When a dream burst: Lando Norris‘ hopes of winning the 2024 World Cup have been dashed after Brazil’s rainy GP. Although it is still mathematically possible to win the championship against Max Verstappen, it is no longer realistic. Where have other F1 drivers buried their title chances? Motorsport magazine.com looks back at five World Cup-defining moments in Formula 1’s young history.
USA Grand Prix 2003: A three-way battle becomes a duel
Before the 2003 Indianapolis Grand Prix, the penultimate race of the season, the fight for the title was still a three-way battle. After the US GP it became a duel. Michael Schumacher was only a few points ahead of Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Räikkönen in the championship. The first decision was made in rainy conditions at the Indianapolis Speedways.
Montoya lost his chance for the title in the third round. He collided with Rubens Barrichello’s Ferrari and received a drive-through penalty. After a further trip into the grass, the Colombian was only in P6 at the end of the race. So mathematically he no longer had any chance of beating Schumacher in the title fight. Although Räikkönen moved from pole position, the German was able to take victory and extend his lead. At the dramatic finale in Suzuka, Schumacher secured his sixth F1 title. However, Montoya remained without a title.
China Grand Prix 2007: The World Championship went under gravel
There was also a three-goal battle for the World Cup in the 2007 season. In Shanghai, Lewis Hamilton had the first chance to finish it. With their victory in China, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Räikkönen would have been out of the race and Hamilton would have put the final crown on his rookie season, but of course things turned out differently and the youngster had to time to wait another season. World Cup victory.
Lewis Hamilton landed in the gravel at the Chinese GP 2007, photo: Sutton
The field started the race with intermediates on wet roads. Hamilton started from pole position. After 15 laps, the first drivers put the dry tires at risk, but McLaren waited as they expected more rain. Coin poker failed. Hamilton rode hard on his intermediates until he finally called into the pits on lap 31. Then the fatal mistake. The Briton only got to the pit entrance, his car skidded and slid into the gravel. The McLaren was stuck and the World Cup decision was postponed. As is well known, Kimi Räikkönen won the three-way battle at the end of the season in Brazil.
Korean Grand Prix 2010: Twisted lead
Many hands reached for the trophy in the 2010 F1 season. Until shortly before the end, Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button were involved in the fight for the world championship. Before the third to last race, Webber was still in the lead, but the Korean GP severely dampened the Red Bull driver’s world championship ambitions.
It was raining in Korea when Webber started the race from P2, behind teammate Sebastian Vettel. The Australian only drove 18 laps before there was a huge crash. Webber lost control of his car, spun and hit the barrier. As he rolled back onto the track, he bumped into Nico Rosberg. The race and the championship final were over. With his victory, Fernando Alonso took pole position in the fight for the title. However, he failed to cross the finish line;
Singapore Grand Prix 2017: An expensive sandwich
As is well known, Sebastian Vettel was denied the big dream of the title in red. In the 2017 F1 season he led Lewis Hamilton for the championship after 12 races, but the tide quickly turned. The Brit caught him in the fight for the championship at Monza, and was further delayed by the Singapore GP.
<a href="Singapore GP 2017 – Press reviews: Ferrari torn to pieces
Vettel was on pole, while Hamilton only qualified fifth on the grid. But the German only got a few meters. This was due to an accident with teammate Kimi Räikkönen and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. The Dutchman found himself in a Ferrari sandwich going into Turn 1, which immediately cost Räikkönen and himself the race. Vettel continued first, still badly damaged, but slipped and also broke his nose. The race was finally over. Lewis Hamilton won the Singapore GP and never retired from his championship lead.
German Grand Prix 2018: An early change to the final World Championship
A new performance of the duel between Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton quickly followed in the 2018 season. The German began his next (unsuccessful) attempt to win the world championship with Ferrari. The two drivers fought an exciting battle from the start of the season and repeatedly pushed each other out of the lead. At the 2018 German GP, the lead changed for the last time of the season.
Sebastian Vettel: Hockenheim 2018 crash cost him championship lead, photo: Sutton
In fact, the race at the Hockenheimring would be the perfect place for Vettel to extend his championship lead, which was eight points at the time. The German had secured first place on the grid, Hamilton had already been eliminated in Q1. A race followed that changed the course of the World Championship significantly, but not in Vettel’s favour. The Ferrari driver led comfortably at first, but the rain hampered his plans. As the conditions worsened, Vettel made a mistake. He broke on lap 52 and crashed into the barriers. Hamilton won the race and ultimately the championship.
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What were some key lessons learned from the 2003 USA Grand Prix that still apply to F1 today?
Interview with F1 Expert on Title Decisive Moments in Formula 1
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special segment where we delve into the world of Formula 1! Today, we have with us an esteemed F1 expert, Dr. Alex Baker. Alex, thanks for joining us. Let’s talk about some recent developments, particularly Lando Norris’s fading hopes for the 2024 World Championship following Brazil’s rainy GP.
Dr. Alex Baker (AB): Thank you! It’s great to be here. Lando’s situation is indeed unfortunate, but it raises interesting parallels to history—like other drivers who faced similar title woes in the rain.
TNE: Absolutely. When we look back, the 2003 USA Grand Prix stands out. That dramatic race turned a three-way title fight into a duel. What can you tell us about that moment and its impact?
AB: The 2003 US GP was a turning point. It showcased the ruthless nature of F1 racing. Juan Pablo Montoya had started off strong but lost his footing due to mistakes—his collision with Rubens Barrichello was a significant moment. Michael Schumacher capitalized on the chaos to secure his lead. This race beautifully encapsulated how quickly fortunes can change in F1.
TNE: Right, and then we have the 2007 China GP, where Lewis Hamilton’s miscalculation in the rain cost him the title. How did that moment define his career trajectory?
AB: Hamilton’s experience in China was a humbling lesson. Starting on pole and in control, he misjudged the conditions and slid into the gravel. It was a critical moment that highlighted how even the best drivers can encounter unexpected setbacks. This defeat propelled him to work harder, and ultimately he returned to claim seven world titles.
TNE: Moving to the 2010 Korean Grand Prix, the rain played a villainous role again. Mark Webber’s mishap there was significant. What did this teach us about the mental game in F1?
AB: It highlighted the fragility of leading in F1. Webber got caught up in a crash that not only eliminated him but altered the championship dynamic. It’s a stark reminder of how drivers must remain composed under pressure since a single mistake can ruin months of hard work.
TNE: Let’s also discuss the infamous 2017 Singapore GP. Vettel’s crash effectively ended his title hopes. How important is team communication in avoiding such costly mistakes?
AB: Team communication is critical. The accident between Vettel, Räikkönen, and Verstappen was a classic case of misjudgment. The confusion intensified the repercussions, showcasing that F1 isn’t just about the individual; it’s a team effort. They must work synchronously to navigate the complexities of race strategy, especially in tricky conditions.
TNE: And the 2018 German GP, an early twist in the championship. What lessons can today’s drivers learn from these historical blunders?
AB: One lesson is the significance of adaptability. Vettel lost a golden opportunity after a mistake that many still talk about today. F1 drivers today must embrace versatility, not just in driving techniques but also in handling unexpected race dynamics. It’s not just talent behind the wheel but also a sharp strategic mind.
TNE: Great insights, Alex! Reflecting on Lando Norris’s current situation—do you think he’ll bounce back in the future?
AB: I believe so. Lando has shown immense potential and resilience. While the seasons are long and filled with uncertainty, learning from disappointment is key. His experience now will only make him stronger for future campaigns.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Baker, for shedding light on these pivotal moments in F1 history. It’s fascinating how the past continues to influence the present.
AB: My pleasure! F1’s legacy is built on lessons of perseverance, strategy, and the unpredictable nature of racing—something that continues to captivate fans worldwide.
TNE: And that’s a wrap for today’s segment! Tune in next time as we continue to explore the world of motorsport. Thank you for watching!