P1racenews AI automatic summary:
No-one has ever been crowned rookie world champion. Lewis Hamilton’s chance cruelly slipped through his fingers 18 years ago today.
Lewis Hamilton’s potentially unique record of becoming a rookie world champion in Formula 1 was tantalizingly close during the 2007 season. With Hamilton leading the championship heading into the penultimate race, he needed to finish within six points of Kimi Raikkonen to secure the title. However, a strategic mistake at the Chinese Grand Prix cost him the championship. The race was filled with tension within the McLaren team due to the ongoing Spygate scandal involving Ferrari’s technical information. Despite starting from pole position in Shanghai, Hamilton’s race unraveled due to tire strategy errors. As Raikkonen passed him for the lead and Alonso closing in, Hamilton’s championship hopes faded. Ultimately, Hamilton’s dream of becoming a rookie world champion was ripped away, showcasing the highs and lows of Formula 1 racing.
