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| footer = Multiple race retirements hindered Hamilton's chances of winning the title in both 2010 and 2012 seasons. Pictured are the [[2010 Spanish Grand Prix]] (left), and [[2012 Brazilian Grand Prix]] (right), with the latter being his final race for McLaren.
}}
In {{F1|2010}}, Hamilton was partnered by his last McLaren teammate, and reigning World Champion [[Jenson Button]].<ref>{{cite news |date=18 November 2009 |title=Jenson Button signs with McLaren in all-British line-up |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/18/jenson-button-lewis-hamilton-mclaren |access-date=18 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407155730/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/18/jenson-button-lewis-hamilton-mclaren |url-status=live}}</ref> In a [[McLaren MP4-25|car]] that struggled to match the outright pace of Red Bull and [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]],<ref>{{cite news |date=13 December 2010 |title=2010 in stats part three: car performance |url=https://www.racefans.net/2010/12/13/2010-in-stats-part-three-car-performance/ |access-date=17 December 2024 |work=Race Fans |archive-date=4 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204000725/https://www.racefans.net/2010/12/13/2010-in-stats-part-three-car-performance/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton's consistantconsistent performances saw him engage in a four-way title battle throughout the season. At the [[2010 Canadian Grand Prix|Canadian Grand Prix]], Hamilton secured McLaren's only pole position of the season, and took the championship lead after winning the race.<ref>{{cite news |date=13 July 2010 |title=Lewis Hamilton wins Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/18/jenson-button-lewis-hamilton-mclaren |access-date=18 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=24 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624065442/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8737884.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> After three race retirements in a span of four races during the latter half of the season, Hamilton lost vital points to his championship rivals, and ultimately the championship lead.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 September 2010 |title=Hamilton F1 hopes fading |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/arid-30475303.html |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=Irish Examiner |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923135949/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/arid-30475303.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He entered the [[2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix|final round]] of the season with a mere chance of winning the title, but ultimately finished fourth as [[Sebastian Vettel]] won the race to take his maiden drivers' crown.<ref>{{cite news |date=14 November 2010 |title=Sebastian Vettel wins Formula One world championship in Abu Dhabi |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/nov/14/sebastian-vettel-champion |access-date=18 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=16 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216025751/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/nov/14/sebastian-vettel-champion |url-status=live}}</ref>
{{F1|2011}} wasemerged as a challenging year for Hamilton, marking the first season he had been out-scored by a teammate, as Button finished runner-up to Vettel,. during a year in which distractionsDrawbacks in his private life, andas well as multiple run-ins with FIA officials, sawcontributed to inconsistent performances from Hamilton finishthroughout athe lowlyseason.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 December 2012 |title=The year the wheels and everything else came off for Lewis Hamilton |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/dec/11/lewis-hamilton-f1-mclaren |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=1 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301100459/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/dec/11/lewis-hamilton-f1-mclaren |url-status=live }}</ref> Hamilton finished fifth in the standings, afterwith whichthree race wins; he secured the only non-Red Bull pole position of the season at the {{F1GP|2011|Korean}}, and vowed he would return to form for {{F1|2012}}.<ref>{{cite news |agency=Press Association |date=9 March 2012 |title=McLaren's Lewis Hamilton envisages much closer F1 season in 2012 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/mar/09/mclaren-lewis-hamilton-f1-season |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224000715/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/mar/09/mclaren-lewis-hamilton-f1-season |url-status=live }}</ref> In the {{F1|2012}}That season, Hamilton finished fourth in the standings and achieved four race wins, despiteamidst several operational failures and reliability issues, akin to the 2010 season.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 September 2012 |title=Hamilton's chequered 2012 season |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/formula1/19765940 |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=BBC Sport |archive-date=23 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623215758/https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/formula1/19765940 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=22 December 2012 |title=Formula 1 2012: What a Year |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/20824978 |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=BBC Sport |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705095742/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/20824978 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Motorsport.com]]'' analysis revealed Hamilton had lost an estimated 110 points due to race retirements (three while leading) and other misfortunes, whichtaking would have been enough tohim out-score hisof rivalsa andpotential wintitle the titlefight.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 November 2012 |title=Analysis: How the points, and the title, slipped away for Lewis Hamilton |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/analysis-how-the-points-and-the-title-slipped-away-for-lewis-hamilton/3219278/ |access-date=9 February 2024 |website=Motorsport.com |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209131835/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/analysis-how-the-points-and-the-title-slipped-away-for-lewis-hamilton/3219278/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to the end of the year, Hamilton announced,announced—to to much surprise,widespread thatsurprise—that he would be joining Mercedes for the {{F1|2013}} season, replacing the retiring [[Michael Schumacher]].<ref name="halloffame">{{cite web |last=Donaldson |first=Gerald |date=2018|title=Lewis Hamilton – Hall of fame |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers/hall-of-fame/Lewis_Hamilton.html |website=Formula1.com |publisher=FIA Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920231333/https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers/hall-of-fame/Lewis_Hamilton.html |archive-date=20 September 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Mercedes (2013–2024)===
====2021: Title battle vs. Verstappen====
[[File:2021 United States Grand Prix 23 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Hamilton ''(left)'' and Verstappen ''(right)'', pictured at the {{F1GP|2021|United States}}, frequently exchanged the championship lead throughout the 2021 season, and entered the final round equal on points.]]
Regulation changes for the {{F1|2021}} season saw Red Bull make relative performance gains on Mercedes, winning five consecutive races and acquiring the championship lead,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hughes |first1=Mark |title=Mark HughesAnalysis: HowDid F1Hamilton ruleor changesVerstappen have hurtthe low-rakequickest Mercedescar for their title fight? |url=https://www.the-raceracefans.comnet/formula-12022/01/17/markanalysis-hughesdid-howhamilton-f1or-rule-changesverstappen-have-hurtthe-lowquickest-rakecar-mercedesfor-their-title-fight/ |access-date=2520 SeptemberDecember 2024 |publisher=The Race Fans |date=617 AprilJanuary 20212022 |archive-date=617 AprilJanuary 20212022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2021040608241020220117132245/https://www.the-raceracefans.comnet/formula-12022/mark01/17/analysis-hughesdid-howhamilton-f1or-rule-changesverstappen-have-hurtthe-lowquickest-rakecar-mercedesfor-their-title-fight/ |url-status=live }}</ref> winning six of the opening eleven rounds.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hughes |first1=Mark |title=2021Mark RACEHughes: RESULTSHow F1 rule changes have hurt low-rake Mercedes |url=https://www.formula1the-race.com/enformula-1/resultsmark-hughes-how-f1-rule-changes-have-hurt-low-rake-mercedes/2021/races |access-date=2725 NovemberSeptember 2024 |publisher=FormulaThe 1Race |date=6 April 2021 |archive-date=266 JulyApril 20242021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024072623554020210406082410/https://www.formula1the-race.com/enformula-1/resultsmark-hughes-how-f1-rule-changes-have-hurt-low-rake-mercedes/2021/races |url-status=live }}</ref> Hamilton and Red Bull's Verstappen engagedand inHamilton aemerged fierceas battletitle forfavourites theearly titleon throughoutin the season,.<ref>{{cite news |last1=HoldingBrundle |first1=JoeMartin |title=HamiltonMartin vs VerstappenBrundle: howAssessing the state of F1's greatest title battle wentafter downMax toVerstappen's thesupreme wireStyria win |url=https://www.topgearskysports.com/car-f1/news/motorsport24096/hamilton12344411/martin-vsbrundle-verstappenassessing-howthe-f1sstate-greatestof-f1s-title-battle-wentafter-downmax-wireverstappens-supreme-styria-win |access-date=2713 NovemberDecember 20242021 |agency=Sky |publisher=TopSky GearSports |date=1329 DecemberJune 2021 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2021121317565420211213144154/https://www.topgearskysports.com/car-f1/news/motorsport24096/hamilton12344411/martin-vsbrundle-verstappenassessing-howthe-state-of-f1s-greatest-title-battle-wentafter-downmax-wireverstappens-supreme-styria-win |url-status=live }}</ref> The pair engaged in several on-track battles—including controversial collisions in [[2021 British Grand Prix|Britain]], [[2021 Italian Grand Prix|Italy]] and [[2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix|Saudi Arabia]]—and [[Glossary of motorsport terms#0–9|finishingfinished 1–2]] at 14 of 22 Grands Prix, and colliding on several occasions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/hamilton-vs-verstappen-why-their-rivalry-has-the-potential-to-be-the.71aeZ3mOLHeW4BbHGGKY2H|title=HAMILTON VS VERSTAPPEN: Why their rivalry has the potential to be the greatest in F1 history|date=29 December 2021|access-date=4 December 2024|first=Edd|last=Straw|website=[[Formula 1]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Holding |first1=Joe |title=Hamilton vs Verstappen: how F1's greatest title battle went down to the wire |url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/motorsport/hamilton-vs-verstappen-how-f1s-greatest-title-battle-went-down-wire |access-date=27 November 2024 |publisher=Top Gear |date=13 December 2021 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213175654/https://www.topgear.com/car-news/motorsport/hamilton-vs-verstappen-how-f1s-greatest-title-battle-went-down-wire |url-status=live }}</ref> Hamilton achieved his 100th pole position and race win at the [[2021 Spanish Grand Prix|Spanish]] and [[2021 Russian Grand Prix|Russian]] Grands Prix, respectively, becoming the first driver to achieve either feat.<ref name="theguardian100pole">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/08/lewis-hamilton-claims-100th-f1-pole-at-spanish-gp-verstappen-starts-second|title=Lewis Hamilton makes history by claiming 100th F1 pole at Spanish GP|first=Giles|last=Richards|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=9 May 2021|access-date=9 May 2021|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509001204/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/08/lewis-hamilton-claims-100th-f1-pole-at-spanish-gp-verstappen-starts-second|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Pickman|first=Ben|date=26 September 2021|title=Lewis Hamilton Becomes First F1 Driver in History to Record 100 Victories|url=https://www.si.com/racing/2021/09/26/lewis-hamilton-russian-grand-prix-win-history|access-date=26 September 2021|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|archive-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926135634/https://www.si.com/racing/2021/09/26/lewis-hamilton-russian-grand-prix-win-history|url-status=live}}</ref> Winning three of the last four races, including a recovery drive at the {{F1GP|2021|São Paulo}}—which was acclaimed as one of his greatest performances—saw Hamilton eliminate a 19-point deficit to Verstappen,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Barretto |first1=Lawrence |title=No title, fewer wins and poles – but here's why 2021 was Lewis Hamilton's best season yet |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/no-title-fewer-wins-and-poles-but-heres-why-2021-was-lewis-hamiltons-best.3YznGTJlmMyVkW4coxH0CM |access-date=25 September 2024 |publisher=Formula 1 |date=16 December 2021 |archive-date=24 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424132247/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/no-title-fewer-wins-and-poles-but-heres-why-2021-was-lewis-hamiltons-best.3YznGTJlmMyVkW4coxH0CM |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/ranked-lewis-hamilton-10-best-f1-victories|title=Ranked: Lewis Hamilton's 10 best F1 victories over his staggering career (so far)|website=PlanetF1|date=7 January 2024|access-date=26 November 2024|first=Thomas|last=Maher}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/hamiltons-best-performances-for-mercedes-ranked/10680742/ |title=Hamilton's best performances for Mercedes ranked |last=Hunt |first=Ben |date=8 December 2024 |website=[[Autosport]] |access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> entering the season-ending {{F1GP|2021|Abu Dhabi}} level on points.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-saudi-arabian-gp-hamilton-beats-verstappen-to-go-level-on-points-in-chaotic-race/6854329/ |title=F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Hamilton beats Verstappen to go level on points in chaotic race |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=5 December 2021 |website=[[Autosport]] |access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> In Abu Dhabi, having led the majority of the race, Hamilton was denied the championship by a last-lap overtake from Verstappen following a late safety car.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59628024|title=Max Verstappen wins title after last-lap overtake of Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes protests rejected|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=12 December 2021|access-date=26 November 2024|first=Andrew|last=Benson}}</ref>
The season finale was marred by controversy over race director [[Michael Masi]]'s decision to instruct only the lapped cars separating Verstappen and Hamilton to un-lap themselves under the safety car, which closed the gap between the pair and allowed Verstappen, who opted to pit for soft tyres, to enter the final lap immediately behind Hamilton, who chose to remainremained on usedworn hard tyres.<ref name="benson2021">{{cite news|last1=Benson|first1=Andrew|date=12 December 2021|title=Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: 'Max Verstappen's win decided by a questionable call'|publisher=BBC Sport|agency=BBC|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59631665|access-date=13 December 2021|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217082719/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59631665|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Benson |first1=Andrew |title=Mercedes protests rejected by Formula 1 stewards as title goes to Max Verstappen |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59631659 |access-date=13 December 2021 |agency=BBC |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 December 2021 |archive-date=20 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220054136/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59631659 |url-status=live }}</ref> Four days after the race, the FIA announced that it would conduct an internal investigation into the incident.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Benson |first1=Andrew |title=Mercedes will not pursue appeal against F1 title-deciding Abu Dhabi result |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59681314 |access-date=17 December 2021 |agency=BBC |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 December 2021 |archive-date=17 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117061420/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59681314 |url-status=live }}</ref> Masi was subsequently removed from his role as race director,<ref>{{Cite web|date=17 February 2022|title=FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem opens the way for a new step forward in Formula 1 refereeing|url=https://www.fia.com/news/fia-president-mohammed-ben-sulayem-opens-way-new-step-forward-formula-1-refereeing|access-date=17 February 2022|website=Federation Internationale de l'Automobile|archive-date=9 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309165307/https://www.fia.com/news/fia-president-mohammed-ben-sulayem-opens-way-new-step-forward-formula-1-refereeing|url-status=live}}</ref> with the [[FIA World Motor Sport Council]] report finding that "human error" resulted in the failure to follow Formula One Sporting Regulations concerning the withdrawal of the safety car, adding that the final standings are "valid, final and cannot now be changed".<ref>{{cite news |title=FIA ANNOUNCES WORLD MOTOR SPORT COUNCIL DECISIONS |url=https://www.fia.com/news/fia-announces-world-motor-sport-council-decisions-25 |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=Federation Internationale de l'Automobile |date=19 March 2022 |archive-date=9 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409133122/https://www.fia.com/news/fia-announces-world-motor-sport-council-decisions-25 |url-status=live }}</ref> Notwithstanding the controversy in Abu Dhabi, ''[[BBC Sport]]'''s Andrew Benson described the season as "one of the most intense, hard-fought battles in sporting history", with Hamilton and Verstappen having "been head and shoulders—and a lot more—clear of every other driver on the grid".<ref name="benson2021"/>
====2022–2024: Mercedes' struggles and departure====
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