Hamilton Joins #EndSars, Breaks Schumacher’s Records

Hours after identifying with the #EndSars protests in Nigeria, Lewis Hamilton took a commanding victory in the Portuguese Grand Prix to break Formula 1’s all-time win record.

Hamilton rose from third in a manic first two laps to pass teammate Valteri Bottas and take the chequered flag.

The British driver has become one of the world’s leading sportsmen social activists, and just before the race, he posted a message on his social media pages showing solidarity with the protests against Police brutality in Nigeria.

“We all have a responsibility to educate ourselves and raise awareness of the tragedies happening in the world around us and take action where we can. The recent events in Nigeria are a human rights crisis,” he wrote.

He also shared a link to an Amnesty International webpage shedding more light on happenings in Nigeria.

And in the race proper, the 35-year-old Hamilton dominated to take his 92nd career Grand Prix victory.

Hamilton received a standing ovation from the socially distanced crowd, before celebrating with team members and then a long embrace with father Anthony.

Hamilton said he “owed it all” to his Mercedes team, adding: “I could only ever have dreamed of being where I am today.

“I didn’t have a magic ball when I chose to come to this team and partner with these great people, but here I am.

“Everything we do together – we are all rowing in the same direction and that’s why we’re doing what we’re doing.

“And my dad’s here and my step mum Linda, and Roscoe [Hamilton’s dog]. It is going to take some time for it to fully sink in. I was still pushing flat out as I came across the line. I can’t find the words at the moment.”

The victory gave Hamilton a 77-point advantage in the championship as he moves ever closer to a seventh world title, which would match Schumacher’s other surviving record.