Lewis Hamilton’s stats with Mercedes are unmatched: 84 victories and six world drivers’ titles from 246 starts. As Hamilton concludes his 12th season with the Silver Arrows, we’ve decided to rank his performances year by year, examining his brilliance on the racetrack, challenges faced, and how he compared to his teammates.
2024 – A Complex Finish With Bright Spots
Championship position: 7th (223 points)
Wins: 2
Poles: 0
Autosport F1 Top 10 position: 9th
In his final season with Mercedes, Hamilton faced a revitalised George Russell and a temperamental W15 car. While the lows were notable, including struggles at the Circuit of The Americas and Interlagos, Hamilton showed his class with a heartfelt victory at the British GP and strong drives in Hungary and Belgium.
Highlight: British GP
Hamilton’s remarkable ninth Silverstone victory was a testament to his resilience, capitalising on strategy to secure a long-awaited triumph.
2013 – A Positive New Chapter
Championship position: 4th (189 points)
Wins: 1
Poles: 5
Autosport F1 Top 10 position: 3rd
After moving from McLaren, Hamilton’s debut year at Mercedes saw him outperform Nico Rosberg despite challenges with tyre management. A standout victory at the Hungaroring marked the beginning of his successful partnership with the team.
Highlight: Hungarian GP
Despite low expectations, Hamilton clinched a victory from pole, managing tyres expertly on a sweltering track for his first Mercedes win.
2022 – Navigating the Rough Waters
Championship position: 6th (240 points)
Wins: 0
Poles: 0
Autosport F1 Top 10 position: 3rd
Hamilton dealt with a winless season and challenges from new team-mate George Russell. Yet, his leadership was evident in overcoming the W13’s issues, finishing the year with impressive performances in races like Mexico and France.
Highlight: Dutch GP
At Zandvoort, Hamilton was in contention with a strong strategy before a safety car dashed hopes of a win, showcasing his potential against Max Verstappen.
2023 – Combative Yet Winless
Championship position: 3rd (234 points)
Wins: 0
Poles: 1
Autosport F1 Top 10 position: 4th
Hamilton outperformed Russell and pursued second in the championship, showing strength in races like Spain and Canada. A disqualification in the United States GP hurt his points tally, but his tenacity remained.
Highlight: Mexican GP
From sixth on the grid, Hamilton’s strategic two-stop in Mexico ensured a strong finish, underlining his skill in tyre management and racecraft.
2016 – Close But No Cigar
Championship position: 2nd (380 points)
Wins: 10
Poles: 12
Autosport F1 Top 10 position: 2nd
Hamilton narrowly missed the title to Nico Rosberg. Though mechanical failures plagued his campaign, moments like the Brazilian GP showcased his mastery. However, mixed performances and strategic lapses allowed Rosberg to edge out the championship.
Highlight: Brazilian GP
In challenging wet conditions at Interlagos, Hamilton dominated every lap, keeping his title hopes alive.
2014 – Establishing Dominance
Championship position: 1st (384 points)
Wins: 11
Poles: 7
Autosport F1 Top 10 position: 2nd
In Mercedes’ dominant W05, Hamilton took the championship, albeit after overcoming a strong Rosberg. His tenacity in on-track battles was most evident in Bahrain, where he edged his teammate in a classic duel.
Highlight: Bahrain GP
Hamilton’s late-race tactics secured a dramatic victory over Rosberg, marking one of his memorable wins.
2015 – Unchallenged #1
Championship position: 1st (381 points)
Wins: 10
Poles: 11
Autosport F1 Top 10 position: 1st
With unrivalled consistency, Hamilton dominated the season against Rosberg and a resurgent Ferrari, securing the championship with refined performances across the year.
Highlight: Bahrain GP
Hamilton managed brakes and tyres expertly, fending off challenges in a strategic performance in the desert.
2021 – An Agonisingly Close Battle
Championship position: 2nd (387.5 points)
Wins: 8
Poles: 5
Autosport F1 Top 10 position: 1st
In a season-long duel with Verstappen, Hamilton delivered spectacular performances despite hurdles, notably in Sao Paulo. However, unforeseen issues at Abu Dhabi culminated in a heartwrenching defeat.
Highlight: Sao Paulo GP
A tenacious comeback from the back of the grid ultimately resulted in victory, exemplifying his unmatched determination.
2017 – Peak Hamilton Begins
Championship position: 1st (363 points)
Wins: 9
Poles: 11
Autosport F1 Top 10 position: 1st
Navigating the notoriously unpredictable W08, Hamilton persevered over a strong Ferrari, showcased by crucial victories, like in Singapore and Belgium, to clinch the title with superior racecraft and strategic prowess.
Highlight: Belgian GP
Holding off Vettel’s challenges, Hamilton’s deft control and tactical acumen secured an important win at Spa.
2019 – Consistent Superiority
Championship position: 1st (413 points)
Wins: 11
Poles: 5
Autosport F1 Top 10 position: 1st
Despite a marginal pace advantage, Hamilton’s relentless consistency outshone rivals, securing another title thanks to his exceptional race-day skills, epitomised by his brilliance in Monaco.
Highlight: Monaco GP
Hamilton’s tyre management and defensive prowess preserved victory against Verstappen’s relentless pursuit.
2020 – Unmatched Domination
Championship position: 1st (347 points)
Wins: 11
Poles: 10
Autosport F1 Top 10 position: 1st
In the stunning W11, Hamilton’s excellence brought him a seventh title, with a standout performance at a challenging Turkish GP reaffirming his supremacy amid unprecedented global challenges.
Highlight: Turkish GP
Brilliant strategy and perseverance in slippery conditions reaffirmed Hamilton’s status as an all-time great.
2018 – Supreme in Adversity
Championship position: 1st (408 points)
Wins: 11
Poles: 11
Autosport F1 Top 10 position: 1st
As Ferrari posed serious challenges, Hamilton performed at his peak, extracting the maximum from his car to claim victory. His relentless drive was showcased by pivotal wins, notably in Monza amidst a red sea of opposition.
Highlight: Italian GP
Hamilton expertly navigated wheel-to-wheel skirmishes with Ferraris, securing a crucial win at their home turf.
