For some, the prospect of nowhere near matching Michael Schumacher’s seven-time Formula 1 championship record seemed almost impossible.
But to the German icon himself, he knew there was a man who could do it.
And in 2008, he made the bold prediction that a young British driver named Lewis Hamilton would win seven F1 titles – and possibly even more.
“I really think of him very well because I think what he did in such a short time by coming in and competing last year with (Fernando) Alonso and being very quick often … that’s talking for himself, ”Schumacher told Sport Sport 12. years ago.
“I’m always a little worried when we talk about ‘is he the best?’ Or “isn’t he the best? “Or” is he better than Felipe Massa or not? “”
Asked if Hamilton could reach his seven world titles? “I would say absolutely yes. Nobody thought, not even me, that I could beat Fangio’s five, and then I did.
“I even raised it to seven. The records are there to be broken and I’m pretty relaxed it’s going to happen sometime, whether it’s Lewis, Massa, Sebastian Vettel or anyone other. ”
And today that prediction came true as Hamilton captured his seventh championship and equal the record following his victory at the Turkey Grand Prix.
Finishes a stellar season for the 35-year-old player who broke Schumacher’s record of 91 wins early in the campaign.
“I know I often say it’s beyond my wildest dreams, but all my life, in secret, I’ve dreamed so high,” Hamilton said at his post-press conference race.
“This is far, far beyond our dreams. It seemed so far-fetched.
“I remember seeing Michael (Schumacher) winning the championships, and just having one, or two or three – it’s so hard to get. Seven is simply inconceivable.
“For a day. There’s a lot to learn.”