Wolff: Lewis Hamilton “could shatter” Michael Schumacher’s records

F1 News

31 October 2019 at 13:40
  • Bevan Youl

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has said that Lewis Hamilton “could shatter” legend Michael Schumacher’s records if he keeps racing into his 40’s and is provided a winning car.

Schumacher set records during his time in Formula 1 that seemed unbeatable at the time, but the past five years has seen Hamilton constantly step closer to equalling and going beyond.
 
The German recorded a huge 91 victories and seven World Championships, but the Briton is only eight short on 83 and on track to seal a sixth World Championship this season with Wolff believing he can go further.

“I think he’s going to race as long as he feels he enjoys it and that he is competitive enough,” Wolff told Reuters.

“There is an age factor, that isn’t kicking in and that hasn’t happened (yet). Kimi (Raikkonen) has had his 40th birthday so why not?

“In between we need to continue to deliver a good enough car. If we do that, then yes he could shatter (Schumacher’s records).”

With the records getting closer for Hamilton Wolff believes that it will come with increased pressure, but that he can handle it as he has done throughout his career.

“I think it’s exciting. It’s an exciting potential new target,” Wolff added.

“Of course the pressure will increase but if he would not be able to cope with pressure, he wouldn’t be a five or six times world champion.”