Lewis Hamilton has had a difficult 2022 season, coming on the back of a difficult ending to the previous campaign. After losing out on his eighth Title in heartbreaking fashion to rival Max Verstappen, a lot of people expected the Brit to come back with vengeance. Unfortunately, Mercedes failed to cope with the regulation changes as well as Red Bull did, which made limited Hamilton’s ability out on track.
For the first time in his long and illustrious career, the 37-year-old has failed to win a race during an F1 season. He was the driver with the longest active streak of winning a race every year, with 15 consecutive years of standing on the top step of the podium at least once. Now that his streak has been broken, it is Verstappen who holds the new record.
Verstappen made his F1 debut in 2015 but won his first race the following year during his Red Bull debut. Since 2016, Verstappen has won a race in every single campaign. This makes him the driver with the longest active streak for most consecutive seasons with a race win. Verstappen has won in seven consecutive F1 seasons, which is staggering considering the fact that he’s just 25 years old!
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Max Verstappen felt sorry for Lewis Hamilton after 2021 season finale
More than a year has passed since Verstappen made that famous overtake on Hamilton at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. However, the controversy surrounding that evening’s events still looms large. Hamilton was moments away from winning the Title until factors outside of his control snatched it away from him.
At that moment, Verstappen was euphoric as he celebrated his maiden Title victory. Fast forward to a year later and the Dutchman has another Title under his belt. When asked about how Hamilton lost out on the Championship, Verstappen admitted that he felt sorry for the Mercedes driver.
“Everything was looking great for him, and then something like this happens,” said Verstappen, in an interview with motorsport total.” It’s tough. I felt for him of course. There were moments when we clashed, but I’ve always respected him. And I think we’ve had a great duel.”
Mercedes and Hamilton were firmly out of the Title picture in 2022, but their strong finish to the season has given them hope about returning to winning ways once again in 2023.
