Lewis Hamilton is “definitely” thinking about Michael Schumacher’s seven Formula 1 titles, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff claims.
The Briton is quickly closing on the records many thought would be unattainable after the German’s dominance with Ferrari in the early 2000s.
After victory in Hungary, Lewis is now just 10 short of Michael’s tally of 91 and on the championship front, Wolff believes talk of number seven will come when Hamilton reaches number six.
“Provided he stays motivated and energised, he has another four, five years in him,” the Austrian told The Telegraph.
“The Schumacher record, the seven titles, is certainly in the back of his mind. The reason he’s not saying it is because there’s a sixth in between.
Also Read:
- Hamilton not retiring anytime soon despite Rosberg comments
- Button: Hamilton could win 10 titles if he stays at Mercedes
- F1 will accept Hamilton is as good as Schumacher after he retires – Wolff
“He is very good now in his self-assessment – and his self-improvement, every year.
“He has been growing each year, with fewer emotional swings. He is more stable now, and very well-integrated in the team.
“Overall, I have been most impressed by his personality development. It’s one of his strongest assets when I look around at the other drivers.”
The prospect of Hamilton matching Schumacher’s totals is naturally causing a debate, with many shuddering at the prospect of that moment happening.
For the Mercedes boss, however, that mixed response to the 34-year-old is not a bad thing.
“For me, many of the sports stars, they polarise. You will have heard similar comments about Serena Williams, half of the people love her and want her to win everything, and the other half cheers for her opponents,” he said via Crash.net.
“You’d rather polarise than be down the middle and boring, in my opinion.”
