Lewis Hamilton's initial victory with Mercedes, driving the W04 before its 2023 auction, was more than just a win. Known for its speed during qualifying but poor race performance, the car faced tire woes. Hamilton took pole position but anticipated a "miracle" to win. Yet, he controlled the race, overcoming Jenson Button's McLaren and Mark Webber's Red Bull. This marked the beginning of a legendary career, even if the full extent wasn't known at the time.
The 2020 British GP seemed routine until Hamilton's tire drama on the final lap. Having dominated the race, his left front tire failed, leaving him with the shell of a wheel and half a lap to go. Drawing on his experience, Hamilton maintained control and beat Max Verstappen by six seconds, despite losing over half a minute—an unforgettable moment.
With Mercedes' V6 hybrid dominance, a season's excitement relied on Hamilton battling Nico Rosberg. In Bahrain, after early struggles, they went wheel-to-wheel. A late safety car saw Hamilton maintain the lead on slower tires, creating a masterpiece of defensive driving against relentless attacks from Rosberg.
Experiencing the longest winless streak due to Mercedes' struggles, Hamilton made the Silverstone 2023 win especially sweet. Starting second, he masterfully navigated changing conditions, outsmarted McLaren's Lando Norris, and managed a perfect final stint to win—a historic ninth victory in front of his home crowd.
Taking pole at Monaco, Hamilton seemed set for victory until Mercedes' pit strategy blundered. With 66 laps of tire management required, he navigated relentless pressure and a late challenge from Verstappen. Surviving on worn tires, his win was dedicated to the late Niki Lauda.
Starting 14th due to a hydraulic failure, Hamilton faced a monumental challenge at the German GP. Recovering to P4, rain and Vettel's crash brought him into contention. By staying out during a safety car, Hamilton gambled on older tires, held off teammate Valtteri Bottas, and turned a championship deficit into a lead.
On a slippery Turkish circuit, Hamilton started P6. As others pitted, he persevered on worn intermediates, took the lead, and opened a significant gap. Securing a seventh title with a masterful drive, he left the motorsport world in awe.
Despite Ferrari's dominance at Monza, Hamilton delivered a stunning drive. He outmaneuvered Vettel at the start, causing a spin, and pressured Kimi Raikkonen into wearing his tires. Hamilton prevailed, securing a win in Ferrari's territory.
In São Paulo, a penalized Hamilton started last in a sprint race but finished fifth. Despite further penalties, he climbed from P10, overtaking rivals to challenge Verstappen. Winning the race amidst challenges positioned him close to an eighth title—an inspiring testament to his tenacity.
Lewis Hamilton's victories with Mercedes showcase his exceptional skill, resilience, and racecraft. From tire dramas to strategic brilliance, he has repeatedly defied the odds, etching his name in motorsport history. Whether battling teammates or overcoming penalties, Hamilton's legacy continues to grow with each unforgettable triumph.
