THE US Grand Prix was host to an historic event last weekend, as Lewis Hamilton entered an elite club of Formula One drivers who have achieved three World Championship titles. The driver now ranks among the greatest ever to grace the sport, sitting in the upper echelons of motorsport’s best, with the likes of Niki Lauda and Jackie Stewart.
The British racer attained this accolade after winning the 16th stage of the season in Austin Texas, in a race which offered up plenty of excitement and variety. The weather conditions provided an unpredictable element of intrigue, as the drivers were forced onto intermediate tyres and (more importantly) into some breathtaking and risky manoeuvres.
The race was once again all about the battle between Nico Rosberg and Hamilton, who have provided a spectacular rivalry all season, as the two pushed each other’s driving abilities to the limit – and in doing so, pushed the definition of the phrase ‘team-mates’ to its extreme as well. Rosberg was starting in pole position and clearly looked intent on not relinquishing his lead to Hamilton or anyone else. The Mercedes driver however, could not stave-off his team-mate’s attempts at glory, which were noticeably aggressive. There is clearly no love lost between the two, as when Rosberg missed a crucial apex early in the race, Hamilton appeared to run him off the track. This manoeuvre was ‘not intentional’ according to Hamilton, but whether this is true or not, it is certainly indicative of his forceful driving style and sheer determination to win the Grand Prix.
A decision later in the race by Hamilton to change to slick tyres led to a period of what can certainly be described as ‘familiar dominance’, as the two Mercedes drivers pulled away from their Red Bull counterparts, who had been troubling the driving pair for much of the afternoon, often providing a buffer between the two and figuratively breathing down Hamilton’s neck. It was testament to the thrilling drama that is the Hamilton-Rosberg rivalry that in a race in which Kimi Räikkönen crashed out, the sole focus would be on those two.
Ultimately, Hamilton crossed the line victorious and in doing so, booked himself a place in the history books. The British driver later stated that this Championship title is ‘just as special; if not more special’ than his win last year – possibly because of the significance of equalling personal sporting hero Ayrton Senna’s record. If Hamilton continues to drive like this and Mercedes continue to dominate in this fashion, then surely next season, the World Champion will be surpassing his own idol.
James Candler
Featured image: The Independent