November 15, 2020 – Lewis Hamilton wins 7th F1 Drivers’ Championship

On November 15, 2020, Lewis Hamilton put in a masterclass performance at the Turkish Grand Prix, clinching victory in challenging wet conditions. This win not only secured him the race but also crowned him the 2020 Formula 1 World Champion, marking his seventh drivers’ title. With this achievement, Hamilton equaled the legendary Michael Schumacher’s record, cementing his status as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport.

The 2020 Turkish Grand Prix: A Race to Remember

The 2020 season had been a rollercoaster due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a compressed schedule and

numerous changes to the race calendar. The Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul Park was a late addition, making its return after a 9-year absence. The conditions on race day were treacherous, with rain making the track slippery and grip levels at an all-time low.

Starting from sixth on the grid, Hamilton was not the favorite to win, as Lance Stroll of Racing Point secured his first-ever pole position. However, Hamilton’s strategic brilliance and calm demeanor in difficult conditions shone through. As competitors struggled with tire wear and grip, Hamilton managed his intermediate tires masterfully, extending their lifespan beyond what seemed possible. His victory was a testament to his skill, patience, and experience, crossing the line more than 30 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Sergio Perez.

After the race, Hamilton was visibly emotional, dedicating the win to his team and family. In a tearful radio message, he acknowledged the importance of this milestone, saying, “This is for all the kids out there who dream the impossible. You can do it too, man. I believe in you guys.”

A Look Back: Hamilton’s Career Before 2020

Hamilton’s journey to becoming one of the greatest drivers in F1 history began long before his days in the pinnacle of motorsport. Born in 1985 in Stevenage, England, Hamilton’s racing career took off when his father bought him a go-kart at the age of eight. His early talent was undeniable, and he quickly rose through the karting ranks, winning the British Karting Championship at just ten years old.

In 1998, at the age of 13, Hamilton was signed to McLaren’s Young Driver Program, a move that would shape the trajectory of his career. This partnership bore fruit in 2007 when Hamilton made his debut with McLaren as a full-time F1 driver. In his rookie season, he made headlines by finishing on the podium in his first nine races, a feat never achieved before. Hamilton ended the season second in the championship, narrowly missing the title.

The following year, in 2008, Hamilton clinched his first drivers’ title in dramatic fashion at the Brazilian Grand Prix. With just a few corners left in the final race of the season, he overtook Timo Glock to secure the fifth-place finish he needed to win the championship by a single point, becoming the youngest F1 World Champion at that time.

The Mercedes Era: Dominance and Records

In 2013, Hamilton made a career-defining move by joining Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. At the time, many questioned his decision,

as Mercedes was not yet a dominant force in F1. However, Hamilton’s gamble paid off spectacularly when the turbo-hybrid era began in 2014. With the introduction of new engine regulations, Mercedes emerged as the team to beat, and Hamilton seized the opportunity.

Hamilton won his second world title in 2014, and from there, his dominance became undeniable. Over the next six seasons (2014-2020), he won six championships, shattering numerous records along the way. He became the all-time leader in pole positions, surpassing Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, and in 2020, he broke Schumacher’s record for the most career wins, achieving his 92nd victory at the Portuguese Grand Prix.

Beyond 2020: Hamilton’s Continued Legacy

After equaling Schumacher’s record of seven world titles in 2020, Hamilton did not rest on his laurels. He continued to push for excellence both on and off the track. Although the 2021 season saw a fierce battle with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, ending with a controversial finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton’s spirit and skill were undiminished. The seven-time champion displayed resilience, leading Mercedes to numerous victories and helping them secure the Constructors’ Championship once again.

Hamilton has also expanded his influence beyond racing. He became a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in motorsport, founding the Hamilton Commission to increase the representation of Black people in UK motorsport. His commitment to social causes has made him an icon not just in F1 but in the wider world of sports.

The 2022 season marked a new era with major regulation changes aimed at leveling the playing field. Despite the challenges posed by the new regulations, Hamilton remained competitive, showcasing his adaptability and determination as he continued to fight for wins and podiums.

Afters years of disappointment, Hamilton has signed a new contract with Ferrari and will leave Mercedes at the end of the season.