12 Jaw-Dropping Milestones from Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes Career
As Lewis Hamilton’s illustrious 12-year tenure with Mercedes comes to a close, we take a reflective journey through the remarkable milestones that defined one of Formula 1’s greatest partnerships. From record-breaking achievements to emotional farewells, Hamilton’s legacy with the team is a testament to his exceptional talent and relentless pursuit of excellence.
12. Reflecting on His Journey: Emotional Moment with Engineer Pete ‘Bono’ Bonnington’s ‘Hammer Time’ Call
Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes marks the end of his 12-year partnership with race engineer Pete Bonnington, affectionately known as ‘Bono’. Hamilton admits that parting ways with Bonnington, who has been promoted to Head of Race Engineering at Mercedes, will be “sad for both of us”.
11. Celebratory Donuts on the Grid After His Final Mercedes Race
Lewis Hamilton marked the end of his 12-year tenure with Mercedes by performing celebratory donuts on the grid after the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Finishing fourth in his last race for the team, Hamilton’s donuts were a fitting tribute to his incredible journey with Mercedes.
10. Emotional Final Race with Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024
Lewis Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes was a thrilling conclusion to his 12-year tenure. Starting 16th, Hamilton powered past teammate George Russell on the last lap to secure 4th place, capping off an emotional farewell.
9. Accumulating the Most Championship Points in F1 History (4862.5 points)
Lewis Hamilton has made history by accumulating the most Championship points in F1, with a total of 4862.5 points as of 2024. This record surpasses other legendary drivers, with Sebastian Vettel in second place with 3098 points and Max Verstappen in third with 3023.5 points.
8. Achieving the Most Podium Finishes in F1 History (201 and counting)
Lewis Hamilton broke another record by achieving his 200th podium finish at the 2024 Hungarian GP. This milestone solidifies his position as the driver with the most podium finishes in F1 history. His impressive 58% podium rate over 345 Grand Prix races underscores his exceptional consistency and skill.
7. Winning Seven World Drivers’ Championship Titles
Lewis Hamilton achieved a record-tying seven World Drivers’ Championship titles, with six of those titles won during his tenure with Mercedes (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020). His dominance with Mercedes marked a significant era in F1 history, showcasing his exceptional driving skills and the team’s superior performance.
6. Holding the Record for Most Laps Led in F1 History
Lewis Hamilton holds the record for most laps led in F1 history, surpassing Michael Schumacher’s mark. As of 2021, Hamilton has led 5449 laps, with Schumacher at 5111 and Sebastian Vettel at 3501. This record underscores Hamilton’s dominance and consistency throughout his career.
5. Setting the Record for Most Pole Positions During His Mercedes Tenure
Lewis Hamilton achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first driver in Formula 1 to record 100 pole positions, with 74 of those poles secured during his tenure with Mercedes. His first pole was at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix, but it was his time at Mercedes that saw him surpass Michael Schumacher’s record of 68 poles in 2017. Hamilton’s most successful season in terms of qualifying was 2016, where he took pole in 12 out of 21 races.
4. Achieving 105 Grand Prix Victories, All Powered by Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton has made history by securing 105 Grand Prix victories, all of which were achieved with Mercedes engines. His most recent wins include the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix and the 2024 British Grand Prix, where he took his record-breaking ninth victory at Silverstone.
3. Securing Six Consecutive Constructors’ Championships with Mercedes (2014-2019)
Lewis Hamilton played a pivotal role in Mercedes’ historic streak of six consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2014 to 2019. His consistent performance and leadership helped the team dominate the hybrid era, with Mercedes securing the championship at the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix. This achievement tied Ferrari’s record for the most consecutive constructors’ titles and cemented Mercedes’ status as the undisputed kings of the sport’s current era.
2. Winning His First Mercedes Championship in 2014
Lewis Hamilton secured his first Mercedes championship in 2014 by winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Despite teammate Nico Rosberg’s strong challenge, Hamilton’s victory was sealed when Rosberg suffered an ERS failure, leading to a 14th-place finish. Hamilton’s win marked his 11th victory of the season and his second F1 title.
1. Joining Mercedes in 2013: A Career-Defining Move
Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave McLaren for Mercedes in 2013 was a pivotal moment in his career. Despite widespread skepticism and predictions of “career suicide,” Hamilton followed his intuition and sought a new challenge. This move allowed him to secure six additional world championships, transforming Mercedes into a dominant F1 team, particularly with the introduction of hybrid engines in 2014.
Conclusion
Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes marks the end of an era characterized by unprecedented success and profound emotional connections. His remarkable achievements with the team have not only reshaped the record books but also set new standards of excellence in the world of Formula 1. As Hamilton moves forward to new challenges, his legacy with Mercedes will endure as a pivotal chapter in the sport’s history, inspiring future generations of racers.
