F1: the cursed club of 300 Grands Prix joined by Lewis Hamilton

At Paul Ricard, Lewis Hamilton started a special weekend, the one he joined in select a driver club that has come to race 300 grands prix in Formula 1. With a curiosity: the seven-time English world champion hadn’t won since the penultimate round of last season and none of the five men who reached that milestone returned to victory afterwards.

Hamilton, who He made his McLaren debut at age 22 and is now 37will join Kimi Raikkonen (353), Fernando Alonso (347), Rubens Barrichello (326), Jenson Button (309) and Michael Schumacher (308), a club that holds big winners and a curse not to win a Grand Prix when they have passed the 300 race barrier.

The Mercedes star comes from addition three third places in the league Formula 1, which this Sunday will complete its twelfth round, told how he felt in that 2007 of his debut.

“The whole realization of making your dream come true is a very, very surreal experience, it will always be the first, there is only one first. Coming to that first prize, the number of sleepless nights we all had as a family did not. knowing whether to make our dream come true, but never giving up and being there, will probably be the highlight, “he reviewed.

When he arrived at McLaren, Hamilton had to compete side by side with two-time champion Fernando Alonso and it was not an easy relationship, even though Hamilton recognized the Spaniard as his best rival.

“I remember the task of being alongside Fernando. I was so young mentally. There is a lot of pressure to face a great like him, in pure rhythm and skill I would say it is Fernando. We’ve had some good fights. I wish we could have more and I hope he continues to race so that we can have more in the future, “he said of the driver that he is still in F1 after a short impasse.

For Hamilton, Fernando Alonso was his biggest rival, despite his battle with Max Verstappen dazzling the world last season, which ultimately won the title.

Currently, The Englishman is in the longest series in his history without winningas he has not been on the top step of the podium since he did so in Saudi Arabia last season.

But there are reasons to believe that Hamilton’s fortunes may change: in addition to three consecutive podiums, Mercedes continues to make improvements, such as those it has now brought to France.

Will he succeed with the 300-club streak?

Unfortunately, no driver in the history of the sport has won a race after 300 races. However, Hamilton remains optimistic because, he says, “he’s getting close to that win”.

“I think we will be able to compete now or in five races. It has been a truly valuable lesson and experience for all of us. We have refined our tools in other areas, so when we go back to where we deserve to be, we will appreciate it so much more. . ” .

Seven-time champion Hamilton will have to challenge the odds once again, as has happened only five drivers who have reached the 300 Grand Prix and none has managed to get back on the top step of the podium.

Kimi Raikkonen won for the last time in his 288th GP, the United States 2018; Alonso did it in his 201st, the 2013 Spanish GP; Button got it in his 228th round, the 2012 Brazilian GP; Michael Schumacher, on his 246th start, the 2006 Chinese GP; while Rubens Barrichello got it in his 280th GP, that of Italy in 2009.

Who makes up the club

• Kimi Raikkonen (353)

• Fernando Alonso (347)

• Rubens Barrichello (326)

• Jenson Bottone (309)

• Michael Schumacher (308)