Lewis Hamilton Claims Seventh World Championship with Masterclass Victory at 2… read more
In one of the most remarkable performances of his illustrious career, Lewis Hamilton secured his seventh Formula One World Championship by winning the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix on November 15, 2020. With this triumph, Hamilton equaled Michael Schumacher’s long-standing record of seven world titles, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport.
The race at Istanbul Park was a dramatic and unpredictable affair, held in wet and treacherous conditions that tested the limits of driver skill and car performance. The Turkish Grand Prix returned to the calendar for the first time since 2011, and the newly resurfaced track offered little grip throughout the weekend, causing chaos in practice and qualifying. Racing Point’s Lance Stroll took a sensational pole position — his first in Formula One — while Hamilton qualified a distant sixth, facing a difficult challenge ahead.
From the outset, the race was a slippery ordeal. The surface, combined with rain, created ice-like conditions. As the lights went out, several drivers struggled to keep control, with Max Verstappen, Valtteri Bottas, and Esteban Ocon all spinning in the early laps. Hamilton, known for his exceptional ability in wet weather, stayed calm and avoided incidents while gradually working his way up through the field. He initially fell behind after a cautious start but made steady progress as rivals faltered or struggled to maintain tire temperature.
By mid-race, it was clear that tire strategy would be key. Most drivers opted for intermediate tires, but as the track began to dry, managing the degradation became critical. While Racing Point’s Stroll led comfortably early on, his pace dropped significantly after a late tire change, and Sergio Perez moved into contention. Meanwhile, Hamilton, who had chosen not to pit again for fresh intermediates, began setting consistent lap times. His tire management proved decisive, allowing him to take the lead with less than 20 laps remaining.
In the closing stages, Hamilton extended his advantage with clinical precision, ultimately crossing the finish line over 30 seconds ahead of Perez. It was his 94th career win, and one of the most emotionally charged. Over team radio, a tearful Hamilton expressed gratitude to his team and supporters. “That’s for all the kids out there who dream the impossible,” he said. “You can do it too — I believe in you.”
Behind Hamilton, Sergio Perez secured a well-earned second place for Racing Point, his first podium finish of the season. Sebastian Vettel completed the podium in third, delivering a vintage performance for Ferrari after a tough season. Charles Leclerc had challenged for the podium in the final laps but ran wide in a bold attempt to overtake Perez, allowing both his teammate Vettel and Perez to pass.
Hamilton’s title win was the culmination of a season dominated by the British driver and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which shortened the season and led to several calendar changes, Hamilton remained composed and relentless. With this seventh title, he matched Schumacher’s seemingly unreachable record, but did so with his own unique style — combining consistency, speed, racecraft, and a strong commitment to diversity and social justice.
Throughout 2020, Hamilton also used his platform to speak out on global issues, most notably supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. He took a knee before most races and pushed for greater inclusivity in motorsport through initiatives like the Hamilton Commission. His actions both on and off the track contributed to his growing legacy not just as a racing icon, but as a global ambassador for change.
The 2020 Turkish Grand Prix will be remembered not only for its thrilling on-track action and dramatic weather, but for the historic achievement it marked. Hamilton’s drive in Istanbul was a masterclass in skill, patience, and strategy — a fitting race for a champion to write history. As the sport continues to evolve, Hamilton’s seventh world title places him firmly among the all-time legends of Formula One, and perhaps, the greatest of them all.
