Why Is ‘Figure of Eight’ Feature of Suzuka Circuit Lewis Hamilton’s Favorite?

Every race weekend brings a new challenge, a new atmosphere, and most importantly, a new track. Every track in Formula 1 is unique and has its own characteristics, like a living being. This is exactly why we see some teams perform well on one track and fail miserably on the other. Heading to Japan, there is a lot of excitement and anticipation for the race on the Suzuka Circuit. The only figure-of-eight circuit in F1 is as exciting as it is unique and has etched itself in the history of F1. But why is it the feature of Suzuka Lewis Hamilton‘s favorite? Let’s find out from the man himself.

The Suzuka track was initially built as a test track by Dutchman John Hugenholtz for Honda. However, the track since then has become home to many iconic races and race winners. Hamilton can attest to that with his 2018 win. However, there are more features to the track he likes which makes it his favorite track on the calendar.

As seen on Twitter (now X), Hamilton explained at the Japanese GP, “It’s one of the favorites I think for all of the drivers. It’s that figure of eight, it’s that historic circuit that you saw Ayrton and Alain racing many years ago.”

“It is an incredible track to drive on and it’s such a beautiful country as well. Just overall a great trip, great food, amazing hospitality, and then the track is one of the greatest layouts that we get to experience in the calendar. I just hope that our car works,” he added.

The Brit will also be sporting a special Takashi Murakami art piece as he did in the 2022 Japanese GP. However, nothing will compare to the specialty of a victory at Suzuka. The 2018 Japanese GP was certainly one of those for Hamilton that got him closer to his 5th title.

Read More: After “Tough” Singapore Podium, Will Lewis Hamilton Be Able to Fend off a Resurgent George Russell at Suzuka?

A look back at the 2018 Japanese GP that earned Hamilton his fifth championship

Many see Sebastian Vettel‘s crash during the 2018 German GP as the pivotal moment of the championship. It may be true as his crash from a leading position did see him exchange hands with Hamilton on the championship table. However, it was the Japanese GP where Hamilton killed all hope and shut the door on the championship.

To give some perspective, coming to Suzuka, Hamilton had a 50-point lead over Vettel in the championship. Before the German GP, Vettel was 8 points ahead of Hamilton. After the crash, Hamilton managed to win the next four races and Vettel could only steal one win away from the Mercedes man.

Coming to Suzuka, Vettel had to close the gap and maintain the pressure on Hamilton. However, after a lowly P8 starting position, a collision and a recovery run to P6 put the final nail in the Ferrari man’s ambitions. This was the closest Vettel came to winning a championship with Ferrari and the rest is history.

Just another what-if in the world of F1. Do you think if Vettel hadn’t crashed in Hockenheim & tangled with Verstappen at Suzuka, he could’ve been a five-time champion instead of Hamilton?

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