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One phrase that can perpetually be synonymous with the yr 2020 is coronavirus. Everything else took a again seat because the world battled the pandemic that also continues to rage in lots of components. The coronavirus pandemic additionally triggered huge havoc to the sporting calendar. The Formula One season too took successful and for some time it appeared that it might be scrapped altogether. But from the ashes one man emerged victorious, unbeatable, and confirmed his standing as one of many greats within the sport — Lewis Hamilton.
Michael Schumacher was a reputation that got here to everybody’s lips when it got here to the ‘GOAT’ debate in F1. And whereas Schumacher will nonetheless win the recognition contest, there may be little doubt that by way of means, Hamilton is on par with the German nice.
The yr 2020 not solely witnessed Hamilton equal a Schumacher document that many thought would by no means even be touched, however the Briton additionally managed to interrupt one of many German’s long-held document.
The Mercedes driver equalled Schumacher’s document of seven F1 world titles along with his triumph on the Turkish Grand Prix. But earlier than reaching that landmark the Briton grew to become F1’s document all-time race-winner when he claimed his 92nd victory on the Portuguese Grand Prix to go Schumacher on the high of the checklist.
Schumacher’s document had stood for 14 lengthy years, and for the longest time, it appeared just a few would get near it, overlook breaking it. But individuals forgot to take Hamilton’s brilliance and tenacity into consideration.
Yes, Hamilton received majority of his championship titles in a Mercedes, which was mild years higher than any of the vehicles on the grid, however so did Schumacher. At the time, Ferrari totally dominated the remainder, and no different automotive — for a few years — might match the velocity and consistency of the shiny purple prancing horse.
So why ought to Hamilton’s wins in a superior Mercedes be questioned?
Ferrari no present
While there was no matching the domination of the Mercedes staff, what stunned and shocked pundits in addition to followers was the horrible efficiency of the Ferrari staff this yr.
The Italian staff was dismal all through the season, failing to win even a single race. Ferrari completed in sixth place within the Constructor Standings, their worst efficiency in 40 years. In 1980, the Scuderia staff had completed 10th within the championship.
With the F1 season culminating on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari additionally bade farewell to four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.
After six years, 14 wins and twice ending as runner-up within the title race, the four-time champion German has left Ferrari for Aston Martin, the re-badged 2021 model of Racing Point.
The German completed 14th on the Abu Dhabi GP, one place behind his team-mate Charles Leclerc, to conclude his worst season with the Italian staff.
Vettel, a father of three and one of many best-loved drivers within the pit lane, has received solely as soon as in two years -– on the 2019 Singapore GP.
Promoted
On the opposite hand, Red Bull could be buoyed by their efficiency this yr. Despite being second-best behind the Mercedes staff, Red Bull will likely be proud of the strides they’ve made.
They have been head and shoulders above the remainder, with Max Verstappen the one one to pose any form of problem to the 2 Mercedes drivers. While Hamilton received the drivers’ standings with a whopping 347 factors, Verstappen (214 factors) was solely 9 factors behind the second-placed Valtteri Bottas.
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(This story has not been edited by Newslivenation employees and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)