Lewis Hamilton’s 7 Greatest Performances Behind the Wheel of a Mercedes

A Legendary Career Powered by Mercedes

Seven-time Formula One Drivers’ World Champion and motorsport icon Sir Lewis Hamilton has spent the entirety of his senior career at F1 behind the wheel of a Mercedes-powered car until the end of the 2024 season before he packs up for Maranello. And yes, we’re counting his early years during which he raced for McLaren, as those memorable seasons were the result of a successful partnership between the British team and Mercedes, who was their engine provider, before venturing off as a works team in F1. 

So as we see a truly legendary chapter in racing history come to a close, let’s take a look back at some of Lewis Hamilton’s greatest outings.

7. Grit and Skill in Hungary (2013)

Hamilton’s first win for Mercedes came in the 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix under scorching conditions. Despite pre-race concerns about tire wear, he managed his tires brilliantly while making decisive passes on Jenson Button and Mark Webber. His performance laid the foundation for his dominant career with Mercedes, defying early critics who doubted his team switch and showcasing his adaptability to challenging race conditions.

6. Bold Move in Austin (2012)

At the inaugural US Grand Prix in Austin, Hamilton engaged in a gripping battle with Sebastian Vettel. After a relentless pursuit, he used the DRS zone on lap 42 to seize the lead with a perfectly timed pass into Turn 12. His determination to challenge Red Bull’s dominance earned him a well-deserved victory, proving McLaren’s competitiveness on a new circuit and Hamilton’s tenacity in wheel-to-wheel combat.

5. Late Surge in China (2011)

The 2011 Chinese Grand Prix saw Hamilton deliver a masterclass in tire strategy and overtaking. After a slow pit stop dropped him down the order, he carved through the field, making daring passes on Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg, and finally Sebastian Vettel with just four laps to go. His relentless drive secured one of his most thrilling wins and demonstrated his ability to adapt, strategize, and execute overtakes with surgical precision.

4. Triumph Against the Odds in Germany (2008)

At Hockenheim, a mid-race safety car erased Hamilton’s commanding lead, forcing him into recovery mode from fifth place. Displaying fearless overtaking skills, he charged past Felipe Massa and eventually passed race leader Nelson Piquet Jr. with a bold move into the hairpin. His aggressive, never-give-up attitude turned what seemed like a lost race into a stunning victory, highlighting his determination and skill under pressure.

3. Duel of Wills in Bahrain (2014)

Hamilton’s fierce duel with Nico Rosberg in the 2014 Bahrain Grand Prix remains an F1 classic. After grabbing the lead at the start, Hamilton faced relentless attacks from Rosberg, who was on fresher, softer tires. In a tense final stretch, Hamilton’s defensive driving—highlighted by precise car placement and bold braking maneuvers—secured a narrow victory by just over one second, setting the tone for their season-long title battle.

2. Tactical Brilliance in Turkey (2020)

Despite a slippery Istanbul Park surface and starting from sixth, Hamilton showcased unparalleled race management during the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix. After dropping back early, he carefully nursed his intermediate tires over a remarkable 50-lap stint as others faltered. His eventual 31.6-second victory secured his seventh world title, equaling Michael Schumacher’s record. Even Sebastian Vettel admitted, “It wasn’t his race to win and he still won it,” showcasing Hamilton’s tactical mastery and tire management.

1. Wet-Weather Domination at Silverstone (2008)

torrential rain at the 2008 British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton delivered what many consider his most commanding performance. Starting from fourth, he surged into the lead after overtaking team-mate Heikki Kovalainen. While rivals struggled in the treacherous conditions, Hamilton lapped all but two drivers, winning by a staggering 68 seconds. As Autosport put it, “It’s performances of that caliber that make legends.” His victory remains one of the largest margins in modern F1 history, showcasing his unparalleled skill in wet conditions.

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