Getty
ISTANBUL, TURKEY: Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates winning a 7th F1 World Drivers Championship on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Turkey at Intercity Istanbul Park in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Getty
ISTANBUL, TURKEY: Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates winning a 7th F1 World Drivers Championship on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Turkey at Intercity Istanbul Park in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Getty
ISTANBUL, TURKEY: Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates winning a 7th F1 World Drivers Championship on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Turkey at Intercity Istanbul Park in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Getty
ISTANBUL, TURKEY: Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates winning a 7th F1 World Drivers Championship on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Turkey at Intercity Istanbul Park in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton moved to Mercedes from McLaren in 2013 and today marks the 8th year since the Briton’s first day at the team. He replaced the 7-time World Champion, Michael Schumacher, at the Brackley-based outfit.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut with McLaren in 2007. The Briton had one of the best debut seasons as he finished in second place of the championship standings.
He lost the championship to Kimi Raikkonen with just one point. However, the Briton claimed his first championship the very next season.
After 2008, Hamilton had a few underwhelming seasons with McLaren. Niki Lauda and Toto Wolff played a crucial role in convincing the Briton to make the change.
The start of the journey… 👀#OnThisDay in 2013… @LewisHamilton's first day at the Team! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/EM1vJSsfcg
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) January 24, 2021
Since Hamilton joined Mercedes, the pair have recorded one of the most dominating partnerships in Formula 1. The Silver Arrows took to Twitter to commemorate the Briton’s first day at the team.
ALSO READ- Why is Lewis Hamilton Not Very Popular Among the British F1 Fans?
Lewis Hamilton and his Legacy with Mercedes
When Hamilton replaced Michael Schumacher in Mercedes, the German was the most successful F1 driver. At that point in time, Schumacher’s 7 title wins seemed like an unachievable feat.
However, Hamilton and Mercedes embarked upon a journey that broke all Formula 1 results. The Brackley team has since won 7 consecutive championships, breaking Ferrari’s record of 6. Hamilton also equaled Schumacher’s record of seven world championships this past season.
The Mercedes driver broke another Schumacher record of the most career race wins this season. The British Royal Family also honored the Mercedes driver with a Knighthood for his achievements on and off the Formula 1 grid.
ALSO READ- 6 Michael Schumacher F1 Records That Lewis Hamilton Hasn’t Toppled Yet
Getty
MONTE CARLO, MONACO – MAY 23: Lewis Hamilton (R) of Great Britain and McLaren listens as Michael Schumacher (L) of Germany and Mercedes GP talks at the drivers press conference during previews to the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix at the Monte Carlo Circuit on May 23, 2012 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Hamilton and Mercedes’ contract ended this season. With just 2 more months to go for the new season, the contract negotiation is still far from confirmed.
The primary point of negotiation is the term of the contract. It is believed that Hamilton is looking for a longer term; however, the team is looking for a relatively shorter term.
Do you believe Lewis Hamilton will break Schumacher’s record by winning the championship this season?