If one were to script the events of 2007 for a Hollywood movie, it would likely be dismissed as too fictional. A young and talented rookie entering the Formula 1 scene alongside a seasoned two-time World Champion at one of the sport’s most storied teams, engaging in a fierce battle throughout the season. The narrative would be filled with tales of questionable tactics, rumored bribes within the team’s garage, and increasingly strained relationships.
In a manner reminiscent of the first Rocky movie, the story did not unfold as a fairytale ending for either driver.
The partnership between Alonso and Hamilton as teammates for a single year evoked memories of the intense Senna vs. Prost rivalry. There was animosity, a tightly contested championship battle, but above all, there was an extraordinary display of driving prowess.
The duo pushed each other to new heights, showcasing their immense skills on the track. It is strikingly poetic how closely their seasons mirrored each other. Both achieved four victories, stood on the podium the same number of times, and ultimately finished with identical points.
In the end, neither driver claimed the championship crown, as that honor belonged to Räikkönen. However, 2007 provided a captivating and glorious year of racing, forever etched in the annals of Formula 1 history.
Number 4. Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas (2017-2021)
Following in the footsteps of Barrichello, Bottas initially embraced the role of Hamilton’s trusted wingman during his early days with Mercedes. Together, they forged a formidable partnership, securing four consecutive Constructors’ championships and propelling the team to new heights in the all-time standings. The duo’s combined efforts yielded an impressive tally of 60 race victories.
Much like the iconic Schumacher era at Ferrari, Hamilton assumed the role of the team’s leading figure, while Bottas proved himself to be more than a mere supporting act. The Finnish driver showcased his own capabilities by clinching 10 victories, standing on the podium 58 times, and contributing a remarkable 739 points during the 2019 season. His point tally in that year stands as the third-highest ever achieved in a single Formula 1 season, further solidifying his prowess on the track.
Number 5. Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton (2013-2016)
The dynamic between these two teammates was nothing short of explosive, often pushing Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff to the brink of contemplating their dismissal. However, their partnership proved to be ruthlessly efficient on the track.
Having competed against each other in their younger days, Hamilton and Rosberg found themselves reunited as teammates at Mercedes in 2013. At the time, many questioned Hamilton’s decision, wondering what he had been thinking.
Yet, as time would reveal, Hamilton’s choice would be validated on numerous occasions as both he and Rosberg reaped the rewards of commanding Mercedes machinery.
Inevitably, in such a competitive environment, there can only be one top dog. For a few years, it appeared that Hamilton would always hold that mantle, asserting his dominance over his teammate.
