Lewis Hamilton is broadly thought to be some of the achieved drivers within the historical past of Components 1, having competed alongside and in opposition to among the fiercest abilities the game has ever seen.
Since his exceptional debut, which noticed him end third on the 2007 Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton has persistently been on the forefront of the Components 1 grid. His journey by an illustrious profession with McLaren and Mercedes has earned him data for probably the most race wins and pole positions within the sport’s historical past. Now, in pursuit of an unprecedented eighth world championship, Hamilton is about to affix Ferrari subsequent season. There, he’ll face an intriguing problem as he companions with Charles Leclerc, a rivalry that guarantees so as to add one other dramatic chapter to his storied profession.
All through his time in Components 1, Hamilton has been a part of quite a few intense rivalries and partnerships, a lot of which have outlined pivotal races and championship battles. Along with his impending transfer to Ferrari, we’ve ranked the six most notable teammates Hamilton has confronted in his profession, alongside an early take a look at what would possibly unfold with Leclerc in 2025.
6. Heikki Kovalainen – McLaren (2008–2009)
Heikki Kovalainen was introduced into McLaren in 2008 following the controversial Spygate scandal and the collapse of the Fernando Alonso – Lewis Hamilton partnership. The Finn, beforehand with Renault, was chosen for his calm demeanor, which was exactly what crew principal Ron Dennis wanted to stabilize the crew atmosphere.
Whereas Kovalainen not often matched Hamilton’s tempo, this disparity allowed McLaren to keep up a harmonious environment. His debut noticed a good fifth-place end on the Australian Grand Prix, adopted by a podium in Malaysia. The Finn’s profession spotlight got here later that season when he secured his solely F1 victory on the Hungarian Grand Prix, capitalizing on misfortunes for Hamilton and race chief Felipe Massa.
Nonetheless, Heikki Kovalainen struggled to adapt to the brand new rules in 2009, leading to a difficult second season. In the end, McLaren opted for reigning world champion Jenson Button to switch him in 2010.
5. Valtteri Bottas – Mercedes (2017–2021)
Valtteri Bottas joined Mercedes in 2017 through the crew’s dominant period within the hybrid period. The Finn grew to become Hamilton’s second Finnish teammate after Nico Rosberg’s abrupt retirement following his 2016 title win.
Valtteri Bottas made a right away impression, securing his maiden victory on the Russian Grand Prix that very same yr, holding off Sebastian Vettel beneath intense strain. Whereas he often excelled in qualifying, generally matching Lewis Hamilton’s one-lap tempo, The Finnish driver lacked the race-day consistency to problem his teammate. Nonetheless, he performed a vital supporting position, typically obeying crew orders, as seen in Germany and Russia in 2018.
Regardless of these contributions, Bottas’s incapability to keep up Hamilton’s tempo throughout races was obvious, notably in 2021 when he struggled to remain in competition in opposition to Verstappen and Hamilton’s fierce battles.
4. Jenson Button – McLaren (2010–2012)
Jenson Button joined McLaren in 2010, creating an all-British driver lineup alongside Hamilton. Button’s easy driving fashion and expertise because the 2009 world champion made him a powerful addition to the crew, although the duo by no means managed to dethrone Crimson Bull and Sebastian Vettel throughout their time collectively.
Button was typically aggressive, excelling in unpredictable situations, comparable to his memorable victories in Canada and Hungary in 2011. Nonetheless, he often light into obscurity throughout races. In 2012, Button struggled to seventeenth in Montreal, whereas Hamilton took the win.
Over their three seasons, Button briefly outperformed Hamilton in 2011, benefitting from fewer errors and stronger consistency. Nonetheless, Hamilton had the higher hand total. Pissed off by McLaren’s declining reliability, Hamilton made the pivotal transfer to Mercedes in 2013, a call that might outline the remainder of his profession.
3. George Russell – Mercedes (2022–2024)
George Russell’s arrival at Mercedes in 2022 coincided with the crew’s struggles to adapt to the brand new ground-effect rules. Regardless of these challenges, Russell typically appeared extra comfy with the automobile than Hamilton throughout their three-year partnership.
Russell’s first season included a breakthrough victory in Brazil, the place he held off Hamilton in a tense late-race duel. By 2024, Russell demonstrated constant velocity, profitable in Austria and outperforming Hamilton in qualifying with a 19–5 document throughout 24 races.
Now, Russell is about to steer Mercedes into a brand new period alongside rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli, whereas Hamilton strikes on to Ferrari.
2. Fernando Alonso – McLaren (2007)
The Alonso-Hamilton partnership lasted just one season however was crammed with rigidity and drama, each on and off the monitor. Alonso, a two-time world champion, joined McLaren looking for a 3rd title, however Hamilton’s instant competitiveness upset the crew’s dynamic.
The rivalry ignited early, with Hamilton passing Alonso in spectacular vogue through the opening lap in Australia. The strain escalated all through the season, with flashpoints at Monaco and Indianapolis. By yr’s finish, the connection between the teammates had fully damaged down, and McLaren’s inside strife allowed Kimi Räikkönen to grab the championship for Ferrari.
1. Nico Rosberg – Mercedes (2013–2016)
Hamilton’s partnership with Nico Rosberg was probably the most unstable and dramatic of his profession. Over 4 seasons, they battled fiercely for 3 world championships, with their relationship deteriorating because the rivalry intensified.
The pair’s clashes had been typically controversial, from Rosberg’s notorious qualifying incident in Monaco in 2014 to their on-track collision in Austria in 2016. Regardless of Hamilton’s total dominance, Rosberg managed to assert the 2016 title in a season marked by relentless competitors and dramatic moments. The rivalry finally ended when Rosberg retired days after clinching his championship.
Charles Leclerc – Ferrari ranging from the 2025 Components 1 marketing campaign
Looking forward to 2025, Charles Leclerc represents a formidable problem for Hamilton as he joins Ferrari. Recognized for his blistering velocity in qualifying and constant race tempo, Leclerc has already confirmed himself as one of many sport’s brightest abilities.
Ferrari, having narrowly misplaced the 2024 Constructors’ Championship to McLaren, is making strides towards changing into a championship contender. Hamilton has beforehand praised Leclerc, however their partnership is certain to be aggressive. The crew’s success might hinge on their skill to work collectively, although Ferrari might face difficulties managing two evenly matched drivers in a title struggle.
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