History maker & record breaker
We once again arrive at a race where Lewis Hamilton can make history, something he has done so often and so consistently since his first Formula One entry in 2007. Eight years on from a record-breaking season where he almost become the youngest ever Formula One World Champion he is still breaking records, if he wins the World Championship this weekend he will become the first British driver in history to win the title in successive seasons.
If Hamilton does indeed manage to become World Champion again he will also equal Sir Jackie Stewart’s British record of winning three World Championship titles. This will put him ahead of some illustrious names such as Jim Clark, John Surtees, Graham Hill and James Hunt to name but a few that lit up Formula One over the years but who never managed to complete the hat-trick of world titles. Probably most important of all to Hamilton it will also put him alongside his idol Ayrton Senna on the list of all time World Championship titles won but one place behind current competitor Sebastian Vettel, something I am sure Hamilton will want to overtake before he ever leaves Formula One.
Having already surpassed Ayrton Senna’s race win record of 41 and being in the most dominant car in the paddock realistically Hamilton could also surpass Alain Prost’s race win record of 51 which will put him second in the list of all time race victories behind Michael Schumacher’s record of 91, which will take some catching. With that record out of reach for now he can realistically set his sights on beating one of Schumacher’s records of most poles in Formula One as early as next season given his current dominance of Qualifying. He currently sits just 19 poles behind Schumacher but with 4 more opportunities at Pole this season and a massive 21 races next season it is more than possible.
Current F1 Records Held By Hamilton
| Record | Achieved |
| Most consecutive podium finishes from debut | 9 podium finishes: 2007 Australian GP – 2007 British GP |
| Youngest driver to lead the World Championship | 22 years, 4 months, 6 days at the 2007 Spanish GP |
| Most wins in a debut season | 4 wins (record shared with Jacques Villeneuve in 1996) |
| Pole positions at most different Grands Prix | 21 Grands Prix |
| Most pole positions in a debut season | 6 pole positions |
| Most points in a debut season | 109 |
| Most consecutive seasons with a win from debut season | 9 seasons (2007-2015) |
| Most consecutive seasons with a pole from debut season | 9 seasons (2007-2015) |
| Most consecutive races with at least one lap in the lead | 18 races: 2014 Hungarian GP – 2015 British GP |
With the current climate in Formula One I expect records to tumble for both Hamilton and Vettel as the two best drivers on the grid will be going head to head for a few more years to come they can only push each-other one to greatness. Whether you like Lewis Hamilton or not you have to respect the things he has achieved and likely the things he will achieve, he has been fantastic for the Sportand I fully expect him to continue on the upwards curve his career has taken with him seemingly better year after year he will go down as a Formula One and British Great.
By: Chris Laker
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