Mercedes ace Lewis Hamilton says it “feels very surreal” to equal Formula One legend Alain Prost in the all-time winning list.
The Briton claimed his 51st career victory in Mexico last Sunday, which had moved him up to second, tied with The Professor, behind seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.
While it took 199 for Prost to reach his win tally, Hamilton did it in 186 starts.
“It feels very surreal right now,” the triple world champion said.
“That was an incredible target to get to. [Prost] was a great master, he had 51 wins, that’s a lot of wins. To think that Michael has 91 is just mind blowing, mesmerising, so I feel really grateful.
“I think I’ve had 30 wins with [Mercedes] so it just shows that this is the best team and weekend in and weekend out I continue to prove that it was the right decision coming here and the best decision of my life and career.”
Prost still has one more world title than Hamilton. The 31-year-old remains in the hunt to emulate that achievement this year, having closed the gap to Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg to 19 points with two events left in 2016.
“I’m not focussed on the championship right now,” Hamilton added. “I’m just focussed on trying to win these race and performing at my best.
“Normally when I perform at my best things like this happen. So that’s all I’ve got to do. I’ve never won in Brazil so I go in with the same mentality as I had this weekend.”
Prost was quick to congratulate Hamilton over Twitter, suggesting the Briton will soon eclipse his mark in the history books.
51 and not the end . Well deserved @LewisHamilton
— Alain Prost (@Prost_official) 30 octobre 2016
2016 Mexican Grand Prix - Driver ratings
Thank you, Alain. #Legend https://t.co/wZVd5FX4Ha
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) October 31, 2016
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