From breakthrough victories to jaw-dropp

From breakthrough victories to jaw-dropping comebacks – Hamilton’s top 10 greatest moment…read more

246 races over the course of 12 seasons, Lewis Hamilton concluded his remarkable career with Mercedes at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion said an emotional farewell, as he prepares for a fresh chapter at Ferrari in 2025. His partnership with Mercedes, a journey that began in 2013, will go down in history as one of the most successful in Formula 1, earning him record-breaking achievements, unparalleled dominance, and some truly unforgettable moments on track.

When Hamilton made the surprising decision to leave McLaren – the team where he had spent his formative years in Formula 1 and won his first world title in 2008 – for Mercedes, it raised many eyebrows. At the time, Mercedes had only one win to its name since returning to Formula 1 in 2010. But Hamilton’s move paid off almost immediately, silencing any critics who doubted his decision. His first victory for the team came at the 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix, a race that showcased both his raw talent and his belief in Mercedes’ potential. Starting from pole position, Hamilton was overtaken during the pit stops but fought back with a series of audacious overtakes on Red Bull’s Mark Webber. His determination paid off as he took the chequered flag, securing his first win for the Silver Arrows.

However, it was the 2014 season where Hamilton and Mercedes truly found their stride. The introduction of turbo-hybrid power units transformed the sport, and Mercedes emerged as the dominant force, with Hamilton at the forefront. The rivalry between Hamilton and his teammate Nico Rosberg quickly became one of the most captivating storylines in Formula 1, as both drivers pushed each other to new heights. A defining moment came at the Bahrain Grand Prix that season, in what was arguably one of the most intense races in recent memory. Rosberg started on pole, but Hamilton immediately overtook him at the start. However, a Safety Car intervention erased Hamilton’s advantage, setting the stage for a thrilling battle between the two Mercedes drivers. Despite Rosberg’s best efforts, Hamilton held on to claim the victory in a nail-biting finish, signaling his superiority within the team and further fueling the rivalry.

The 2014 season wasn’t just about Hamilton’s internal battle with Rosberg, though. His overall dominance of the season was highlighted by his stunning consistency and flawless performances, earning him his second world title with Mercedes. He took control of the championship race early and didn’t let go, cementing his place as one of the most formidable drivers in the history of the sport.

In the following seasons, Hamilton’s partnership with Mercedes continued to yield success after success. The 2015 season, in particular, saw him clinch his third world title in dominant fashion, winning ten of the 19 races that year. His ability to extract the maximum from the car in every condition was evident, whether it was on the high-speed straights of Silverstone or navigating the complex corners of Monaco. As the seasons progressed, Hamilton and Mercedes became virtually unbeatable, with the team winning both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships every year from 2014 to 2020, a streak that remains unparalleled in the modern era.

But it wasn’t just dominance in the form of victories that defined Hamilton’s time with Mercedes. His remarkable ability to fight back from adversity also produced some of the most jaw-dropping comebacks in F1 history. One such moment came during the 2018 German Grand Prix at Hockenheim. Hamilton, who was in the midst of a heated title battle with Sebastian Vettel, found himself in 14th place after a mistake in the wet conditions. However, in a stunning turn of events, Hamilton battled his way back to take the win, showcasing his resilience and mastery in difficult conditions. That victory would go on to play a pivotal role in securing his fifth world title.

Another unforgettable moment came in 2020, when Hamilton equaled Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles. After a season of domination, Hamilton clinched his seventh title at the Turkish Grand Prix, a race where he delivered an almost flawless performance in treacherous wet conditions. His ability to adapt to the ever-changing track conditions and fend off his competitors proved that even after so many years at the top, he was still at the peak of his powers.

As Hamilton prepares to leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season, his legacy with the team is etched in the annals of Formula 1 history. From his shock debut win in Hungary to his incredible streak of championships, Hamilton’s time with Mercedes is a testament to his driving brilliance and unrelenting will to win. The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the end of one era, but it also set the stage for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in his illustrious career at Ferrari. With his departure from Mercedes, Hamilton leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.