Hamilton makes history as Ferrari’s first driver in 44 years to finish season without a podium
The 2023 Formula 1 season concluded unfavorably for Lewis Hamilton, who became the first Ferrari driver in 44 years to complete a season without a podium finish. His much-anticipated move to Scuderia Ferrari generated excitement but ended in disappointment at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Hamilton’s Season Overview
Hamilton’s tenure with Ferrari began positively as he triumphed in the sprint race in Shanghai. However, the season proved challenging. While his teammate Charles Leclerc achieved seven podium finishes, Hamilton’s highest placement was fourth.
- Notable Race Finishes:
- Fourth place at Imola
- Fourth place at the Red Bull Ring (two races)
- Fourth place at Silverstone
- Fourth place at Austin
Missed Opportunities
Hamilton’s most promising chance for a podium came at the Mexican Grand Prix, where he qualified third. Unfortunately, a penalty due to an incident with Max Verstappen relegated him to eighth place, further crushing his hopes.
Historical Context
This season’s outcome marks a significant low for Ferrari, with Hamiltonjoining a rare group of drivers. The last instance of a Ferrari driver finishing a full season without a podium was in 1992 with Ivan Capelli. Notably, Capelli was dismissed before the season ended.
The last newcomer to face such a fate before Hamilton was Didier Pironi in 1981, who later achieved race victories with Ferrari. This highlighted the challenges Hamilton faced during his first year with the iconic team.
Podium Trends for New Drivers
| Year | Driver | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Ivan Capelli | Dropped before season’s end |
| 1981 | Didier Pironi | Became a race winner next year |
As the 2023 season wraps up, Hamilton’s struggles with Ferrari raise questions about the future of the partnership. The motorsport community will be eager to see how the team and Hamilton bounce back in the upcoming season.
