LEWIS HAMILTON equalled Michael Schumacher’s pole position record after qualifying in front spot for the Belgian Grand Prix.
The Brit has now taken an incredible 68 poles in 200 races, confirming his places as one of the sport’s greats.
The 32-year-old was simply unstoppable at Spa, despite making mistakes on his laps during final qualifying, it was enough to gain P1 for tomorrow’s race.
Hamilton‘s lap of 1:42.553 was brilliant – and a new track record – as he beat title rival Sebastian Vettel to pole.
Valtteri Bottas qualified in third while Kimi Raikkonen was fourth quickest in his Ferrari.
Hamilton, who was congratulated with a message from the Schumacher family, said: “I can’t believe it.
“The team have done an amazing job and to come here and put a lap like that together is a dream. I have the best job in the world.
“To hear the message from the Schumacher family, I say a big thank you and I keep praying for him. I am honoured to be up there in the poles with him.”
Lewis Hamilton's poles per season
2017 - 7
2016 - 12
2015 - 11
2014 - 7
2013 - 5
2012 - 7
2011 - 1
2010 - 1
2009 - 4
2008 - 7
2007 - 6
TOTAL - 68 poles, 200 races
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Meanwhile, Jolyon Palmer's shocking poor luck continued after he suffered a gearbox problem in Q3.
The Brit, who is desperate to score points and show his Renault bosses he deserves a place in the team next season, was looking good until his car failed.
It could also lead to more woe as he risks grid penalties if his team need to replace any engine parts.
It was also a miserable qualifying for Williams as both their drivers were eliminated from qualifying at the first hurdle.
Felipe Massa was also hit with a five-place grid penalty for ignoring waved double-yellow flags and the team were fined for using the wrong tyres during practice.
But it was already going to be worse for McLaren's Stoffel Vandoorne, who was supposed to be celebrating his new deal with the team at his home GP.
But instead, he was slapped with a 65 place grid penalty for yet more unscheduled changes to his Honda engine.
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