Hamilton's Double-Six
2019 Hamilton’s double-six THE TALE OF THE TITLE m With a sixth Drivers’ title, Hamilton led Mercedes to their sixth straight double, eclipsing Ferrari in 2004. m By surpassing Fangio’s five, Lewis closed in on Schumacher’s record seven titles from 91 race victories. m 11 race wins raised his personal tally to 84, Lewis effectively wrapping up the title by the August break. m Even so, new rivalries, a hard-fought mid-field, and impressive rookies fashioned an exhilarating season. m Runner-up Bottas won four, but the burgeoning Hamilton/Verstappen/Leclerc rivalry added the real spice. m Ferrari sensation Leclerc, winner at Spa and Monza, conspicuously outscored Hamilton 7/5 for poles. m Leclerc, F1’s 108th race winner and Ferrari’s youngest-ever at 21, outshone Sebastian Vettel decisively. m Another error-strewn season by Vettel resulted in a single race victory and only fifth in the championship. m Ferrari endured a fraught season of missed chances, driver in-fighting, and suspicion over car legality. m Verstappen beat both Ferrari drivers to third in the championship with his three wins for Red Bull-Honda. m Honda’s first success since 2006 matched Ferrari’s three, but with 15 wins Mercedes supremacy reigned. m Without Red Bull, Renault won nothing, but did power Sainz and McLaren-Renault to ‘Class-B’ honours. m McLaren-Renault’s rediscovery of form reflected badly on Renault, challenged for fifth by Toro Rosso. m Instead of Ricciardo’s Renault, the only ‘non-Top-3’ podiums went to Toro Rosso (2) and McLaren (1).
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