Lewis Hamilton’s quest for back-to-back Formula One titles took an unexpected hit last month with a surprise sixth-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix. It was the first time this season that the British driver failed to finish inside the top-5 of a Formula One race. To make matters worse for Hamilton, his arch-rival Sebastian Vettel took home the checkered flag in that dramatic race in Hungary.
With Hamilton failing to record a podium finish at Hungaroring, many are wondering whether this is the beginning of the end for the two-time world champion. To give credence to this idea, we have listed the top five reasons why Hamilton will come away empty-handed at the Belgian Grand Prix this coming weekend.
Meanwhile, get ready for the big race with our Belgian Grand Prix preview.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Why Lewis Hamilton Won’t Win the F1 Belgian GP
He’s Coming Off His Worst Race of the Season
[sc:Other240banner ]Who said Lewis Hamilton was unstoppable? Lewis Hamilton’s podium streak came to a screeching halt at Hungaroring last month, finishing sixth at the Hungarian Grand Prix. It was a surprising result for Hamilton who has won the Hungarian Grand Prix a record four times – tied with the legendary Michael Schumacher for the most in the race’s history.
It was the first time this season that both Mercedes drivers failed to produce a podium finish. With Hamilton suddenly struggling for form, now is the perfect time for his rivals to take advantage. Look for the other drivers to attack Hamilton right from the get-go this coming weekend.
Here Comes Vettel
Not much was expected from Sebastian Vettel heading into the Hungarian Grand Prix. The four-time World Champion was winless in his previous eight starts at Hungaroring. Vettel shocked Formula One observers, though, with a stunning drive last month, capturing the Hungarian Grand Prix to record his second race victory of the season. He’s the only non-Mercedes driver to win a Formula One race this year.
The German driver will now head to the Belgian Grand Prix with momentum on his side. Vettel has fared extremely well at Spa in the past, winning this event twice before. He finished fifth in this event last year and he will be a definite threat to Hamilton this coming weekend.
Don’t Forget About Rosberg
Nico Rosberg might be Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes, but there’s certainly no love lost between the two rivals. The two leading drivers have tangled repeatedly in the past, the most famous of which came at the Belgian Grand Prix last year. Hamilton was forced to retire in the second lap of that race after Rosberg deliberately crashed into his car. Rosberg eventually finished second in that chaotic and dramatic Belgian Grand Prix.
Given their history, it isn’t far-fetched to see the two rivals engage in another heated showdown at Spa this coming weekend. Only 21 points separate the two drivers at the top of the Formula One standings. Rosberg will be eager to bounce back from his disappointing eighth-place finish at Hungaroring last month. The German driver already has three Grand Prix wins this season, capturing race victories at Austria, Spain, and Monaco.
Crash Magnet
For some weird reason, the reigning Formula One champion has had difficulty finishing races here in the Belgian Grand Prix. He has failed to complete the 44-lap race in four out of his last six starts here. He was forced to retire in the 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2014 races. That’s a worrying sign for Hamilton heading into this weekend’s race.
Hamilton’s Rock and Roll Lifestyle
Hamilton may be Formula One’s top dog right now, but some are wondering whether his rock and roll lifestyle will lead to the British driver falling off the rails. He has been attending showbiz parties all over the world, regularly hobnobbing with the rich and famous. If reports are to be believed, he is currently dating pop superstar Rihanna. The two stars were last seen partying together in New York this past weekend.
With the Belgian Grand Prix just days away, many are questioning whether this is ideal preparation for Hamilton heading into Sunday’s race. Hamilton has maintained that his jet-setting lifestyle won’t affect his racing one bit. We shall find out this coming weekend if that is indeed the case.
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