Lewis Hamilton was left emotional after tying Michael Schumacher’s record for most pole positions in Formula 1 following his 68th career pole at the Belgian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver set a new track record time on the way to his seventh pole of 2017, a fitting way to reach the mark of the seven-time world champion at a circuit that saw many important moments the German's legendary career.

The recent domination of the Silver Arrows has seen Hamilton score over half of his total since 2014 and upon reaching the mark received a message from the Schumacher family through long-time friend and former boss of both Hamilton and Schumacher at Mercedes, Ross Brawn congratulating the 32-year-old on his achievement and reminding him of a quote that Schumacher used to believe in “records are meant to be broken”.

"It is a special day definitely," he said. "I knew it was on the horizon and at some stage, I would be getting that 68th pole but hadn't thought about it much. I didn't apply pressure, it could come soon, it could take time.

"I remember coming here in 1996 for my first GP and watching Michael coming by out of Turn 1 and the engine shook my rib cage,” Hamilton adding sharing his own memories of Schumacher at Spa. "It was incredible and that is when my love of the sport took another step. Now to have equalled him on poles is surreal – particularly knowing Michael is such a legend.

"It is an incredible feat he achieved and I am very proud to be up there with him."

For many, the moment brought a moment of reflection about Schumacher's current battle as he recovers from severe head injuries suffered while skiing in the Alps in late 2013.

"I pray for Michael and his family all the time," Hamilton said. "I have had the privilege of racing with him from karting days in Kerpen to on the track [in F1] and always admired him and still do today.

"I'm just honoured to be up there with him in the poles but he will still be one of the greatest of all time."