How Hamilton dominated in Qatar despite missing a key Mercedes advantage
Prime

How Hamilton dominated in Qatar despite missing a key Mercedes advantage

By:

There was simply no stopping Lewis Hamilton on Formula 1's first visit to Qatar. The Mercedes driver eased to pole position and led every lap to secure an utterly dominant victory - even without a key Mercedes weapon in his arsenal to increase the heat on Red Bull heading into the final two races of the gripping 2021 title race

"They have woken up the lion. He's absolutely on it. Brutal. And cold-blooded."

Toto Wolff is in no doubt that Lewis Hamilton's reaction to his qualifying disqualification at Interlagos has spurred his charge into producing his very best form just as this ultra-close title fight with Max Verstappen reaches its climax. Hamilton channelled his energy to a famous win in the middle of Formula 1's final 2021 triple header, then drew on it again to absolutely dominate the championship's first visit to Qatar.

That he did it sporting a rainbow helmet livery to show his support for the LGBTQ+ community in a part of the world where basic human rights remain sadly restricted for some, simply added to his greatness. This was Hamilton at his very best, all while actually missing a key Mercedes strength that could have had him going even faster.

shares
comments

Masi: Horner criticism of Qatar F1 marshal “not accepted”

Hamilton to get Brazil F1 engine back for Saudi Arabia GP

More from Alex Kalinauckas

FIA widens F1 grid boxes after Ocon and Alonso penalty controversies

FIA widens F1 grid boxes after Ocon and Alonso penalty controversies

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP

FIA widens F1 grid boxes after Ocon and Alonso penalty controversies FIA widens F1 grid boxes after Ocon and Alonso penalty controversies

Sainz details 2023 F1 car problems after Ferrari analysis

Sainz details 2023 F1 car problems after Ferrari analysis

F1 Formula 1
Australian GP

Sainz details 2023 F1 car problems after Ferrari analysis Sainz details 2023 F1 car problems after Ferrari analysis

FIA clamps down on F1 team pitwall fence celebrations

FIA clamps down on F1 team pitwall fence celebrations

F1 Formula 1
Australian GP

FIA clamps down on F1 team pitwall fence celebrations FIA clamps down on F1 team pitwall fence celebrations

Ten things we learned at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Ten things we learned at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP

Ten things we learned at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Ten things we learned at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Prime
Prime
F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen tops first F1 practice from Perez, Alonso

Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen tops first F1 practice from Perez, Alonso

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP

Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen tops first F1 practice from Perez, Alonso Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen tops first F1 practice from Perez, Alonso

Hamilton splits with long-time trainer Angela Cullen

Hamilton splits with long-time trainer Angela Cullen

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP

Hamilton splits with long-time trainer Angela Cullen Hamilton splits with long-time trainer Angela Cullen

Hamilton doesn't share other F1 drivers' views on Saudi GP safety

Hamilton doesn't share other F1 drivers' views on Saudi GP safety

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP

Hamilton doesn't share other F1 drivers' views on Saudi GP safety Hamilton doesn't share other F1 drivers' views on Saudi GP safety

How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule

How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule

Prime
Prime
Formula 1
Jonathan Noble

How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule

Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion

Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion

Prime
Prime
Formula 1
Australian GP
GP Racing

Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion

The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023

The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023

Prime
Prime
Formula 1
Australian GP
Alex Kalinauckas

The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023 The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023

The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories

The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories

Prime
Prime
Formula 1
GP Racing

The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories

The state of play in F1's technical silly season

The state of play in F1's technical silly season

Prime
Prime
Formula 1
Jake Boxall-Legge

The state of play in F1's technical silly season The state of play in F1's technical silly season

Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers

Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers

Prime
Prime
Formula 1
Kevin Turner

Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers

Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries

Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries

Prime
Prime
Formula 1
GP Racing

Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries

How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side

How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side

Prime
Prime
Formula 1
GP Racing

How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side