Hamilton handed huge blow as...

Hamilton handed huge blow as…read more

Lewis Hamilton has received a surprising setback as the driver he replaced at Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, has earned significant praise for his impressive performances during the 2024 Formula 1 season. Hamilton, who has moved from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 season, has replaced Sainz despite the Spaniard’s strong form with the Scuderia. Sainz, who had consistently outperformed expectations and even finished ahead of Hamilton in the 2024 Drivers’ Championship standings, had been seen as a steady force for Ferrari. His final season with the team saw him secure two race victories, including a stunning win at the Australian Grand Prix, despite recently undergoing appendicitis surgery.

Hamilton, who won 84 Grand Prix and six world championships in his illustrious 12 years with Mercedes, has now made the switch to Ferrari, arguably one of the most iconic teams in F1 history. This move signals the beginning of a new chapter for both Hamilton and the Scuderia, although it comes at the expense of Sainz, whose performance had not been anything short of exceptional.

In a recent survey conducted by GPFans, Formula 1 fans were asked to vote for their “unsung heroes” of the 2024 season. This survey was part of the outlet’s end-of-season awards, where fans were invited to recognize drivers who stood out beyond the usual accolades garnered by Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. The results revealed that Carlos Sainz was overwhelmingly voted as the unsung hero of the 2024 season, with a remarkable 59% of the vote. Fans highlighted Sainz’s resilience, particularly his Australian Grand Prix victory, which came just two weeks after his appendectomy, as well as his consistent run of performances that helped Ferrari stay competitive in the Constructors’ Championship.

Sainz’s two victories during the season were crucial for Ferrari’s challenge, and despite the intense scrutiny the team faced in recent months for replacing him with Hamilton, his fans have rallied behind him, recognizing his value to the team. The vote highlighted the respect and admiration that the Spanish driver continues to enjoy, despite the controversial nature of his replacement. This support underscores a growing sentiment that Ferrari may have made a questionable decision by parting ways with a driver who performed admirably under pressure.

Oscar Piastri, who had an outstanding year with McLaren, finished second in the “unsung hero” voting with 21% of the vote. Piastri’s contribution to McLaren’s first Constructors’ Championship title since 1998 was crucial, as he secured two Grand Prix victories in a remarkable breakthrough season for the Australian driver. His consistency and growth throughout the season played a pivotal role in McLaren’s resurgence, marking him as one of the standout performers of 2024.

Meanwhile, Williams’ mechanics were also given special recognition, receiving 11% of the vote for their incredible work behind the scenes. Their efforts were particularly notable in the aftermath of several serious crashes involving drivers like Logan Sargeant, Franco Colapinto, and Alex Albon. Despite the physical toll and mechanical challenges, Williams’ team managed to keep the car in competitive form, highlighting the unsung efforts of the mechanics.

As the F1 season winds down, the results of the fan survey show that, while the top stars like Verstappen and Norris dominate the headlines, there are numerous unsung heroes who contributed significantly to their teams’ successes. For Ferrari, however, the decision to bring in Hamilton at Sainz’s expense remains a topic of debate, with fans continuing to champion Sainz’s achievements throughout the season.