Hamilton Breaks Another Record Despite Singapore Brake Issues

Lewis Hamilton has once again etched his name into the F1 history books at the Singapore Grand Prix, despite a challenging race marked by a brake issue. Even with the setback, the Ferrari driver managed to set the fastest lap of the race, a 1:33.808.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's ability to pull off a record-breaking fastest lap while battling mechanical issues underscores his enduring skill and determination. This achievement extends his unparalleled record for consecutive seasons with a fastest lap, further solidifying his legacy in Formula 1.

The Details:

• Hamilton's fastest lap of 1:33.808 came despite a brake issue that caused him to lose three positions during the race.
• This marks his 16th consecutive season with at least one fastest lap, a streak that began in 2010. This record surpasses Michael Schumacher's previous best of 15 consecutive seasons (1992-2006).
• He already holds the record for the most seasons overall with a fastest lap, having achieved it in every year except 2009.
• However, from this season onwards, setting the fastest lap no longer guarantees an additional point in the championship standings, which has been the case in previous seasons.

Between the lines:

During the race, Hamilton's brake issues led him to cut corners, resulting in a five-second time penalty from the stewards. This incident notably drew an angry reaction from Fernando Alonso over team radio, with the Aston Martin driver exclaiming, “I cannot f****** believe it. Is it safe to drive with no brakes?” This exchange highlights the intense on-track rivalries and the high stakes involved even when drivers are facing mechanical setbacks.

What's next:

While individual records continue to stack up for Hamilton, the focus will now shift to Ferrari's performance in the upcoming races and their efforts to address any underlying mechanical issues. Hamilton’s consistent performance, even under duress, will be crucial as Ferrari aims to improve its standing in the Constructors' Championship. The team will be keen to ensure such brake problems do not reoccur, allowing both drivers to maximize their potential in the remaining races.