CHASING GREATNESS
The 2020 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has taken on extra significance for Lewis Hamilton as the reigning world champion attempts to match Michael Schumacher’s record as the only driver in history to win seven Formula 1 World Championships
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix returns to the emirate in December
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When it was announced in early 2007 that Abu Dhabi had won the rights to host a Grand Prix, few would have predicted that the race would take on such significance or that a Formula 1 rookie would go on to dominate the sport for the next decade.
At that time, Lewis Hamilton was taking his first tentative steps in the world of motor racing. Yet, just two years after the very first Grand Prix to be held in Abu Dhabi, the British driver stormed to victory in the final race of the 2011 season, eclipsing German driver Sebastian Vettel, who scored two consecutive wins in the first two editions of the race.
This was Hamilton’s second Formula 1 win, with the Briton claiming his first victory in his debut season at the Canadian Grand Prix held in 2007 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Quebec.
An astonishing effort from the then 27-year-old, his achievement on Yas Island was a sign of things to come as Hamilton went on to secure four additional wins from 2014 onwards. After winning the 2019 season in Abu Dhabi, he is now the reigning world champion and he’s all set to return to the
emirate this year to battle it out in the 11th edition of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The race has taken on extra significance for the motor racing star this year as he attempts to secure his seventh win in the history of the sport.
The 2020 FIA Formula 1 World Championship marks the 70th anniversary of the first Formula 1 season held in Turin, Italy. The edition was originally supposed to start in March 2020 but was postponed until July in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 22 Grands Prix were due to run, but as some events were cancelled, only 17 races were confirmed.
The Austrian Grand Prix kickstarted the season with Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas in the lead (Hamilton following closely after) and will end with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix taking place on December 13. For the first time in the history of the Abu Dhabi event, the final race of the season will take place behind closed doors due to physical distancing regulations.
As per recent standings, Hamilton is in the lead with a total of 256 points, with fellow Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas in second place.
In the Portuguese Grand Prix held in October, Hamilton was crowned the most victorious driver in Formula 1 history following his 92nd career win at the Algarve International Circuit. His achievement came in a fortnight after the Eifel Grand Prix, where he drew level with Michael Schumacher’s 14-year-old record of 91 victories.
But the racer aims to push the barrier even higher this year. If he successfully secures his seventh win in the 2020 finale of the renowned F1 race, he will also match the retired German race car driver’s record of seven world championships.
Among other top players to watch this year, young guns Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo, Sergio Pérez and Lando Norris rank high. This quartet of gifted young drivers, who were all in their formative years when the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix took place, will be hoping to end the season on a high and prove that they are the future of the sport.
All eyes are on Lewis Hamilton to see if he secures his seventh overall win in the final race of the 2020 FIA Formula 1 World Championship
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