Hamilton makes history by claiming 100th F1 pole at Spanish GP, says it's like my first

On Sunday, Hamilton will be aiming for a 98th career victory — on a track where he has won for the past four years. He broke Schumacher’s record of 91 wins last year

BARCELONA

World champion Lewis Hamilton celebrated his 100th pole on Saturday after setting the fastest time in qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix and declared “It’s like my first!”.

The Mercedes driver’s latest milestone puts him 32 clear of Michael Schumacher in the all-time pole chart and leaves him in prime position to secure a record-extending 98th win in Sunday’s race.

“I’ll always remember that one,” a beaming Hamilton said after reaching triple figures.

“I can’t believe we are at 100 and it’s down to the men and women back at the factory who are continuously raising the bar. The support I have, it’s a dream to work with these guys. Who would have though at the end of 2012 when we made the decision to partner, we’d be qualifying at 100. I feel humble and grateful - it’s like my first!”

Alongside the 36-year-old Briton on the front row in Barcelona will be his Red Bull title rival Max Verstappen.

Hamilton reached his century 14 years after securing his maiden pole in the Canadian Grand Prix in 2007, which he went on to win to take the first step on the road to becoming Formula One’s most successful driver.