“He’s One Step Ahead” : Alonso On What Makes Lewis Hamilton Stand Out Amongst All F1 Drivers

Lewis Hamilton once again drove his way to yet another F1 drivers’ title in 2020. Often at the forefront of things in the races, he has now taken his tally to seven world championships.

Many people have debated and dissected whether Hamilton’s success is attributed only to him being at Mercedes. Regardless, the numbers do not lie and he stands unmatched amongst his peers at this point in time.

Two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso also touches upon what makes Hamilton stand out. And how that ability has led to all the glory and success that he has achieved today.

Alonso believes it is important to be in the ‘right place’ and ‘right time’ in F1

Speaking in an interview, Alonso stated, “I think a lot of people can win a Grand Prix with that car and that they can win championships in that car. That doesn’t mean anything bad about Lewis, like I said, he’s one step ahead.”

“How important is the car or how important is it? What is it like to be in the right place at the right time? It is very important.” (translated from Google Translate)

Indeed, Hamilton did not look his sharpest in the practice sessions or sometimes, even qualifying this season. But come race time, he executed moves and built up leads that only a few matched.

Alonso continued and said, “This is Formula 1 and it has always been like that, but when you are in that place and at that moment, you have to perform and Lewis does it better than anyone, like this that that is its true value.”

Lewis Hamilton had a stellar 2020 season with 12 wins under his belt

Such was the dominant nature of Hamilton’s form this year, that he swept home 12 wins from the 17 races conducted this season. He would have possibly equaled Schumacher and Vettel’s joint-record of 13 wins in a year, but for his absence from the Sakhir GP.

With a potential new deal on the horizon, Hamilton could well go on to become the first driver to secure a century of F1 race wins. And with the way it is going, it is likely that he could end his career with the most F1 championships as well.