2012
Canadian GP
Another thrilling race in which the Pirelli tyres again played a large part,
Hamilton making McLaren’s two-stop strategy work to perfection as he hunted
down and overhauled Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari’s Fernando
Alonso – both on one-stoppers – in the closing stages.
Which has been Lewis Hamilton’s best race to date?
And five of the worst…
2009 Australian GP
The low point of Hamilton’s entire career to date. His first race as world
champion and not only was the car a dog – he could only qualify in 15th
position – Hamilton was then disqualified from the race after being caught
lying to race stewards under instruction from his team.
2010
Australian GP
Hamilton’s first race without the guiding hand of his father, with whom he
had parted company in acrimonious fashion, did not start brilliantly. His
Mercedes road car was impounded after he was caught doing wheel skids for
the fans. Hamilton then qualified 11th and finished sixth in the race as new
McLaren team mate Jenson Button won.
2010 Italian GP
A year after crashing out on the very final lap, Hamilton lasted just four
corners in 2010 before colliding with Ferrari’s Felipe Massa at the second
chicane. Storming back to his motor home still wearing his helmet, Hamilton
emerged an hour later to admit:
“It is mistakes like that which lose you world championships”.
He didn’t win another race all year.
2011 Monaco GP
Facing personal problems off-track, Hamilton’s 2011 season was, by his own
admission, his toughest yet and his frustration boiled over in Monaco where
he was punished for collisions with both Felipe Massa and Pastor Maldonado, lashing
out at the stewards afterwards and making his now infamous Ali G quip. Watch
youTube
2011 Canadian GP
At the very next race in Canada, Hamilton’s blood was still boiling. He made
a very public visit to rivals Red Bull following qualifying, asking to speak
to team principal Christian Horner, and then crashed out of the race after
colliding with his own team mate Jenson Button. Three-time world champion Niki
Lauda was moved to say: “He is completely mad. You cannot drive like this –
it will result in someone getting killed.”
Which has been Lewis Hamilton’s worst race to date?
So which was his best and which was his worst? Cast your votes and have
your say below…