F1 News: Max Verstappen misses opportunity to SMASH Lewis Hamilton F1 record in Australia

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, Bahrain, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Verstappen misses opportunity to SMASH Hamilton F1 record in Australia

The Dutchman's DNF at the Australian Grand Prix meant that he missed out

Originally written by Shay Rogers. This version is a translation.

Tuesday 26 March 2024 05:00

One of Lewis Hamilton’s most impressive Formula 1 records is no longer at threat following a chaotic Australian Grand Prix.

The Brit is atop a multitude of statistics that will take a very long time for anyone to match, including his seven world championships and 103 race victories.

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Mercedes has wasted their last two years with him – offering a sub-standard car, without the potential to fight for race wins.

It has left him to make the decision to leave the Silver Arrows after 12 seasons to start a new project with Ferrari.

Max Verstappen retired on lap three of the Australian GP

Lewis Hamilton's special record remains unbeaten

Which record stands?

A hectic Australian Grand Prix saw Hamilton retire with an engine failure early in the race but also saw Max Verstappen retire on lap three with a brake issue.

One of the biggest shocks of the season saw Verstappen’s streak of 43 consecutive points finishes come to an end, five short of eclipsing Hamilton’s record set between 2018 and 2020.

It’s hard to see where that run may have been halted through means other than a mechanical failure - but it helps protect Hamilton’s record for at least another two seasons one would suspect.

Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes Australian Grand Prix Red Bull Racing