last podium spot for Red Bull.
“It’s going to take some time for it to fully sink in,” Hamilton — whose father Anthony was in attendance — said of his achievement in a interview with Sky Sports.
"I was still pushing flat out coming across the line, so I’m still very much in race mode mentally. I can’t find the words at the moment.
“I owe it all to these guys here and back at the factory for their tremendous work. They are continually innovating and pushing the barrier even higher every year.
“It’s been such a privilege working with them and I’m so grateful for all the moments. The reliability has been absolutely incredible.
Hamilton had initially equalled the iconic Schumacher’s record at the Eifel Grand Prix at the Nurburgring a fortnight ago, after which he was presented with one of Schumacher's race helmets by the German's son, Mick.
Another world title for the 35-year-old this season — F1 champion in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019 — would see him match Schumacher’s record haul of seven.