P1racenews AI automatic summary:
With F1 returning to China for the first time in five years, RacingNews365 looks back at one of the greatest, and most consequential, races to be held at the Shanghai International Circuit since it debuted on the F1 calendar in 2004.
Lewis Hamilton’s debut F1 season in 2007 was remarkable, marked by a strategy blunder and a costly driver error that marred his potential record-breaking success. Despite the early-season Chinese Grand Prix being in the latter part of the calendar that year, Hamilton’s impressive performance stunned the F1 world with nine consecutive podium finishes, including wins in Canada and the US. His unexpected challenge to teammate Fernando Alonso led to internal strife in the McLaren team, setting the stage for a fierce championship battle. By the penultimate race in China, Hamilton held a 12-point lead over Alonso and was poised to secure the title, with Raikkonen trailing closely. Though Hamilton secured pole position, a costly decision to extend his stint led to his undoing, allowing Raikkonen to snatch victory and leaving the rookie just short of making history.
