Lewis Hamilton 'blown away' as Silverstone name start-finish straight in his honour

British F1 driver this season equalled Michael Schumacher's championship haul of seven world titles

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton reacts after winning the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix and equalling Michael Schumacher's record of seven world titles. AP

Lewis Hamilton gets emotional after winning the Turkish GP for Mercedes. AFP

An emotional Lewis Hamilton after winning the Turkish GP for Mercedes, and with it the world title. Reuters

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton after winning the Turkish GP. Reuters

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton joined Michael Schumacher as the sports' only seven times champions. Reuters

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning the Turkish GP at the Istanbul Park circuit racetrack on Sunday. AP

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton is the most successful F1 driver of all time. Reuters

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton won the Turkish GP on Sunday to clinch the world title. Getty

Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes during a wet Turkish GP in Istanbul on Sunday. EPA

Racing Point team work in the pitlane in Istanbul. Getty

Mercedes Valtteri Bottas was the only other driver who could challenge Lewis Hamitlon for the world title. Getty

The Turkish GP was impacted by weather over the weekend. Reuters

Conditions were challenging for drivers at the Turkish GP. Getty

Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari at Istanbul track on Sunday. Getty

Lewis Hamilton said he is "blown away" by the decision to rename Silverstone's start-finish straight in his name.

The British Racing Drivers' Club, owners of the Northamptonshire circuit, have announced that the International Pits Straight will now become the Hamilton Straight in tribute to the seven-time Formula One world champion.

"That is insane," said Hamilton, when BRDC chairman David Coulthard informed him of the honour. "That is definitely a curveball. I don't even know what to say."

Speaking on Channel 4, Hamilton added: "I remember going to Silverstone and watching Nigel Mansell and seeing that incredible crowd and I have also experienced it year-on-year. It is something so close to my heart.

"I am blown away. No driver has had that, so I am very grateful, very humbled, and a big thank you to everyone for supporting me. I hope I can continue to make the BRDC and the Brits proud for the time I am racing."

Hamilton equalled Michael Schumacher's championship haul at the Turkish Grand Prix last month. The 35-year-old also has more wins (95) pole positions (98) and podiums (164) than any other driver in the sport's history. He has also won his home race on seven occasions.

Coulthard, a 13-time grand prix winner, said: "I was delighted, in my capacity as President of the BRDC, to share this news with Lewis today.

"Lewis has become a huge part of this history and the directors of the Club and I felt there was no better way to mark this than to rename the iconic pits straight in recognition of his record-breaking achievements."

Hamilton will bid to close out his record-breaking season with his 12th win of the year. He starts Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from third on the grid.