© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
By Carol M. Creasey
Formula One returned to our television screens in July, following a delayed start because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lewis Hamilton was on a mission to defend his championship and add a seventh drivers’ title to his tally.
In spite of stressful times, in 2020 he managed to reach new heights in his career, and break new records. He was determined to keep himself COVID free, as his absence from races could easily impact his title chances, so he spent most of his time living in his motorhome, with his dog Roscoe, and not risking staying at hotels.
Lewis had already passed Michael Schumacher’s number of poles, which was 68, and this year set his own benchmark of 98. During the season Lewis passed Schumacher’s career wins record, which was set at 91, and now holds a total of 94. He clinched his seventh title during a wet race in Turkey, where he came from 6th place and about 30 seconds behind the leader, to P1 and a huge margin.
Lewis kept his car on the circuit whilst many around him were spinning and out of control, and calmly drove to victory. It was described by Sebastian Vettel as a race he should never have won on paper, but once again Lewis showed exactly why he has won seven world championships. He had clinched his title with 3 races of the season still remaining.
Two weeks later he cemented his position by claiming another victory in Bahrain, skilfully holding off a pursuing Max Verstappen. He said afterwards that he had worked very hard to keep Verstappen behind him, as the Red Bull continues to be a fast car, and Verstappen a worthy opponent.
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Sadly the very next day Lewis woke up feeling unwell, and was tested for COVID-19. It was a positive. He isolated for 10 days, but even whilst he was resting, the praise and accolades continued. The councillors of Stevenage, his hometown, proposed that Hamilton be made Freeman of the Borough, the highest honour possible, one that is rarely given.
Whilst Lewis was isolating George Russell drove his car, and impressed many people. It is clear that he has the makings of a future champion. Obviously it must have been hard for Lewis to miss a race, the first in his career since 2007, and he did everything he could to aid his own recovery.
Doubt hung over whether he would make it to the last race in Abu Dhabi, but after testing negative several times, Lewis made his way to Abu Dhabi on Thursday evening, and was able to take part in all Practice sessions.
After a valiant attempt at pole on Saturday, Lewis was ultimately qualified third, although there was a very small time margin between pole sitter Verstappen, second-placed Valtteri Bottas, and him. When interviewed by David Coulthard after qualifying, Lewis was noticeably thinner and it was clear that the virus has taken a toll on him.
When David told him that in honour of his amazing achievements, the British Racing Drivers’ Club had decided to name a part of the Silverstone Circuit after him, Lewis was lost for words. It seems that no matter how much praise is heaped on him, he remains grateful and humble.
Ultimately Max Verstappen won the race, Bottas came second, and claimed runner up in the Drivers’ Championship, while Lewis came third. However, he worked incredibly hard for that place with a car that was down on power, Mercedes having turned the engine down due to reliability problems, and his own physical stamina not being as sharp as usual. I am sure Lewis got back in that car because he didn’t want to disappoint his fans, and he showed the courage that he has never lacked.
I, and many others like me want to wish Lewis a speedy recovery and a well-earned rest. He has been amazing this year, as always, and I will be voting for him at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards on Sunday. He is the best athlete Britain has ever had and I am hoping all those rumours are true, and he will be Sir Lewis by 2021. With all his work on and off the racing track, quite simply, nobody deserves it more!
Be sure to follow Carol on Twitter @eagertogo and visit her website www.carolmcreasey.com!
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