2020 Turkish GP: Hamilton equalled Schumacher’s seven-title record as Stroll took maiden pole

On 15 November 2020, Lewis Hamilton won the Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul Park, securing his seventh Formula 1 drivers’ title and equalling Michael Schumacher’s record. Lance Stroll started from the first pole position of his F1 career; Hamilton had qualified sixth, more than four seconds off Stroll’s pace.

Qualifying had been chaotic on the newly resurfaced, low-grip circuit, with rain worsening the conditions. Stroll held the race lead for 32 laps before losing pace. Racing Point later traced the problem to a broken strake lodged beneath the front wing, which cost Stroll front downforce; he finished ninth.

As others pitted for fresh intermediates, Hamilton stayed out on his worn set, running the tyres down almost to slicks. On the drying but still damp track, worn intermediates gripped better than cold, grooved replacements, which were prone to severe graining. The decision proved decisive.

Hamilton crossed the line more than 31 seconds ahead of Sergio Perez, who claimed second after passing Charles Leclerc on the last lap; Sebastian Vettel completed the podium in third. Hamilton had clinched the title with three rounds still to run. Valtteri Bottas, the only other driver mathematically in contention, had entered the weekend 85 points behind.