Russian Grand Prix: Hamilton becomes first F1 driver with 100 wins

The 36-year-old British star overtook race leader Lando Norris late and finished 53.3 seconds ahead of runner-up Max Verstappen.

The historic victory in rainy conditions in Sochi also vaulted Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, back into first place in the F1 championship standings ahead of Verstappen.

“It’s taken a long time to obviously get to 100 and I wasn’t even sure whether or not it would come,” Hamilton said following a wild finish to Sunday’s race.

Norris, seeking his first win on the circuit, was four laps away from victory when a heavy downpour began. He opted to stay on the track and ultimately lost control in slippery conditions, finishing in seventh place.

Hamilton went to the pits when the rains fell, switched to intermediate tires and was able to take advantage of the opening.

“Obviously the team made a great call right at the end,” Hamilton said.

“I didn’t want to let Lando go and of course I didn’t know what the weather was doing but I’m incredibly grateful to all these men and women that are here and back at the factory because, wow, 100.”

Michael Schumacher, who retired in 2012, ranks No. 2 on the all-time F1 wins list with 91.

REUTERS