For some, the prospect of getting remotely close to equalling Michael Schumacher's record seven Formula One world championships looked near impossible.
But for the German icon himself, he knew there was one man capable of doing it.
And back in 2008, he made the bold prediction that a young British driver by the name of Lewis Hamilton would go on to win seven F1 titles - and possibly even more.
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"I really rate him very highly because I think what he has done in such a short time in arriving and competing last year with (Fernando) Alonso and being very often quicker... that talks for itself," Schumacher told BBC Sport 12 years ago.
"I'm always a bit concerned when we talk about 'is he the best?' or 'is he not the best?' or 'is he better than Felipe Massa or not?'"
When asked if Hamilton could get to his seven world titles? "I would say absolutely, yes. Nobody thought, even me, that I could beat the five of Fangio, and then I did.
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"I even increased it to seven. Records are there to be beaten and I'm quite relaxed that one day it will happen, whether it's Lewis, whether it's Massa, whether it's Sebastian Vettel or whoever."
And today that prediction came true as Hamilton clinched his record-equalling seventh championship following his win at the Turkish Grand Prix.
It caps off a stellar season for the 35-year-old who also surpassed Schumacher's record of 91 wins earlier in the campaign.
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"I know I often I say it is beyond my wildest dreams but my whole life, secretly, I have dreamt as high as this," Hamilton said in his post-race press conference.
"This is way, way beyond our dreams. It felt so far-fetched.
"I remember watching Michael (Schumacher) winning the championships, and just to get one, or two, or three - it's so hard to get. Seven is just unimaginable.
"What a day. There's a lot to take in."
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