Clinching his second driving title (as well as becoming the most successful British Formula One driver, with 33 victories) was an emotional occasion for Lewis Hamilton, whose family and girlfriend shared his tearful triumph at Abu Dhabi. Struggling to put his feelings into words, he summed it up succinctly: “This is the greatest day of my life.” Where they are special, Lewis and Fernando, is how much speed they can run into the apex and still have a decent exit speed,” he says. “It is very easy to say; it is very difficult to do. TO BE A FORMULA ONE RACING DRIVER you need to be extremely fit and prepared – both physically and mentally for the whole challenge. It is far more exhausting than you can ever imagine if you have never raced in a car. And it is not easy. Sometimes, if you are not feeling right, if you do not have the right energy levels, it can be impossible. It is important to find your own way, then keep your mind clear and maintain the right level of motivation. Hamilton was on the podium for his first nine consecutive races, and won his seventh. The Italian media took to calling him ‘Il Fenomeno’ - the phenomenon. At McLaren, the tension was rising. Bringing Hamilton into the fold alongside Verstappen was never really on the table,” Marko continued. “Firstly, we are very happy with our current drivers, including Perez. Also, having two alpha drivers under one roof is a recipe for discord…

In 2014, when major regulation changes featured new hybrid power units in chassis with reduced downforce, Mercedes dominated the season, winning 16 of the 19 races and easily securing the Constructors’ Championship. Mercedes’ policy of letting its drivers race each other enabled team mates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg to engage in an enthralling season-long duel for the driving title. Adding extra human interest to the drama was the fact that Hamilton (champion in 2008) and Rosberg (whose father Keke was champion in 1982) had been friends and rivals since their karting days as teenagers. Now, as 29-year-old protagonists competing for honours at the pinnacle of motorsport, the intensity of their rivalry strained their friendship and tested their strength of character. The British newspapers were not impressed, and there followed a series of pieces criticising Hamilton’s behaviour. “Snap prat” was the headline in the Sun. Peerless in the car, he is a vital component in the all-conquering Mercedes team, leading by example with tireless drive and determination, inspiring the personnel to constantly strive to improve their performance, making major contributions to the way the car and the teamwork. He is a loyal team player, thanking everyone regularly. :"I couldn't have done any of this without an incredible team behind me." (During his disastrous 2020 season Sebastian Vettel much appreciated a compassionate Hamilton calling him frequently to cheer him up and motivate him.) I did tell Toto," he said. "Especially when the story broke because I have so much respect for Toto, we have a great relationship. He suggested that Horner should adopt a more gracious demeanour in light of his team’s triumphs, urging him to savour the victory and avoid dwelling on past controversies.

You couldn't meet a nicer, more grounded group of people," says Liam, who is a successful rally driver and navigator. Was he alluding to a conspiracy theory within Mercedes to allow Rosberg to win? An hour or so later, he clarified what he meant: “A higher power. It feels right now as if the man above or a higher power is intervening a little bit.” Hamilton first led the championship after the fourth race of the season, taking it away from Alonso at the Spaniard’s home grand prix. The problems that led to the team unravelling began at the next race in Monaco.

He replied: "I would be more than happy to race against Max in the same car. It would be wonderful. I don't think he wants me to be his team-mate." The intrigue follows Horner’s claim that Hamilton approached Red Bull earlier this year as he considered alternatives for his F1 career. The grand finale, on a serpentine Interlagos circuit made more treacherous by rain, produced arguably the most thrilling climax in the annals of any sport. Local hero Massa mastered the chaotic conditions perfectly, crossing the finish line first and scoring the points necessary to become champion - which he was for the 38.907 seconds that passed before his title rival took the chequered flag in the fifth place he needed to finish on top of the world. With this final flourish, having overtaken another car with about 300 meters to go, Lewis Hamilton, aged 23 years and 300 days, became the youngest World Champion. The bitterness that developed between Mercedes Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s Christian Horner during the 2021 championship year shows no sign of abating now two years on. What should have been a nothing story reported in the Daily Mail about Lewis Hamilton’s team approaching Red Bull earlier this season has now descended into farce with claim and counter claim being made.After spending four years with Lewis and Anthony, Eoin said the Hamiltons "were part of our family". Alonso later withdrew the threat, but it was too late. His relationship with McLaren was now irrevocably broken. A contract that had been meant to run for three years would be terminated by mutual consent at the end of the year.