Lewis Hamilton ends the year without a victory: “2022 is in the top 3 of my worst seasons”

Accustomed to setting records in Formula 1 since his arrival in 2007, Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) found a way to produce unprecedented statistics in 2022… against his will.

On the one hand, the Briton finished a season without a victory, a first in his career. On the other hand, the seven-time world champion had never finished higher than fifth place in the Drivers' championship. Which became a reality in Abu Dhabi this Sunday, November 20.

A gearbox problem, following a passage on off-road curbs during a duel with Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) during the first laps, in fact forced him to retire at Yas Marina:

It was very heated between Hamilton and Sainz 🥵#AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 | #F1 pic.twitter.com/2qxjs720Ml

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) November 20, 2022

Lewis Hamilton couldn't wait to " To go on holiday ", as he explained after the race in the mixed zone.

“I gave everything, but I think this last race represented the whole season, he analyzes. I'm glad it's finished. Of course, it would have been nice to have a victory, but just one isn't really enough, is it?, launched the man with 103 successes in F1.

“I feel like this year when we got our first Top 5 it was a victory. When we got our first fourth position, it also felt like a victory. When we got our first podium, it was the same thing. »

A race that summed up our season. 😔 pic.twitter.com/48VAI6PUa7

- Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@ MercedesAMGF1) November 20, 2022

The 37-year-old pilot has, however, seen others during his career. He cites in particular the 2011 season, during which he finished fifth in the championship with three victories, as the hardest of his time in F1. His rivalry with Felipe Massa throughout the races, the domination of his teammate Jenson Button as well as the upheavals in his private life (separation with his partner at the time, Nicole Scherzinger) had left deep marks on him.

There were numerous clashes with F. Massa in 2011, like here in Monaco. © DPPI / LAT

« I think 2011 was probably the hardest year I've had in my life. This year 2022 has probably not been the best. It is in the Top 3 of my worst seasons.

But I think the year has been a lot more positive for me personally: the way I work with the team, the way we all stayed together. So I think there have been a lot of positives this year.”

Enough to come back stronger in 2023 to try to get an 8th world title?

ALSO READ > Verstappen relentless, Bottas transparent: the notes from the Abu Dhabi GP