The balance of power in F1 is very different from 2021, when one of the fiercest title battles in the sport’s history took place in a tense season.
Exactly two years ago today, Lewis Hamilton became the first Formula 1 driver to achieve 100 race wins.
It was a remarkable moment, even if it wasn’t the new record set by the Briton. He eclipsed Michael Schumacher’s total of 91, but that was a hundred laps. Only four riders in history have more than 50.
Max Verstappen is not far away from reaching five. Sunday was his 48th victory at the Japanese Grand Prix and he is certain to pass the half-century mark before the end of the year. He will turn 26 in a few days and has plenty of time to catch up with Hamilton.
The British driver claimed his 100th victory at the 2021 Russian Grand Prix, taking advantage of Lando Norris’ misfortune when a rainstorm swept across the circuit in the final stages. It came 14 years and 108 days after Hamilton’s first victory, in just his sixth F1 race, at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix.
“It took a long time to get to 100 and I wasn’t even sure it would happen,” Hamilton, then 36, said in Sochi. “It was a magical moment. I can only dream of being here, to have the opportunity to win these races and drive with such extraordinary talent at this late stage of my career.”
But obviously we’re still there. He is still the same now. And he will still have another two years left, after signing a contract extension with Mercedes, meaning he will still race for the team and in F1 until the end of 2025, just weeks before his 41st birthday .
It remains to be seen whether this will be his last contract in F1. It’s also unclear whether he has a chance, within that time frame, to end his already lengthy drought in this period – by far the longest of his career. .
This year the Red Bulls have been so dominant that Mercedes cannot get a whiff of it. The Singapore Grand Prix provided the Verstappen team with the opportunity to experience an extremely rare weekend, but the Silver Arrows were unable to take advantage and it was Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz who emerged victorious. Verstappen was once again unable to reach Suzuka on Sunday. Hamilton delivered a losing verdict before even qualifying for this race, saying after Friday practice:
“We definitely won’t win this weekend.” Not with this attitude, Lewis.
The next major regulatory changes are not expected until 2026. There is a real possibility that Red Bull’s advantage over the rest of the field will be maintained between now and then. at that time. From a neutral perspective, let’s not get our hopes up: no matter how extraordinary and impressive their achievements are, exciting battles for wins and titles are essential if the sport wants to avoid decline. lack of interest from fans. The Singapore race proved that.
With Verstappen and Sergio Perez out of action, four drivers were in contention for victory at the start of the final lap. Then there was the tragedy of George Russell falling while trying too hard to achieve this victory. It was a real headache.
It’s proof of the truly fierce level of competition that F1 has experienced this season. Take Red Bull out of the equation and at different times, Mercedes, Ferrari, Aston Martin and McLaren were all the fastest teams on the track. Imagine how exciting a five-way title battle between them would be? And why limit it there? Let’s also involve Alpine. Maybe even another team.
Unfortunately, Red Bull’s grip seems too solid at the moment. And that poses a real danger to Hamilton’s hopes of not just an eighth title but perhaps even a 104th race victory.