LONDON – Lewis Hamilton is hoping to equal Michael Schumacher's record seven Formula One championships in the season that starts in Austria this weekend after being delayed since March by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The following details some of the milestones the Mercedes driver and his team can reach.
7 –
Titles. A record held by Ferrari great Schumacher. Also successive constructors' titles. Mercedes have won the last six, a record shared with Ferrari.
8 –
Schumacher holds the record of eight wins at the same grand prix. Hamilton is on seven for Canada, which remains uncertain for this year, and Hungary – third race of the revised season.
Also Grand Slams (pole, led every lap and fastest lap). Hamilton needs two more to equal late compatriot Jim Clark's all-time record of eight.
11 –
Longest gap between first and last championships. Hamilton took this record last year (2008-19) from Schumacher (1994-2004) and can stretch it to 12 this season.
13 –
Most races won in a single season, a record Schumacher shares with Sebastian Vettel. Hamilton's highest tally is 11. That looks unlikely in this coronavirus-affected year, with the sport setting its sights on 15-18 races after originally planning a record 22.
19 –
Grands Prix won after leading every lap. Hamilton shares the record with Ayrton Senna.
33 –
Consecutive points finishes. An ongoing record held by Hamilton, whose last failure to score was in Austria in 2018.
65 –
Front row lockouts. Ferrari hold this one but Mercedes are on 64.
88 –
Pole positions. A record held by Hamilton, whose 88th was in Abu Dhabi last November.
91 –
Race wins, a record held by Schumacher. The German's last win was in China in 2006. Hamilton starts the campaign with 84 wins to his credit. He has averaged 10 wins a season for the past six years.
148 –
Most grands prix led. Hamilton set this last year.
155 –
Podium finishes. Another of Schumacher's records that looks destined to fall. Hamilton is on 151.
250 –
Most consecutive starts. A Hamilton record.