Another new F1 record: Verstappen now in the lead along with Hamilton
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- GPblog.com
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton fought heated battles in Formula 1 last year, but in 2022 that has not really been the case. At least until the United States Grand Prix then. The rivals finished first and second at the Circuit of the Americas last weekend, setting a new F1 record.
The record for most one-twos (in any order) in Formula 1 was held by Nico Rosberg and Hamilton until last week. The two drivers were teammates at Mercedes between 2013 and 2016, and thanks in part to this long period during which Mercedes was particularly dominant, they finished as the number one and two in a Grand Prix no fewer than 31 times. However, Verstappen and Hamilton have now taken over that record.
Since 2015, the two drivers have been competing against each other in the king class of motorsport, but especially since 2020, Verstappen and Hamilton have met very often on the asphalt. In recent seasons, the rivals have now finished first and second together 32 times. Of those 32 times, Hamilton managed to win the battle in his favour 20 times. Verstappen won 12 times.
Record soon to be even more firmly in hand?
Chances are it will not stop at 32 times. The 37-year-old Hamilton's contract with Mercedes continues until 2023, which means we will normally see the seven-time world champion in action for at least 27 more Grands Prix. Mercedes is managing to narrow the gap towards Red Bull and Ferrari a little every week and they hope to make the connection for good next season. Hopefully, we will see more duels between Verstappen and Hamilton then!