Lewis Hamilton will arguably go down as one of the best drivers to ever compete in Formula One. Since his debut in 2007, the Briton has taken the sport by storm, clinching seven world titles in fourteen seasons.

However, one fact that often goes unnoticed about the Briton is how close he came to winning the world title in his rookie season. Recently, former Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug commented on that season in 2007.

Haug admits how painful the ending to the 2007 F1 season was

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

Despite being a rookie, Hamilton found blistering pace straight out of the gate, recording nine podiums in the first nine races. Although no one expected the Briton to challenge for the world championship that year, he missed out by just one point to eventual champion Kimi Raikkonen.

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Appearing on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Haug, who negotiated Mercedes’ partnership with McLaren in 1995, spoke about that season. He admitted the feeling of narrowly missing out hurt everyone, including Hamilton. He said, “[I] remember 2007, first almost world championship for Lewis but our problem in China.

“That was so hurtful, to start at the end when you see you are 70 points ahead. And when we are still on the mark, at two races to go if you get three points, you have got in your pocket. And we still missed it. That was really, really hurtful. I’m sure for Lewis, because it was his first year in Formula One.”

READ MORE: Would Lewis Hamilton Be Regarded Differently Had He Not Won the 2008 World Championship?

Haug: Lewis Hamilton was impressive in 2007

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

With the Briton sealing his future with Mercedes till 2023, he competes for his eighth world title in 15 seasons this year. Although he trails Max Verstappen by 32 points, the seven-time world champion cannot be discounted under any circumstances.

Can the Briton regain his best form in the upcoming British Grand Prix on July 18? Only time will tell.

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