Lewis Hamilton and the curse of the Australian Grand Prix: A champion's struggle

Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton is known for his outstanding racing skills and ability to adapt to different conditions, tracks and settings. However, one particular race that has given him a big headache, is the Australian Grand Prix at the Melbourne circuit. Albert Park was a street circuit made for the F1 Australian Grand Prix and has been used since 1996. 

Apart from dominating many other F1 tracks and countries, Hamilton couldn’t really shine in Australia. It is like a curse for him as he has failed to win a race in Australia due to various reasons. It's been a decade since Lewis Hamilton won a race in Australia. Let us look at some of Hamilton's most bizarre failures at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne. 

Lewis Hamilton's curse in the Australian Grand Prix

F1 2009  - Disqualified, called a 'liar'

Brawn GP were the strongest during the 2009 season, and their drivers, Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, were the fastest drivers on the grid. But the race start was a disaster as the first corner brought big chaos into the track. Rubens collided with Red Bull’s Mark Webber causing a chain reaction and he pushed McLaren driver Heikki Kovalainen, Adrain Sutil, and Nick Heidfeld out.

Many incidents and collisions brought the safety car multiple times during the race. Finally it was Brawn GP 1-2 with Button winning the race followed by Barrichello and Toyota driver Trulli. F1 slapped him with a 25-second penalty for overtaking under VSC, and Hamilton was given the podium. Hamilton celebrated with Button and Rubens, but very soon, everything changed. 

Trulli said Hamilton overtook him during VSC and suddenly went to the sides of the road. He had to overtake as he had no choice. But McLaren and Hamilton denied it, and both teams went to the court. It was revealed that Hamilton was asked to give Trulli back his position. The Toyota driver was given points and a podium, while Lewis Hamilton faced a penalty for misleading and was disqualified from the race.

2018 - Wipe the Smile

In the 2018 F1 season, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were the biggest rivals in Formula 1, as both drove for the arch-rivals Mercedes and Ferrari. Lewis achieved pole position in the Qualifiers, while Vettel and Raikkonen finished second and third respectively. During the press meet, Hamilton said he came the fastest to wipe the smile out of Sebastian’s face.

The German replied, "Hamilton may enjoy today, but he and Kimi will have a party tomorrow (race day) after winning the race." Though Lewis Hamilton had a good start to the race, it was all spoiled by Mercedes' poor strategy. Sebastian Vettel pitted during VSC, saving big time, eventually undercutting Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes, and won the race. Though Hamilton was the best driver that day, circumstances didn't favour him, and he lost the Australian GP 2018.

2019- “F** Yo*”

Much like the previous season, Lewis Hamilton continued his good form in the Qualifiers and clinched the pole position. But this time, Hamilton was beaten by his own teammate, Valtteri Bottas. The Finnish driver had a good start and overtook his teammate in the first corner. Lewis struggled with pace and was nowhere near Bottas. Very soon, Lewis found himself in the mid-field chaos and lost more time. In the end, Bottas won the race by a massive 20+ second lead against Hamilton, and said his famous radio message, “To whoever it may concern, F*** You.”

2016- Wing damage

Lewis Hamilton was again the pole sitter, and on the opening lap, he and his teammate Nico Rosberg brawled for the position. Nico pushed Hamilton wide, damaging his front wing, and took the lead. The British driver battled with a damaged front wing till the safety car's arrival and finished P2 ahead of Sebastian and behind Nico Rosberg, who won the race in the end.

2024 - The worst Australian GP

2024 was the seaaon for Lewis Hamilton as his car qualified as the 11th fastest on the grid. This was his lowest ever qualifying in Australia since he entered Formula 1. But it didn't end there. As Hamilton hoped to bounce back during the race, his Mercedes engine gave up, and he was forced to retire. The day turned out to be a nightmare for the British. It is to be seen if his new chapter with Ferrari brings him some luck in Australia in 2025.

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