Why Lewis Hamilton Is Considered the GOAT of F1: A Breakdown

By Jocelyn Alano June 13, 2024 12:50

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Lewis Hamilton, a name that has etched itself into the annals of Formula 1 history, is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the sport. Born on January 7, 1985, in Stevenage, England, Hamilton's journey to becoming a seven-time World Champion and one of the most dominant forces in F1 is nothing short of extraordinary. Let's delve into the reasons why Lewis Hamilton is considered the greatest of all time in the world of Formula 1.

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Unrivaled Achievements

Hamilton has a string of landmark successes in his racing journey. The Frenchman stands firm with his 197 podium finishes and 103 highest race finishes, displaying some jaw-dropping performance in 341 Grands Prix entered and a mind-blowing stack of 4694.5 points. His seven World Championships have now made him a true legend of the sport, set alongside the iconic Michael Schumacher, and he is not going anywhere.

Unconventional Excellence

What sets Hamilton apart is not only his on-track performances but also his refusal to conform to stereotypes. His individuality and authenticity have reshaped the perception of a racing driver. His influence extends beyond the racetrack, with strong opinions on various global issues, fashion, and music, making him a multifaceted and compelling personality.

Recognition and Awards

Hamilton is more than just a star athlete - awarded with several awards and honors over his career, his impact is felt far beyond the world of sports. Whether it be the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award or the prestigious Knighthood in 2020, his contributions have been surfacing globally.

Analyst Perspectives & Statistics

David Coulthard has praised Hamilton as "the Ayrton Senna of his era" by fellow drivers and experts and consistently regards Hamilton's driving abilities as exceptional. Hamilton's achievements speak for themselves in a statistical sense. Winning an average of ten races a season with Mercedes over the last half-decade puts him within motor-sporting touching distance of erasing some of Schumacher's so-thought-untouchable records.

The Debate of the Greatest

Hamilton's success has led to discussions over his place among the sport's all-time greats -- but there is no denying his impact. Experts and fellow drivers have hailed his resilience and his knack to bring race-winning performances out of non-dominant cars.

Comparing Eras with the Numbers

The changing nature of car technology and safety standards in F1 means it is tricky to establish a fair comparison between drivers across different eras. Underneath those headline numbers appear multiple appearances from the like of Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Juan Manuel Fangio - the all-time greats in one of the most colourful yarns in Formula 1 history.

So, Lewis Hamilton is not just a racing driver when Formula 1 is considered. That, along with his impact on and off the circuit as well as his unyielding dedication to practice, have fixed his standing among one of the sport's genuine greats. While the discussion of it being from feeding pads will live forever, Hamilton stands as an icon in the history of Formula 1.