Lewis Hamilton finished more than 25 seconds clear at the Portuguese Grand Prix to move 77 points clear in the title race and one ahead of Michael Schumacher for overall race wins on an historic occasion on Sunday.
The British Mercedes driver was far too strong for his competitors, securing his 92nd Grand Prix victory, overcoming an early hiccup when he slipped to third during a shower, to finish ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas.
Hamilton also suffered from cramp late in the race, but kept his focus.
Bottas, who is second on the overall Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship standings, was on the podium alongside Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Charles Leclerc finally gave Ferrari something to smile about, finishing fourth, the team’s best result since the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix in early August.
However, Hamilton’s dominance was the main story, which was also underlined by the fact he claimed an extra point for fastest lap.
Hamilton heaped praise on his team after the race. “I really owe it all to these guys for their teamwork, continually innovating and pushing the barrier ever higher every year,” he said.
“It’s such a privilege working with them. It really is absolutely incredible. Thanks to everyone for continually pushing, no one is sitting back, everyone is pushing.
“It’s the most incredible thing to be surrounded by these guys, it really inspires you - the collaboration - there is nothing like it.”
Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff offered strong praise to Hamilton, who looks a certainty to claim his seventh F1 world championship this year.
“Who would’ve thought when we started this project in 2013? It’s almost a surreal number of wins,” Wolff said.
“From Lewis, it’s his absolute passion and energy and its everything he puts into the sport - and the talent and the ability. He’s just standing out.”
