Hamilton Reflects on 'One of His Strongest Years' in F1, Despite 2021 Title Loss

Lewis Hamilton recently described the 2021 Formula 1 season as one of the strongest years of his career, despite ultimately losing the championship to Max Verstappen. Speaking to L'Equipe, Hamilton highlighted the exceptional form he and the Mercedes team achieved by extracting maximum performance from the W12 car, even without upgrades.

Why it matters:

Lewis Hamilton's perspective on the 2021 season offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a seven-time world champion. Despite the heartbreaking loss in Abu Dhabi, his belief that it was 'one of his strongest years' underscores the immense personal and team effort put into that campaign. It also speaks to the relentless pursuit of performance even when facing formidable competition without car upgrades, a testament to his enduring competitive spirit.

The Details:

• Exceptional Form: Hamilton noted, "The momentum at the end of the season was incredibly strong." This period saw him clinch crucial victories, setting up the dramatic final race.
• Maximizing Potential: Despite the Mercedes W12 receiving no significant upgrades during the latter half of the season, Hamilton and the team managed to "squeeze some performance out." This indicates a mastery of car setup and driving, extracting every ounce of speed available.
• Championship Battle: The 2021 season was characterized by an intense, season-long rivalry with Red Bull's Max Verstappen. The title fight was decided on the very last lap of the final race in Abu Dhabi after a controversial late safety car restart.
• Rivalry Respect: When asked about the rival he was most proud of defeating, Hamilton emphasized mutual respect for all competitors. He stated, "I admire each of these competitors. I put myself in their shoes; they’ve made enormous sacrifices." This highlights his sportsmanship and understanding of the immense pressure and dedication involved in F1.

The big picture:

The 2021 season is widely considered one of F1's most thrilling and controversial. Hamilton's reflections underscore his incredible driving prowess and the team's resilience. His ability to perform at such a high level, even as the car's development plateaued, exemplifies why he is regarded as one of the sport's all-time greats. His respect for rivals also paints a picture of a champion who understands the depth of competition at the pinnacle of motorsport.

What's next:

As Hamilton prepares for his move to Ferrari in 2025, his ability to extract performance from any package, as demonstrated in 2021, will be crucial. This mindset will be vital as Ferrari aims to challenge for championships, potentially in a period of significant regulation changes that could level the playing field. His experience in intense title fights and maximizing car potential will undoubtedly be a huge asset to his new team.