Race and classic pictures

Second place a lot better than nothing

Even before this weekend's crushing out-of-the-blue retirement in the Malaysian Grand Prix, it's surprising that Sepang hasn't been a better hunting ground for Lewis Hamilton over the years.

He's won here only once - in 2014 - when he beat Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg to the chequered flag by more than 17 seconds. Otherwise he's finished on the podium on only four further occasions in ten appearances here, with two second places and two more third positions.

One of those runner-up spots came in his very first race here back in his rookie season in 2007 when he crossed the line behind his then-McLaren team mate Fernando Alonso. The picture above shows the pair celebrating together with the team in pit lane, Hamilton looking much happier with second than he was this year with that crushing retirement.

"That was the toughest race of my career. I was defending my position for a lot of the time," he had said after the race. "A big thank you to the team who have worked so hard both with the car but also preparing me for the past months. Today's result is super for the entire team

"Congratulations to Fernando, very well done," he added.

Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

14 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

16 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

17 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

19 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

21 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

21 hours ago