Hamilton wants racing records, racial justice ahead of Hungarian GP

Defending champion can equal racing great Schumacher with victory

BUDAPEST:

Four days after one of his most consummate and memorable triumphs, Lewis Hamilton returns to one of his favourite circuits this weekend with more than another Formula One record in his sights.

As he prepares for the Hungarian Grand Prix at the tight and twisty Hungaroring circuit, 25 kilometres north of Budapest, the six-time world champion will draw on his experience and his momentum as he pursues twin goals of a seventh drivers' title and making lasting progress in the global anti-racism campaign for equality, diversity and justice.

Hamilton has enjoyed seven previous victories in Hungary and on Sunday can draw level with Michael Schumacher's landmark of claiming eight at the same Grand Prix.

Schumacher reeled off eight triumphs at the French Grand Prix, at MagnyCours, between 1994 and 2006, a feat that Hamilton hopes to emulate.

"Whenever I am reminded of the records that Michael had, it's just still mind-blowing to me," said Hamilton when he looked ahead to the Budapest weekend following his victory at the Styrian Grand Prix last Sunday.

"I've always loved it, Hungary.Budapest and Montreal you'd probably say have been my strongest so I'm excited to go back -- it is a track where the Red Bulls usually do well so it's not going to be easy."

Red Bull's Max Verstappen seeks to end Mercedes' winning start to the COVID-19 delayed season and prevent the champion team completing a season-opening hat-trick.

The Dutchman came home third behind Hamilton and his Mercedes team-mate ValtteriBottas, who won the season-opener at the Red Bull Ring, on Sunday and admitted he did not have the outright speed to match them.

His team boss Christian Horner, however, believes Red Bull can close that gap at the slower Hungaroring, but Verstappen is less certain.

"I don't know," he said. "But, for sure, I hope it's going to be better."