Hamilton hoping to end...

Hamilton hoping to end… ‘curse’ with ‘missing’… Read More

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, currently holds the record for the most race wins in the sport’s history. With 105 victories under his belt, Hamilton has won at an impressive 31 different circuits across 31 different Grands Prix. His remarkable achievements span a career that includes 346 race starts at 37 different venues, a testament to his skill and longevity in Formula 1.

However, despite his many successes, there remain seven tracks where Hamilton has never stood on the top step of the podium. Four of these circuits have since been dropped from the Formula 1 calendar, making it unlikely that he will ever have the opportunity to rectify this. The remaining three tracks, though, are all still active in the 2024 season, including the Dutch Grand Prix venue at Zandvoort, which has become a particular target for Hamilton as he aims to add another win to his already extraordinary tally.

Zandvoort, with its fast and sweeping corners nestled in the Dutch dunes, poses a significant challenge. Since the race’s return to the F1 calendar in 2021, the circuit has been dominated by home hero Max Verstappen, who has won both editions of the Dutch Grand Prix since its revival. Hamilton, despite his vast experience, has yet to conquer this challenging track. For the British driver, winning at Zandvoort would not only extend his winning streak to 106 races but also add another circuit to the long list of venues where he has triumphed.

Hamilton’s pursuit of success at Zandvoort is part of a broader ambition to continue adding to his legacy in Formula 1. As the sport evolves and new circuits are introduced, Hamilton remains determined to maintain his competitive edge and make history at every opportunity. Zandvoort, as one of the remaining tracks on his “missing” list, represents an important milestone in this journey.

But Zandvoort is not the only challenge that Hamilton faces in terms of tracks where he has yet to secure a victory. Among the other venues still on the 2024 calendar is the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which was reintroduced in 2023 and has become a significant part of the sport’s expanding presence in the United States. Like Zandvoort, Las Vegas is a circuit where Hamilton will be looking to make his mark in the coming seasons.

In addition to the tracks he has yet to conquer, there are also two Grands Prix that have eluded Hamilton’s grasp, despite him having won at the circuits where these events are held. The most notable of these is the Mexico City Grand Prix, held at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. While Hamilton has twice won the Mexican Grand Prix at the same venue, he has never won the race under its new name since it was rebranded in 2021. In the three years since the change, Hamilton has finished second but has not yet managed to claim victory.

The other Grand Prix that Hamilton has never won is a more obscure one. This event, a one-off race, is no longer part of the Formula 1 calendar, meaning Hamilton will never get the chance to add it to his list of victories. For a driver with such an extensive record of success, it remains a rare instance of an unfulfilled opportunity.

As Hamilton looks ahead to the remainder of the 2024 season, his focus will undoubtedly be on continuing to break records and secure more wins. Despite the dominance of younger drivers like Max Verstappen, Hamilton’s experience and skill continue to make him a formidable competitor. With tracks like Zandvoort and the Mexico City Grand Prix still on his radar, Hamilton’s pursuit of excellence remains as strong as ever.

For fans of the sport, Hamilton’s ongoing quest to add more circuits and Grands Prix to his winning record provides another fascinating subplot to what promises to be an exciting season. Whether or not he can finally overcome the Zandvoort “curse” and add another victory to his storied career will be one of the key storylines to watch as the season progresses.