Nobody has been their sport’s best athlete for the length of time that Hamilton has dominated F1.
Lewis Hamilton’s supreme driving skills were evident Sunday at the Turkish Grand Prix. From 6th on the grid, Hamilton rallied to win by over 30 seconds. But getting there was the big story. Driving in treacherous conditions that other drivers described as ‘like driving on ice,’ Hamilton drove on old tyres for over 50 laps, recognizing that replacements wouldn’t generate the heat or grip required to cope with the cold and wet conditions.
In winning, Hamilton claimed his 94th-lifetime victory and sealed his seventh World Title.
Statistically, Hamilton is the greatest driver in Formula One history. But is he also the greatest British sportsperson of all time?
Britain has certainly had its share of sporting heroes, people like Sir Steve Redgrave, who won five Olympic Gold Medals, and cycling’s Sir Chris Hoy with six Gold’s and one Silver stand out. There is also Sir Andy Murray, who won two Wimbledon titles and two Olympic tennis Golds. Jonny Wilkinson, Sir Bobby Charlton, and George Best also qualify for inclusion on the list.
Lewis Hamilton (photo, Motorsport)
What separates Lewis Hamilton from these other greats? Nobody has been their sport’s best athlete for the length of time that Hamilton has dominated F1. What’s more, Hamilton has done it by beating one rival after the other. Nobody has been able to wrest the crown from him as F1’s best.
Some analysts argue that it’s impossible to compare sportspeople across generations and sports. In some ways, they have a point. But, still, there is that looming question: Who is Britain’s G.O.A.T.? Lewis Hamilton is. Of that, I have no doubt.
And unlike other sportspersons who have worn/wear the crown of G.O.A.T.–athletes like Michael Jordan in professional basketball and Muhammad Ali in heavyweight boxing–Lewis Hamilton is competing here and now. What’s more, he is showing no sign of slowing down–literally or figuratively.
