Lewis Hamilton’s storied career in Formula 1 is filled with intense rivalries and dramatic moments that have defined his 17 years in the sport. One of the most notable episodes happened during his rookie year when he found himself pitted against the newly crowned double world champion Fernando Alonso.
The tension between Hamilton and Alonso reached a peak during the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2007. Alonso deliberately waited in the team’s pit box to prevent Hamilton from completing a final run in the pole position shootout session. Both drivers ended the season with equal points, but their internal battles cost them the drivers’ title, which ultimately went to Kimi Raikkonen in a Ferrari. Alonso’s third world title slipped through his fingers as he finished third in Brazil, with Hamilton coming in seventh.
Hamilton’s time with Jenson Button was also fraught with tension. At the Belgium Grand Prix, Button outperformed Hamilton in the race for pole position, leading Hamilton to tweet the team’s telemetry to prove it wasn’t his driving that was at fault. The friction continued until Nico Rosberg emerged as Hamilton’s next significant rival. For three seasons, Rosberg combined psychological tactics with brilliant driving to eventually claim the 2016 drivers’ championship.
Fast forward to 2021, an unforgettable year in F1 history. Red Bull, despite not having the best car, mounted a serious challenge against Mercedes, who were on course for their eighth consecutive driver and constructor titles. Max Verstappen was in top form for most of the year, but a late surge by Hamilton extended the battle to the final race. The season ended with Hamilton narrowly missing out on a record eighth title, and Verstappen beginning a dominant run that continues to this day.
Since the introduction of ground effect car design regulations in 2022, Mercedes has struggled to regain their former dominance. George Russell secured the only win for the team in Brazil two years ago. Despite numerous attempts at innovations, the team has often found their hopes dashed. Growing frustrated, Hamilton decided to switch to Ferrari to revive his career. Recent signs from the races in Canada and Spain suggest that Mercedes might be getting back on track, which, ironically, helps Red Bull as Mercedes can take points away from Ferrari and McLaren, Red Bull’s closest rivals.
Sergio Perez’s performance has been a weak link for Red Bull this season. Despite a new contract, Perez’s results have dipped, complicating Red Bull’s constructors’ championship hopes. With Ferrari and McLaren closing the gap, Red Bull needs every point Verstappen can get. Mercedes could inadvertently aid Red Bull if they continue their resurgence and outperform Ferrari and McLaren. Dr. Helmut Marko acknowledged that Mercedes’ improved performance could benefit Red Bull in the championship battle.
Verstappen has been pushing the limits this season, showing signs of strain in races like Imola and Montreal. Dr. Marko noted that it’s unrealistic to expect Verstappen to sustain this level of performance all season. In Barcelona, a change in wind direction and a mistake from Norris played into Verstappen’s hands, highlighting how even small factors can influence race outcomes. Marko warned that Red Bull shouldn’t depend on others’ struggles and emphasized the need for Sergio Perez to step up his game.
Meanwhile, the driver market is buzzing with news of Carlos Sainz moving from Ferrari to make way for Hamilton in 2025. Despite Ferrari’s recent struggles, Mercedes has shown promise by securing podium finishes in Canada and Barcelona. The next few races will be critical in determining whether Ferrari can regain their form or if Mercedes continues its upward trajectory.
As the F1 season unfolds, the dynamics between teams and drivers continue to shift in unexpected ways. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, the resurgence of Mercedes, and the pressure on Perez at Red Bull all add layers of intrigue to an already thrilling season. Amidst these developments, each race becomes a crucial battle in the quest for the championship.
