Formula 1: Hamilton’s win streak begins?

Lewis Hamilton is arguably the most exciting driver on the Formula 1 grid. His style is far removed from  the typical, precise and well-rehearsed but mundane. Hamilton has somehow accomplished a rare feat – utilize showmanship and aggressive, purposeful driving to soar ahead of his competitors. It is always a pleasure to watch him slice his way through the cake of drivers which block his path to P1.

A true son of Ron Dennis’ outfit, when he emerged on the big stage it was obvious for all to see that he met and at times exceeded the lofty standards we have come to expect of F1 drivers. He repaid Ron and company in full when he delivered the World Championship in 2008 and even though it could not be said because of its political incorrectness, he provided a much needed boost to individuals of his hue who had F1 aspirations.

We saw Lewis Hamilton at his best in 2008 and unfortunately for myriad reasons we have only seen flashes of his well-known brilliance since then. The debate relating to events which were real or imagined at McLaren will rage among individuals who operate within F1′s inner sanctum. Information we are not privy to is the seed from which rumor and speculation flourish.

But, what we do know is this – Hamilton’s relationship with McLaren nose-dived and while in mid-air he ejected and landed at Mercedes AMG.

McLaren

Hamilton’s departure from McLaren took many by surprise and there were individuals with sound supporting arguments, who held the view that Hamilton migrating to Mercedes would stifle instead of advancing his quest for success. But, as I have said before, that concern may be examined in terms of the story it did not tell – being at McLaren at that time must have been rather unpleasant and unbearable for him to make such a drastic move.

So, Hamilton searched for and grabbed the Exit from McLaren in 2012 and met the Enter sign at Mercedes AMG. The naysayers were quickly silenced in 2013 – at Round 1 (2013), he qualified P3 and finished P5 – at Round 2, he snatched the final spot on the podium – P3. There was no doubt that he lost nothing and at the Hungarian GP he made it abundantly clear that he will be a force to contend with – he won!

The 2014 season is regarded as revolutionary, thanks to the sweeping changes made, most notably, the machines are now powered by V6 1.6L turbo-charged motors. Pre-season testing revealed a struggling giant – Red Bull. But while Red Bull was addressing the glitch in their Matrix, Mercedes AMG, Ferrari and others were fine-tuning their battle plans.

What has Lewis Hamilton done thus far? The youngster who at age 10, told Ron Dennis that he wanted to race his cars, has the same number now that he had when he was the King of karting – #44. Round 2 of the 2014 season is now history. Lewis Hamilton drove to pole for both Rounds. Luck was not his friend in Australia – he retired – but in Malaysia, like an excited carpenter, he hammered the opposition – he won!

Is this the beginning of  a Lewis Hamilton win streak?

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer