Lewis Hamilton is broadly thought to be one of the vital completed drivers within the historical past of System 1, having competed alongside and in opposition to a number of the fiercest skills the game has ever seen.
Since his exceptional debut, which noticed him end third on the 2007 Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton has persistently been on the forefront of the System 1 grid. His journey via an illustrious profession with McLaren and Mercedes has earned him data for essentially the most race wins and pole positions within the sport’s historical past. Now, in pursuit of an unprecedented eighth world championship, Hamilton is about to affix Ferrari subsequent season. There, he’ll face an intriguing problem as he companions with Charles Leclerc, a rivalry that guarantees so as to add one other dramatic chapter to his storied profession.
All through his time in System 1, Hamilton has been a part of quite a few intense rivalries and partnerships, a lot of which have outlined pivotal races and championship battles. Along with his impending transfer to Ferrari, we’ve ranked the six most notable teammates Hamilton has confronted in his profession, alongside an early take a look at what would possibly unfold with Leclerc in 2025.
6. Heikki Kovalainen – McLaren (2008–2009)
Heikki Kovalainen was introduced into McLaren in 2008 following the controversial Spygate scandal and the collapse of the Fernando Alonso – Lewis Hamilton partnership. The Finn, beforehand with Renault, was chosen for his calm demeanor, which was exactly what crew principal Ron Dennis wanted to stabilize the crew atmosphere.
Whereas Kovalainen hardly ever matched Hamilton’s tempo, this disparity allowed McLaren to keep up a harmonious environment. His debut noticed a decent fifth-place end on the Australian Grand Prix, adopted by a podium in Malaysia. The Finn’s profession spotlight got here later that season when he secured his solely F1 victory on the Hungarian Grand Prix, capitalizing on misfortunes for Hamilton and race chief Felipe Massa.
Nevertheless, Heikki Kovalainen struggled to adapt to the brand new laws in 2009, leading to a difficult second season. In the end, McLaren opted for reigning world champion Jenson Button to switch him in 2010.
5. Valtteri Bottas – Mercedes (2017–2021)
Valtteri Bottas joined Mercedes in 2017 through the crew’s dominant period within the hybrid period. The Finn grew to become Hamilton’s second Finnish teammate after Nico Rosberg’s abrupt retirement following his 2016 title win.
Valtteri Bottas made a right away impression, securing his maiden victory on the Russian Grand Prix that very same 12 months, holding off Sebastian Vettel underneath intense stress. Whereas he regularly excelled in qualifying, typically matching Lewis Hamilton’s one-lap tempo, The Finnish driver lacked the race-day consistency to problem his teammate. Nonetheless, he performed an important supporting function, typically obeying crew orders, as seen in Germany and Russia in 2018.
Regardless of these contributions, Bottas’s lack of ability to keep up Hamilton’s tempo throughout races was obvious, significantly in 2021 when he struggled to remain in competition in opposition to Verstappen and Hamilton’s fierce battles.
4. Jenson Button – McLaren (2010–2012)
Jenson Button joined McLaren in 2010, creating an all-British driver lineup alongside Hamilton. Button’s clean driving model and expertise because the 2009 world champion made him a powerful addition to the crew, although the duo by no means managed to dethrone Pink Bull and Sebastian Vettel throughout their time collectively.
Button was typically aggressive, excelling in unpredictable circumstances, comparable to his memorable victories in Canada and Hungary in 2011. Nevertheless, he often light into obscurity throughout races. In 2012, Button struggled to seventeenth in Montreal, whereas Hamilton took the win.
Over their three seasons, Button briefly outperformed Hamilton in 2011, benefitting from fewer errors and stronger consistency. Nonetheless, Hamilton had the higher hand general. Annoyed by McLaren’s declining reliability, Hamilton made the pivotal transfer to Mercedes in 2013, a call that may outline the remainder of his profession.
3. George Russell – Mercedes (2022–2024)
George Russell’s arrival at Mercedes in 2022 coincided with the crew’s struggles to adapt to the brand new ground-effect laws. Regardless of these challenges, Russell typically appeared extra snug with the automotive than Hamilton throughout their three-year partnership.
Russell’s first season included a breakthrough victory in Brazil, the place he held off Hamilton in a tense late-race duel. By 2024, Russell demonstrated constant pace, profitable in Austria and outperforming Hamilton in qualifying with a 19–5 file throughout 24 races.
Now, Russell is about to steer Mercedes into a brand new period alongside rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli, whereas Hamilton strikes on to Ferrari.
2. Fernando Alonso – McLaren (2007)
The Alonso-Hamilton partnership lasted just one season however was crammed with rigidity and drama, each on and off the monitor. Alonso, a two-time world champion, joined McLaren searching for a 3rd title, however Hamilton’s instant competitiveness upset the crew’s dynamic.
The rivalry ignited early, with Hamilton passing Alonso in spectacular vogue through the opening lap in Australia. The strain escalated all through the season, with flashpoints at Monaco and Indianapolis. By 12 months’s finish, the connection between the teammates had fully damaged down, and McLaren’s inner strife allowed Kimi Räikkönen to grab the championship for Ferrari.
1. Nico Rosberg – Mercedes (2013–2016)
Hamilton’s partnership with Nico Rosberg was essentially the most risky and dramatic of his profession. Over 4 seasons, they battled fiercely for 3 world championships, with their relationship deteriorating because the rivalry intensified.
The pair’s clashes had been typically controversial, from Rosberg’s notorious qualifying incident in Monaco in 2014 to their on-track collision in Austria in 2016. Regardless of Hamilton’s general dominance, Rosberg managed to assert the 2016 title in a season marked by relentless competitors and dramatic moments. The rivalry in the end ended when Rosberg retired days after clinching his championship.
Charles Leclerc – Ferrari ranging from the 2025 System 1 marketing campaign
Waiting for 2025, Charles Leclerc represents a formidable problem for Hamilton as he joins Ferrari. Identified for his blistering pace in qualifying and constant race tempo, Leclerc has already confirmed himself as one of many sport’s brightest skills.
Ferrari, having narrowly misplaced the 2024 Constructors’ Championship to McLaren, is making strides towards turning into a championship contender. Hamilton has beforehand praised Leclerc, however their partnership is sure to be aggressive. The crew’s success could hinge on their skill to work collectively, although Ferrari might face difficulties managing two evenly matched drivers in a title struggle.
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