The question of whether Lewis Hamilton truly deserved his 2008 World Championship title and the 2021 championship slip continues to provoke debate among fans and experts alike. Recently, 1996 Formula 1 World Champion Damon Hill addressed these contentious topics during an episode of the High Performance Podcast, adding fresh perspective to ongoing discussions about Hamilton’s career.
Damon Hill Reflects on Hamilton’s 2008 Championship Battle
Throughout his career, Lewis Hamilton has established himself as one of the sport’s greatest drivers, equaling Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles. Despite current challenges with Ferrari, Hamilton’s impact on Formula 1 remains undeniable. In his interview, Damon Hill was invited to compare the careers of Hamilton and Schumacher but refrained from making direct comparisons due to the different eras in which they raced.
Instead, Hill shifted focus toward moments where Hamilton’s championship record faced significant controversy, particularly the 2008 season and the missed opportunity in 2021. Hill remarked,
“That eighth title that did not happen, perhaps should have happened,”
illustrating his view that Hamilton’s career might have held even more victories. Furthermore, Hill noted,
“But I think he should have won in his first year as well.”
This underscores Hamilton’s strong debut season in 2007, where he led the championship until setbacks struck near the end.
Examining the Disputed Championships and Their Circumstances
Hamilton’s rookie season in 2007 saw him competing fiercely for the title. Driving for McLaren, he achieved six pole positions and four wins, maintaining a podium finish streak during his first nine races. Despite this strong performance, Hamilton finished second in the championship by a single point behind Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen. While many argue that Hamilton’s skill and consistency should have secured that title, his team’s failures in the closing races ultimately cost him.
The controversy becomes more pronounced when discussing the 2008 World Championship, which Hamilton secured by just one point over Felipe Massa. Massa is currently challenging the legitimacy of Hamilton’s title through legal channels, highlighting the importance of this debate within the sport.
The core of this challenge revolves around the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, where a deliberate crash by Renault’s Nelson Piquet Jr. benefited his teammate Fernando Alonso. Piquet admitted in 2009 that the collision was intentional, a fact reportedly known by then-FIA president Max Mosley and former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone during the 2008 season. This incident disrupted Massa’s race, costing him crucial points that could have changed the championship outcome.
The Impact of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Hamilton’s Championship Chances
The 2021 season closed dramatically at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Hamilton and Max Verstappen entered the final race tied in points. A controversial decision by race control over the restart procedure allowed Verstappen, on fresher tires, to overtake Hamilton during a one-lap sprint, securing his first World Championship.
Reflecting on the contrasting driving styles of Hamilton and Verstappen, Damon Hill remarked,
“They are different types of racers,”
emphasizing the unique characteristics each brought to the track. He also acknowledged Hamilton’s exceptional natural talent, saying,
“I don’t think even Lewis really knows how big his natural talent is. He is naturally gifted and has an extraordinary talent for driving and a passion for racing. He still wants to race.”
Hill further observed differences in their personalities, adding,
“Max is a more aggressive driver than Lewis on track. Lewis has done something every now and then, but that’s much rarer.”
According to Hill, despite their differences, both drivers were competitive from the start of their careers, marking them as extraordinary talents in modern Formula 1.
The Lasting Effects of Hamilton’s Controversial Titles
The questions surrounding Hamilton’s 2008 title and the lost 2021 championship continue to fuel fervent discussions within the F1 community. Felipe Massa’s legal challenge against Hamilton’s 2008 title may potentially reopen historical debates and prompt a closer examination of past FIA decisions. At the same time, the 2021 Abu Dhabi race remains a critical reference point when assessing championship fairness and race management protocols.
As both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen progress in their careers, these unresolved controversies contribute to the broader narrative of Formula 1’s evolving competitive landscape. Damon Hill’s reflections serve not only as analysis but also as a reminder of how crucial moments and decisions can shape the legacies of the sport’s top drivers.
