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Formula 1: Abu Dhabi sees 4 strange coincidences from 12 years ago

BBG News

As a gamer who has spent countless hours racing through the virtual tracks of Formula One, I can say that the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a rollercoaster ride of nostalgia and excitement. It felt like Lewis Hamilton’s final race with McLaren in 2012 had come back to haunt us – or perhaps it was a nod from the racing gods.

In 2013, when Lewis Hamilton switched from McLaren to Mercedes, many perceived it as him joining a Formula 1 team that wasn’t as competitive. Some even speculated that his career might not reach the same heights afterward.

Nonetheless, Hamilton defied expectations at Mercedes and ultimately transformed the team into one of the most successful driver-constructor pairings in Formula 1, clinching six driver titles and eight constructors’ championships over a span of twelve years.

Earlier this year, the announcement that the 39-year-old was joining Ferrari took everyone by surprise. Some found it hard to understand why Hamilton would choose to leave Mercedes, considering his impressive track record there. However, as time passed and he explained his desire to drive for Ferrari since childhood, people began to accept the decision.

During the closing weeks of the 2024 season in Abu Dhabi, feelings ran particularly deep. The spotlight was predominantly on Hamilton from media day through to the weekend’s end, culminating in a mix of tears, both sorrowful and celebratory, across the circuit.

A Grand Prix similar to his final one with McLaren

2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix bore a striking resemblance to Lewis Hamilton’s last race with McLaren, the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix, in numerous aspects. This resemblance was evident from the opening lap until the end of the race.

Initially, Sergio Perez found himself in a situation similar to what he experienced at the Yas Marina Circuit 12 years ago, as he did back in Sao Paulo. In 2012, the Mexican driver collided with Bruno Senna, which forced him to retire from the race on the very first lap. This season, however, a combination of a mechanical issue and contact with Valtteri Bottas also caused him to end his race prematurely on the opening lap.

Should Perez find himself let go by Red Bull, it would echo a past pattern, as the Grand Prix in Sao Paulo in 2012 was my last with Sauber before I joined McLaren in 2013.

Subsequently, a multiple-time world champion from Red Bull lost control on the initial lap and fell back, but remarkably regained his position to finish sixth. In 2012, Sebastian Vettel achieved this feat following an incident with Bruno Senna, while this year, Max Verstappen did so after colliding with Oscar Piastri.

In the past week, I’ve been on cloud nine as a gamer, relishing two back-to-back victories at the Grand Prix. It was McLaren’s turn to shine, with Jenson Button taking the lead in 2012 and my buddy Lando Norris following suit in Abu Dhabi last weekend. Quite the British triumph at the races!

Ultimately, Ferrari achieved the feat of having both drivers finish on the podium in both instances. Specifically, a Spanish driver took second place, with another driver in third. In 2012, it was Fernando Alonso who came in second and Felipe Massa who finished third, while in 2024, Carlos Sainz Jr. was placed second and Charles Leclerc ended up third.

Unexpected events always unfold during a Grand Prix once the lights are turned on. However, Lewis Hamilton’s farewell race with Mercedes bore an uncanny resemblance to his last race with McLaren in 2012 in several unusual ways.

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2024-12-15 17:02

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