As I reflect in 2025 on the unforgettable 2020 Formula 1 season, it's impossible not to be awestruck by Lewis Hamilton's dominance that year. I remember watching each race with bated breath, wondering just how many more records he could shatter. With the world grappling with chaos, Hamilton's performances were a beacon of excellence, and he had already sealed his seventh F1 Drivers' Championship, tying the legendary Michael Schumacher. But what made it truly special? It was the sheer number of milestones he chased in those final three races. 🏆✨

The Records Already Broken

Looking back, I'm still amazed at how Hamilton rewrote history books in 2020. He didn't just equal Schumacher's title record; he surpassed him in career race wins and podium finishes. For instance, by the end of the season, Hamilton had amassed 73 wins with Mercedes, beating Schumacher's 72 with Ferrari. Can you imagine the pressure? It showed his relentless drive and consistency. What's more, he matched Schumacher's record for most wins at a single event, with his eighth victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. That tied Schumacher's eight wins at the French Grand Prix. Here's a quick summary of the key records he broke that year:

• Most career race wins: Hamilton's 73 surpassed Schumacher's 72.

• Most career podium finishes: He set a new high here, too.

• Most wins with a single constructor: His 73 with Mercedes outdid Schumacher's Ferrari tally.

Chasing Schumacher's Remaining Records

As the season neared its end, Hamilton had three more Schumacher records within reach. Why was this so thrilling? Because it added unexpected drama to a championship already decided. First up was the single-season wins record. Schumacher had won 13 out of 18 races in 2004, and Sebastian Vettel tied it in 2013 with 13 out of 19. Hamilton entered the final stretch with 10 wins from 14 races. Could he win the last three to match it? 🤔 In a year full of cancellations and disruptions, achieving 13 wins out of 17 would have been monumental. But did he pull it off? I recall the anticipation building as fans like me debated the odds.

Next was the record for most podium finishes with a single constructor. Schumacher had 116 with Ferrari, while Hamilton was at 114 with Mercedes. To match or break this, he needed top-three finishes in the remaining races. The math was simple: two podiums to tie, three to set a new record. How would he handle the pressure? It was a test of his endurance. Then there was the laps led record. Schumacher led 5,111 laps in his career, and after Turkey, Hamilton had 5,043. He needed to lead 68 laps to match it or 69 to break it in the final three Grands Prix. That meant every lap counted, turning each race into a strategic battle.

The Final Races and Their Impact

Heading into Bahrain and beyond, the stakes were sky-high. The schedule was packed: Bahrain Grand Prix on November 29, Sakhir Grand Prix on December 6, and the Abu Dhabi finale on December 13. As a fan, I couldn't help but ask: What would it take for Hamilton to make history? He had to dominate from start to finish, especially in laps led. But in a sport where luck plays a role, anything could happen. Here's a comparison of the records he was chasing:

Reflecting now, Hamilton's drive in those races showcased his genius.

Legacy and Lasting Impressions

Five years later, that season remains a defining moment in F1 history. Hamilton didn't just race; he inspired millions. For me, the excitement wasn't just about the titles but how close he came to those records. Did he achieve all three? Well, in the end, he added to his legend, but the journey was what mattered. The 2020 season taught us that even in adversity, greatness shines. As we look back, Hamilton's records stand as a testament to his skill and determination. What a time to be a fan! 💪🚗