Ex-F1 boss describes the “really, really hurtful” moment for Hamilton at McLaren

Lewis Hamilton will probably be considered one of the best drivers ever to compete in Formula 1. Since his debut in 2007, the Briton has taken the sport by storm, claiming seven world titles in fourteen seasons.

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One fact that is often hidden from the Briton, however, is how close he was to winning the world title in his rookie season. Former Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Director Norbert Haug last commented on this 2007 season.

Haug admits how painful the end of the 2007 Formula 1 season was

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Hamilton made his debut in the 2007 F1 season as a young 22-year-old from Stevenage, UK, with a bright future. The Brit joined McLaren that year, with two-time world champion Fernando Alonso as his teammate.

Despite being a rookie, Hamilton found a breakneck pace right from the start, claiming nine podiums in the first nine races. Although no one expected the Briton to fight for the world championship this year, he only missed one point on the eventual world champion Kimi Raikkonen.

JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN – JANUARY 16: Lewis Hamilton from Great Britain and McLaren Mercedes in action during a test at the Circuito de Jerez on January 16, 2008 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. (Photo by Clive Mason / Getty Images)

In the Beyond the Grid podcast, Norbert Haug, who negotiated the Mercedes-McLaren partnership in 1995, spoke about this season. He admitted the feeling of narrowly missing out on everyone, including Hamilton. He said, “[I] Do you remember 2007, almost World Cup for Lewis at first but our problem in China.

“It was so hurtful to start at the end when you saw that you were 70 points ahead. And if we are at the finish line with two races to go, you’ll have three points in your pocket. And we still missed it. It was really very hurtful. I’m sure for Lewis because it was his first year in Formula 1. “

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Haug: Hamilton was impressive in 2007

Despite her failure in 2007, Haug admitted that Hamilton’s accomplishments that year impressed him. “Lewis entered F1 in 2007 and finished on the podium nine times in the first nine races. I think he won his sixth or seventh race in Canada. It was really impressive. “

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Since the Briton has sealed his future at Mercedes until 2023, he is fighting for his eighth world title in 15 seasons this year. Although he is 32 points behind Max Verstappen, the seven-time world champion is by no means to be neglected.

Can the Brit get back to his best at the upcoming British Grand Prix on July 18th? Only time can tell.

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WATCH HISTORY: Lewis Hamilton: Ranking of his F1 world titles from 2008 to 2020