Formula 1: Is 2021 the end of Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes’ dominance?

Seven World Championships, five in a row, 99 wins, nearly 4000 points and the list of Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 records go on. The Brit has been one of the biggest names in the sport, and the biggest when it comes to statistics. He has been a part of F1 in 2007 and 14 years later, he is aiming at creating an all-time record with an eight championship. But the question is – Will he be able to do it? 

On Sunday, Lewis Hamilton starts fourth at Sochi, Russian Grand Prix. Leading him are the cars of Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz and George Russell in order. However, the strongest challenge the Mercedes driver faces is expected to face comes from 16 spots behind where championship leader Max Verstappen will start. 

Verstappen, 23, has so far enjoyed the best F1 season of his seven-year-old career. The Belgian-Dutch driver leads Hamilton by five points on the championship table. Max has won seven races this season against Hamilton’s four. 

Does this mean, Hamilton and Mercedes are losing grip on their dominance?

Mercedes sure is not anymore the only dominant power in F1. Red Bull have created a car that can compete  against and defeat the German manufacturers. Verstappen leads the Austrian team in an RB16B car that is able to accelerate from slower corners better than most other cars on the circuit.

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Monza had really showcased where the rivalry stands. There is no room for error and Verstappen, considered the aggressive one amongst the two, has put up a cut throat. 

“That’s really just through experience you find that balance and you know it’s not all won on one corner, so there will be other opportunities,” Hamilton said ahead of the Russian GP, referring to how he has matured with experience

“I know what it’s like having to fight for your first championship and your eagerness and you go through lots of different experiences and emotions during that time. I do believe that we will continue to get stronger and I’m hopeful that we won’t have any more incidents through the year.”

“Yeah, I’m so nervous I can barely sleep. I mean, it’s so horrible to fight for a title. I really hate it. Those comments, it just shows you that he really doesn’t know me – which is fine. I also don’t need to know him, how he is. I’m very relaxed about all those things and I really can’t be bothered, I’m very chilled,” Verstappen responded. 

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Verstappen has taken a new power unit, facing a grid penalty in Sochi, but ensuring that he will be at advantage at the upcoming seven venues. 

It will be interesting to see if and when Mercedes make a similar decision for Hamilton. 

Lewis Hamilton will be joined by George Russell next year. The two Brits in the German cars is an exciting partnership but what will be even more exciting to see is the intra rivalry. Lando Norris is another talent to watch out for.