Lewis Hamilton has played down the impact of his unmatched win streak coming to an end in 2022. The Mercedes star is yet to stand at the top of the podium this year, putting his status as the only driver in the history of F1 to have won a Grand Prix in each season of their career at risk.
It was clear from Mercedes’ pre-season testing that their period of F1 dominance was poised to come to an end. The Silver Arrows had been on an unprecedented run which saw them scoop up eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2014 to 2021.
But Red Bull have been the clear front-runners this season, leaving Hamilton and George Russell unable to catch up. Ferrari have also enjoyed greater pace than Mercedes but a string of errors from their camp means the race for second spot in the team standings is still alive and kicking.
“I don’t look at it as a dry spell,” Hamilton said. “I feel this year has been a year of growth. It has been a good experience for all.
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“There are six races [left] so there’s six opportunities and we will try to get a win, but if we do not, I do not think it is the end of the world. [It has been] one of the toughest seasons of my career. We just need to understand the car. Our goal is a second placing. Hopefully, in the next six races, we will do well.”
Hamilton is clear that he has just six races to save his streak of winning a Grand Prix in every season since earning his F1 seat as a 22-year-old. The Brit came within a whisker of winning the world title in his rookie year before going one better and clinching his first crown 12 months later.
“[The situation] is similar to Lewis [Hamilton] in previous years,” McLaren star Lando Norris told Sky Sports. “When you’ve got a car that can deliver and win races, [Verstappen] is the one to take those opportunities. When he’s beating his teammate every time, it’s impressive to see day in, day out.
“Even in FP1 on his first lap of the whole day, his lap times are normally quicker than what we ever do in qualifying. Look, he’s one of the most talented drivers ever. No doubt he’s going to win a second Lewis Hamilton shares feelings on prospect of historic win streak ending this season | F1 | Sport this year and most likely go on to win a few more in the future.”
