Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes: A Legendary Era in Formula 1
Lewis Hamilton’s time with Mercedes has been nothing short of iconic. Since his move from McLaren in 2013, Hamilton has shattered records, secured multiple championships, and established himself as the face of the Silver Arrows.
From the young, talented boy in karting to becoming a dominant force in Formula 1 with Mercedes, how exactly did Hamilton play that out?
2013: A Bold Move
After six seasons with McLaren, Hamilton signed a three-year contract with Mercedes. At the time, the Silver Arrows had yet to prove themselves as championship contenders, but Hamilton managed a strong fourth-place finish in the overall standings.
The move also reunited him with childhood friend Nico Rosberg, igniting the “Bro-cedes” duo. However, their partnership quickly evolved into a fierce rivalry.
2014: Turbo-Hybrid Era Begins
Mercedes ushered in a new era at the 2014 Australian Grand Prix, debuting the F1 W05 Hybrid. With Hamilton and Rosberg behind the wheel, the team clinched its first Constructors’ Championship.
Hamilton had a breakthrough season, winning 11 races and capturing his second World Drivers’ Championship (WDC). Rosberg finished second, trailing by 67 points. The intra-team rivalry for supremacy had officially begun.
2015: Silver Arrows Domination
Mercedes solidified its dominance in 2015, with Hamilton securing his third WDC. Rosberg remained competitive, but Hamilton successfully defended his title, further cementing his legacy.
2016: Rivalry Peaks
The tension between Hamilton and Rosberg reached its zenith in 2016. Rosberg claimed his maiden WDC, ending Hamilton’s streak of dominance. The rivalry took a toll on Mercedes, with the two drivers often defying team orders.
A controversial moment came during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where their battle nearly resulted in a double DNF. Rosberg retired after winning the championship, and Valtteri Bottas replaced him in the Mercedes lineup.
2017–2020: Hamilton’s Golden Years
Hamilton continued his reign from 2017 to 2020, adding four more WDC titles to his name and equaling Michael Schumacher’s record of seven championships.
Throughout this period, Hamilton showcased his on-track brilliance and off-track advocacy, championing causes like racial equality and diversity in motorsport.
One of his standout performances came at the 2018 German Grand Prix, where he started 14th on the grid and stormed to victory. Meanwhile, Bottas consistently played a supporting role, enabling Hamilton’s sustained dominance.
2021: Hamilton vs. Verstappen
The 2021 season saw one of the most intense battles in F1 history, with Hamilton vying for an eighth title against Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
The controversial finale in Abu Dhabi remains a talking point. A late-race safety car decision allowed Verstappen to overtake Hamilton on the final lap, denying him the championship. This race also marked Bottas’ final appearance for Mercedes.
2022: Struggles Amid Change
Mercedes entered a challenging 2022 season with a new driver, George Russell, and a car designed under revised technical regulations. The team struggled to keep pace with Red Bull and Ferrari, and Hamilton ended the year without a single race win, finishing sixth in the standings.
2023: Aiming for Redemption
For 2023, Mercedes unveiled the W14 E Performance, incorporating lessons from the previous year’s struggles. Hamilton improved, securing several podium finishes, but Red Bull’s dominance remained unshaken. He finished third in the standings, behind Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
2024: From Silver to Scarlet
In February 2024, the F1 community was stunned by the announcement of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, replacing Carlos Sainz. After more than a decade with Mercedes, his departure marked the end of an extraordinary era.
Despite the transition, Hamilton gave his all for Mercedes in his final season. He claimed victories at the British and Belgian Grands Prix and consistently scored points, except for a DNF in Australia.
Looking Ahead: Hamilton’s Ferrari Chapter
As Hamilton prepares for his last race with Mercedes, the focus shifts to his future with Ferrari. Team principal Fred Vasseur expressed confidence in Hamilton’s ability to deliver:
“Not at all. I have a look at the 50 laps that he did in Vegas, starting in P10, finishing on the gearbox of Russell. I’m not worried at all.” (via ESPN)
Hamilton, too, remains confident in his abilities:
“I know I’ve still got it. It’s just the car won’t go faster. But I definitely know I’ve got it. It is not a question in my mind.”
He added:
“It’s not how you fall, it’s how you get back up. I’ll get back up tomorrow and give it another shot next week.”
With his storied legacy with Mercedes coming to a close, fans eagerly await the next chapter of Hamilton’s illustrious career in the scarlet red Ferrari.
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