Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton sees record-breaking streak end
By Asher Fair
Lewis Hamilton’s streak of 265 consecutive Formula 1 starts, by far an all-time record, came to an end this weekend in Bahrain.
Due to a positive test for COVID-19, Lewis Hamilton did not compete in this Sunday’s Sakhir Grand Prix, the penultimate race of the 17-race 2020 Formula 1 season, at the Bahrain International Circuit outer layout.
Since making his Formula 1 debut in 2007 Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, the 35-year-old Briton had not missed a start.
So the year which saw him break Michael Schumacher’s wins record and tie Schumacher’s world championships record also saw Hamilton miss his first start, thus ending a streak that is an all-time record by nearly three seasons.
Hamilton had competed in 265 consecutive Formula 1 races, which is a whopping 59 races higher than second place on the all-time list.
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Former teammate Nico Rosberg competed in every race from his debut in the 2006 Bahrain Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit to his final start in the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit when he clinched his lone world championship.
The next highest active streak on the all-time list belongs to Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo, who has competed in every race from his debut in the 2011 British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit. His streak of 186 consecutive starts entering the weekend moved to 187, tying Riccardo Patrese for third place on the all-time list behind only Hamilton and Rosberg. He finished the Sakhir Grand Prix in fifth place.
The replacement driver for Hamilton alongside teammate Valtteri Bottas for the Sakhir Grand Prix was George Russell, the Mercedes junior driver who competes full-time for Williams. He finished in ninth place after several late issues despite dominating the race behind the wheel of the championship-winning W11.
Next. Top 10 Formula 1 drivers of all-time. dark
If Hamilton is able to produce negative tests for COVID-19, he will be eligible to compete in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday, December 13, a race which he won in 2019 for the fifth time. If not, expect Russell back behind the wheel alongside Bottas.