Lewis Hamilton Sets Unwanted Record: 43 Years of Ferrari Podium Drought Ends in US Grand Prix Catastrophe
In a stunning twist of fate at the US Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has cemented his name in the F1 history books for all the wrong reasons. The seven-time world champion has now gone an astonishing 19 races without securing a podium finish while racing against Ferrari, breaking a record that has stood for an excruciating 43 years. The previous record was held by French racing legend Didier Pironi, who managed a streak of 18 races before finally tasting glory in the 1982 San Marino GP.
Despite a promising start at the Circuit of the Americas, where Hamilton surged past teammate George Russell to snatch fourth, the race quickly turned into a nightmare. Hamilton’s hopes for a podium were dashed as he battled tire issues and was instructed by his team to “lift and coast” on lap 29 to prevent excessive wear on his skid block. This crucial call cost him time and ultimately the chance to chase down the podium finish.
As if that wasn’t enough, the drama escalated in the final moments when Hamilton suffered a front-right tire puncture, nearly losing fifth place to Oscar Piastri. He managed to hold on, but the sting of not being able to bring home a podium finish was palpable. Charles Leclerc, his rival and teammate, claimed the third spot on the podium, further cementing Hamilton’s misfortune and extending the record he would rather forget.
This latest development signals a harsh reality for Hamilton, who is now firmly in the shadow of Ferrari’s resurgence. The 40-year-old’s last podium finish against the iconic team now feels like a distant memory, and the countdown to 2025 continues, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning what the future holds for the racing superstar.
Hamilton’s record-breaking streak is made even more poignant when compared to Pironi’s turbulent career. In 1981, Pironi’s struggles were largely due to the unreliable Ferrari 126CK, yet he still managed to secure a second-place championship finish, demonstrating resilience that Hamilton now needs to channel. While Pironi faced fierce competition from teammate Gilles Villeneuve, Hamilton’s current battle is not only against rivals but also the grip of time as he seeks to reclaim his former glory.
F1 fans worldwide are left to ponder: can Hamilton break this streak, or will he continue to be haunted by the ghosts of Ferrari past? The clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting as the sport’s elite gear up for the next race, eagerly awaiting to see if Hamilton can shake off this unwanted record and rise once more to the podium.
