Lewis Hamilton wins Portuguese Grand Prix and breaks Michael Schumacher's Formula One record

British driver seals an historic 92nd race victory with yet another dominant performance

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton after winning the Portuguese Grand Prix on Sunday and breaking Michael Schumacher's record for race victories. October 25

Lewis Hamilton celebrates his win. AFP

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton celebrates his victory. Reuters

Lewis Hamilton celebrates his record-breaking victory. AFP

Lewis Hamilton celebrates victory with his father Anthony. AFP

Lewis Hamilton crosses the finish line to win the Portuguese Grand Prix. AFP

Valtteri Bottas ahead of Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton. AP

Lewis Hamilton on his way to victory. EPA

Lewis Hamilton ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. PA

Lewis Hamilton leads the pack at the start of Sunday's race. EPA

Lewis Hamilton has been crowned the most victorious driver in Formula One history following his crushing 92nd career win in Sunday's Portuguese Grand Prix.

A fortnight after he drew level with Michael Schumacher in Germany, Hamilton now stands alone in the record books after taking the chequered flag at Portimao 25.5 seconds clear of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

Hamilton is poised to become the sport's most successful driver of all time as early as next month, with a seventh world championship certain to follow this season.

The Englishman's victory here moved him 77 points clear of Bottas with just 130 to play for.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen finished third ahead of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.

Talking to his team shortly after the success, Hamilton said: "I couldn't have done this without all of you.

"Thanks so much for continuing to believe in me and striving for perfection, it's an honour to work with you.

"It is going to take some time to fully sink in. I cannot find the words at the moment. My dad is here which is amazing, and my step-mum Linda too, and my dog Roscoe so it is a blessed day.

"I could have only ever dreamed of being where I am today. I didn't have a magic ball when I came to Mercedes but here I am and as a team we are trying to make the most of it.

"I had cramp in my right calf so I was lifting down the straight because it felt like it was about to pull but I had to get through it."

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said: "92 race wins, who would have thought that [would happen] when we embarked on the project in 2013? It's almost a surreal amount of wins.

"It's his absolute passion and energy in everything he puts into the sport. And the talent and ability – he's just standing out."

Hamilton had fought back superbly after an early scare in Portugal, when he led but dropped to third after a rain shower, demonstrating impeccable tyre management and flawless judgement as he claimed an eighth win in 12 races this year.

Hamilton's triumph added another unprecedented feat to his roster of records. He now has the most wins, a record 97 pole positions, a record 161 podium finishes and a record 45 consecutive points finishes.

A seventh world title, which would equal another Schumacher record, now looks all but inevitable with only five races remaining this year.

Leclerc finished fourth ahead of a surging Pierre Gasly after an excellent drive in his Alpha Tauri.

Carlos Sainz came home sixth for McLaren to beat Sergio Perez, who recovered from a first lap clash with Verstappen, to finish seventh for Racing Point ahead of the two Renaults of Esteban Ocon and Daniel Ricciardo.

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, in his final season at Ferrari, finished 10th.