Lewis Hamilton stretched his lead in the drivers’ world championship and closed to within two wins of Michael Schumacher’s Formula One record of 91 on Sunday with a majestic Belgian Grand Prix victory.
The series leader and six-time champion registered his 89th career win with another flawless drive to take his fourth Belgian triumph, finishing 8.448 seconds clear of his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.
It was Hamilton’s fifth win in seven races this year and extended his record run of points-scoring races to 40.
Max Verstappen came third for Red Bull, seven seconds further adrift, to claim his sixth podium finish in succession.
Hamilton, who had to nurse his car home on worn tyres, has 157 points in the title race, 47 clear of Verstappen. The ‘black arrows’ lead the constructors’ championship with 264 points, well ahead of Red Bull on 158.
“It wasn’t the easiest of races,” said Hamilton. “It was a bit of a struggle, but nonetheless I think it was ok in the end.”