The 2021 Formula 1 racing season ended dramatically in Abu Dhabi in December. It was a fitting end to a season marked by close racing from start to finish.
The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team overcame countless challenges throughout the season to win a record eighth straight FIA Formula One
World Constructors’ Championship. We would like to congratulate the inimitable Lewis Hamilton on his second place finish in the Drivers’ Cup and look back on his and the team’s incredible achievements – and what the year ahead may bring¹
The 2021 season in statistics
The season was exciting, to say the least. From overcoming a collision and time penalty, to winning the British Grand Prix and still winning despite car damage in Jeddah, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has delivered championship performances across the board. It’s been a great year to launch our new campaign and share how the company is using data and Pure StorageⓇ to push the boundaries of innovation and technology. The entire team – from engineers, IT, pit crews, mechanics, drivers and more – helped the team break records and achieve breakthroughs.
The season in numbers:
- 72 years of the race
- 22 races run: An F1 record! The ambitious 2021 calendar has held its ground despite the events of 2020 and travel restrictions.
- Countries where races have been held: 21
- Countries represented in the ranking: 14 countries²
- The very first race in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: It was also one of the most dramatic races of the season.
- The US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas broke the all-time attendance record: 400,000 fans came over the weekend and took the record from Silverstone.³
- Most Watched Season: Across multiple networks in the US, the 2021 season broke the 1995 record for the most watched season of all time.4
Mercedes breaks record with eighth consecutive Constructors’ Championship trophy
The Mercedes F1 team started the season with seven victories in the Constructors’ Cup and then broke the record with eight.
Mercedes F1 Team Total Points: 613.5
- Lewis Hamilton: 387.5
- Valtteri Bottas: 226
Hamilton’s new records 2021
Although there weren’t many records left for Hamilton to break, he still managed to position him as one of the most successful drivers in F1 history:
First driver with 100 Grand Prix victories: Hamilton matched that record early in the season 95 wins. In Sochi, he became the first F1 driver to break the 100 mark. He finished the season with a staggering 103 wins.
First to 100 pole positions: Hamilton started the season with his record-breaking 98 pole positions, breaking 100 in the second race, and finished the season at 103.
Record Career Podiums: Hamilton held the record here with 165 career podiums early in the season, finishing with 182. Verstappen had the most podiums of the season with 18, but Hamilton was close behind with 17.
The DHL 2021 Fastest Lap Award: DHL presented Hamilton with the award for the fastest laps of the 2021 season. He set the fastest lap in six laps that year, just ahead of Verstappen and Bottas.
Outlook for 2022
2022 has big shoes to fill, but we already have some exciting news to look forward to.
Thanks Valtteri!: In the words of the team: “Valtteri [has] was such an important part of this team, delivering five Constructors’ Championships in five seasons. Thank you for your remarkable contribution to our motorsport history.” Bottas has joined Alfa Romeo for the 2022 season and we all wish him the best of luck.
George Russell moves to Mercedes: And in his place, George Russell will join the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team in 2022. This up-and-coming British driver has looked up to Hamilton for years so it will be exciting to see Russell continue to grow under his wing.
New car designs: Keep an eye out for a fresh livery design for the Mercedes AMG cars next season and what’s underneath is changing too. A 2022 prototype was unveiled at the British Grand Prix, revealing new aerodynamics that will improve the car’s performance in the wake of another car, as well as new 18-inch wheels. This could affect everything from lap times and placements to on-track action, allowing for more wheel-to-wheel racing.
We see us in March!
The year has been a stunning comeback for the sport and a demonstration of fantastic driving performances from all the teams giving their best on the track week in and week out. After the challenges of the past two years, breaking attendance records is a true testament to the passion for the sport and the loyalty of its fans.
We are so proud to be an official partner and can’t wait to see what next year brings.
- Subject to official confirmation by the FIA of the results of the 2021 FIA Formula OneTM World Championship
- https://f1mix.com/drivers/
- https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/42867/the-2021-us-grand-prix-was-the-biggest-f1-race-ever#:~:text=Formula%20One%20is%20an%20elite ,400%2C000%20participants%20packed%20the%20circuit.
- https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/12/thrilling-abu-dhabi-race-completes-formula-1s-most-viewed-season-on-record/
Author: Jason Rose
Jason comes to Pure Storage from SAP, where he held various positions on the Marketing Leadership Team, including Chief Marketing Officer for Customer Experience and SVP of Digital Experience and Social Channels. He led the Global Programs team and supported 84 market units with campaign content across all SAP product lines… Show complete profile >
