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LEWIS HAMILTON’S Formula 1 season ended in the worst possible way after he was forced to retire at the Abu Dhabi GP on Sunday.While Max Verstappen tasted victory in the final race of the year, the seven-time world champion suffered more misery after he pulled out.
Lewis Hamilton finished the 2022 season without a single winCredit: Alamy
It means that Hamilton failed to win a single race in a season for the first time in 16 years on the F1 circuit.
The 37-year-old’s terrible time also saw him end in sixth-place for the championship, the lowest of his career.
Hamilton had finished in the top two in each of the last eight years and was on course to come fifth having held a six-point lead over Carlos Sainz ahead of the race.
But his DNF in the Middle East saw him slip down one place in the Drivers’ Championship.
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He racked up just 240 points, a whopping 214 fewer than Verstappen.
George Russell, who came fifth in Abu Dhabi, secured fourth place overall, meaning Hamilton finished below his teammate for just the third time in his career.
The other two occasions were in 2009 when Jenson Button won the world title and Nico Roseberg seven years later.
Despite his struggles, Hamilton is hopeful of challenging for world titles in the future.
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He said: “These next couple of weeks, we’ll be back at the factory, we’ll get to see everybody, and while we’re not celebrating a world championship, we’ll be celebrating them still for their hard work and efforts.”
“I hope that the struggles this year really provide us with the tools and the strengths to fight for many more championships moving forward.” More

PEP GUARDIOLA was among the stars who came along to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as big celebrities filled the grid. It was the final F1 race of the season and many big names were out on show to mark the occasion.
Guardiola was enjoying some time off with the Premier League season on hiatusCredit: Splash
Usain Bolt and Patrice Evra were along the stars enjoying the Abu Dhabi actionCredit: Getty
American singer Usher enjoyed the action in the UAECredit: Splash
Last year’s Abu Dhabi race went down as one of the most controversial in the history of the sport.
But with the title resolved several races ago and many other plot lines already wrapped up, it was a relaxed atmosphere on the grid as celebrities descended.
Among the biggest names was Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
He is enjoying a rare mid-season break while the World Cup takes centre-stage.
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The Spaniard joined Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team for the weekend – and became the latest big name to snub Martin Brundle.
The former F1 driver and Sky Sports pundit attempted to reel in Guardiola during his traditional pre-race grid walk, but the manager was not in the mood for a chat.
As Brundle tried to talk to him about Man City, the manager said: “No, let’s not talk about football today.”
He then walked away as body guards ushered Brundle away, leading the unflappable F1 pundit to quip: “It’s okay, I’ve been thrown out of better places than this.”
Ben Stokes was one of many English cricketers in attendanceCredit: Getty
Film star Martin Lawrence took a selfie alongside comedian Michael DapaahCredit: Getty
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Elsewhere, other major globe-trotting celebs popped up.
Olympic legend Usain Bolt was also visible in the paddock ahead of the race, while fellow sports star Shaquille O’Neal was also present.
Former Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra also arrived at the star-studded event and mingled alongside other celebs, including American pop star Usher.
And England legend Ben Stokes was among several cricketers who turned up to watch the race – only a week after their brilliant T20 Cricket World Cup win.
It ended up being a disappointing Grand Prix with Max Verstappen waltzing unchallenged to his 15th win of the season.
A frustrated Hamilton meanwhile was forced to retire his Mercedes with only a couple of laps to go. More

LEWIS HAMILTON’s miserable season came to a fitting end as he retired from the Abu Dhabi two laps from the end.The Brit’s Mercedes suffered a hydraulic problem that proved terminal and condemned him to an unwelcome landmark of going a whole season without a single victory.
Verstappen took control of the race early and none of the other drivers could challenge the Red BullCredit: Reuters
It was a frustrating end to a frustrating season for Lewis Hamilton, who had to retire his carCredit: Getty
The Mercedes man has won at least once in each of his previous 15 years, but this season, a dreadful car design coupled with Max Verstappen’s dominance, put an end to his record.
He had previously been involved in a clash with Carlos Sainz and later in the race blamed his team for putting him on the wrong tyre strategy.
It all proved irrelevant as he finished this race early, sick of the sight of the sluggish Merc that has been ravaged by porpoising problems.
Verstappen meanwhile, wrapped up his 15th win of the season in a dreary race in Abu Dhabi that was never going to live up to last year’s drama.
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Remember the flashpoint 12 months ago that threw F1 into turmoil? The fudged rules by FIA race director Michael Masi as Verstappen took the win and the title.
This year, the championship had been sewn up ages ago as this billion-dollar track in the desert served up a more-routine dullard.
Verstappen led from the line and was not put under any pressure from Charles Leclerc, who was second to take the runner-up spot in the championship.
Verstappen, who was booed as he was interviewed after the race, said: “It was a good race. All about tyre management from lap one to the end.
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“It was incredible to win here again this year and the 15th win of the season.
“It has been really enjoyable to work with the whole team and I know it will be hard to replicate but it is good motivation for next season.”
Sergio Perez’s third place meant he denied his Red Bull team the chance of a one-two finish in the championship.
Sainz was fourth and George Russell was fifth following on from his win in Sao Paulo last weekend.
Ironically, Hamilton’s retirement from the race catapulted his mate Sebastian Vettel into the points on his final race in F1.
Sebastian Vettel received a guard of honour from his fellow drivers in his final F1 raceCredit: Getty
The 35-year-old is calling time on his F1 career and the four-time world champion said: “I wish it had been a couple of more points but I enjoyed the race.
“It was a little different than before and I am sure I am going to miss F1 more than I understand today.
“The last few years have been disappointing from a sporting point of view, but very useful to me and a lot has happened.
“I hope to pass on some of the good work to the other drivers. It is great to have the power to inspire and we have far bigger and more important things than racing in circles.
“But that is what we love and if we can transfer that, it would be good. It has been a joy throughout my career.” More

LEWIS HAMILTON has arrived in Abu Dhabi ahead of the Grand Prix in a stunning all-purple outfit.The British racer pulled off the unique look as he arrived at the paddock for the media day ahead of the last race of the Formula 1 season.
Lewis Hamilton arrived for media day ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in his interesting purple outfitCredit: Getty
The British driver will be hoping for a positive end to the seasonCredit: Getty
Fans however did poke a bit of fun at the seven-time World Champion on social media.
One said: “Man looks like a Quality Street but to be fair behind the wheel he’s always quality.”
A second added: “Stylish pajamas.”
A third commented: “Lewis is a supermodel he deserves that much attention, and it suits him well as always. The trousers may be a little bit too long. I hope he doesn’t trip over it.”
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Hamilton will be hoping to end this season on a high and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix would be a great place to do it after last year’s dramatic finale against Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at the same track.
The Mercedes driver was aiming for his eighth title but he was locked on 369.5 points with Verstappen after a thrillingly contested season between the two.
The Dutch driver had taken pole position in qualifying, but it was Hamilton that led through the first corner once the race started.
But on Turn Six, Verstappen took his car up the inside of the Mercedes, forcing Hamilton into the run-off to maintain his lead.
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Red Bull complained to F1’s governing FIA and race director, Michael Masi, but race stewards believed that it was not necessary for an investigation.
However, Verstappen was handed a lifeline as Williams driver Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers on Lap 50 of 58, causing a Safety Car to be brought onto the track.
This meant that Mercedes had to choose between pitting Hamilton and putting on fresh tyres, but this would be risking ending the race behind the Safety Car.
By not pitting Hamilton, Mercedes chose to keep the lead, but knew Verstappen, who had pitted, would be chasing him down on newer soft rubber tyres.
But they did not think that the race would be restarted in time due to the regulations on restarts and the cars that had been lapped.
On lap 56 there were five lapped cars between the two World Championship hopefuls, and the message “lapped cars will not be allowed to overtake” was communicated from Race Control.
However, in the penultimate lap, there was a massive change of heart as the five cars between the two title contenders were now instructed to overtake.
Following this, it was announced that the race would restart for a winner-takes-all 58th and final lap between Verstappen and Hamilton.
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On older tyres Hamilton did his best to try and hold off the Red Bull, but he was overtaken on Turn Five.
He did try to get the spot back as he had more straight-line speed, but it was not enough to stop Verstappen from claiming his first World Championship.
Fans were divided over Hamilton’s purple outfit, with some comparing him to a Quality StreetCredit: Reuters
Others loved the ensembleCredit: Reuters More

LEWIS HAMILTON has made a bold claim about his infamous 2021 title loss and dismissed suggestions it was similar to his 2008 triumph. In the last race of last season’s F1 championship, Hamilton was overtaken on the final lap of the race by Max Verstappen, giving the Dutchman his first driver’s crown.
Verstappen and Hamilton’s rivalry returned to the forefront in Brazil after the two collided againCredit: Splash
But the race remains mired in controversy over the incorrect administering of the rules which affected the outcome.
The moment is only matched in drama by Hamilton’s initial F1 title in 2008.
On that occasion the Brit had to deal with a late downpour in Brazil and only won the title after a last lap overtake on Timo Glock, allowing him to scramble up into fifth and gain enough points for victory.
But the seven-times World Champion has denied any similarity between the two historic moments – as only one was “manipulated”.
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Speaking to Glock, now a pundit for Sky Sports Germany, ahead of this year’s race in Brazil, Hamilton said: “No, it was different, it was different because this one [2008] wasn’t manipulated by anybody.
“Someone made a decision for that result to be the way it was basically.
“There are similarities in kind of the pain of losing in 2007. For the last 17 seconds losing that championship or the last three laps, I’d lost it basically.  And then coming across the line for another 17 seconds or whatever it was beyond, still having lost the championship.
“Similar kind of horrible feeling in your heart and in your spirit. I’m so so grateful for it because it was a real proof that for anybody out there when you are facing adversity, just to never give up, keep pushing, keep chasing, keep going.
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“Miracles do happen. And that was really a miracle moment for me.”
Hamilton’s comments recalling last year’s title race was fitting given what followed at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
The 37-year-old was once again locking horns with his old title rival Verstappen after a season of the two mostly avoiding each other on-track.
Shortly after a safety car period, the two came together and both sustained damage after a turn 2 crash.
Hamilton still managed to make it home second-place behind his victorious teammate George Russell.
While Verstappen sparked a big backlash when he refused to give up his position of sixth for his teammate Sergio Perez. More

LEWIS HAMILTON is confident his working relationship will thrive with George Russell in 2023. The Mercedes team-mates have endured a tough season after being dealt with an underperforming car in the first half of this season.
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell celebrated Mercedes’ first race win of the season in BrazilCredit: EPA
However, a recent upturn in form led to Russell landing his team’s first race win of the year – and the first of his career – in Brazil on Sunday.
Hamilton, 37, has just one chance left to end his barren run – he has claimed at least one chequered flag in all of his seasons in F1.
But after seeing his fellow Brit claim victory at the weekend as he finished second, Hamilton believes the pair will cope with future problems.
The seven-time world champion said: “I’m a lot older and I’ve been with the team so long.
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“So managing whatever challenges we come up with moving forward, we’ve been through so much that I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.”
Hamilton added: “I’ve seen what he did at Williams.
“I think naturally you have to say it’s impressive what he’s done this year, the consistency he’s had, how he’s arrived and just hit the ground running.
“It’s not like he arrived in a completely brand new team.
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“The previous couple of years he was sitting right behind me watching the work that I was doing with the engineers, with Riki (Riccardo Musconi), who is now his number one.
“It’s been super easy to blend in.
“He uses my steering wheel, and he’s obviously got to do the test days prior to the year, so I think he’s just blended in perfectly and he’s been a positive force in the team.
“He’s helped keep the equilibrium in the team, in terms of the working relationship I think it’s strong.”
Russell, 24, enjoyed a perfect weekend as he claimed the victory in the sprint and also the fastest lap.
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It was an emotional weekend for the King’s Lynn ace who was in tears within seconds of crossing the line in Sao Paulo.
Reflecting on his first year in the Mercedes car, Russell said: “In some ways I’ve felt like a bit of a rookie this year because the level at which this team operates on is a level that I’ve never experienced before, and I’m talking about things that I’d never even heard of in F1 before.
“That took me some time to learn and understand how to get the most out of the team, out of the car.
“The capability within this team is huge and the potential is huge, and learning to use all the resources at our disposal to bring more performance, is a lot more than I’ve ever been used to and it took me a little bit of a while to wrap my head around that.”
Russell and Hamilton go to Abu Dhabi for the final race of the 2022 season hopeful of overtaking Ferrari into second in the constructors’ championship.
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Russell is fourth in the driver standings, 25 points behind Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez who are tied on 290.
Another race win and fastest lap would see the Brit overtake the Ferrari and Red Bull men into second if they both fail to pick up any points. More

LEWIS HAMILTON has slammed Max Verstappen after the pair crashed again at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.The sight of the Mercedes and Red Bull coming together became a regular feature of last season’s fiercely-contested title fight.
An incident-filled race saw Verstappen and Hamilton go at it hammer and tongs in BrazilCredit: Splash
It had appeared like the rivalry between these two had cooled but once again they crashed yesterdayCredit: Rex
They’ve kept it fairly clean this year with Hamilton unable to keep up with Verstappen until recent weeks.
But old rivalries reared their ugly heads against yesterday as the pair had a dramatic coming together at the ‘Senna S’ turn in Brazil.
Both appeared to sustain damage and lost positions after the crash, with Verstappen forced to pit for a new front nose.
The Dutchman was given a five-second time penalty for the confrontation and Hamilton was again displeased with his rival’s driving.
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Discussing the incident after the race, he said simply: “What can I say? You know how it is with Max.”
Their collision came after a safety car restart as the field was bunched together following Friday’s qualification hero Kevin Magnussen being clattered twice by Daniel Ricciardo.
And further crash drama was to follow as Lando Norris punted Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari into the wall.
Tiptoeing through the carnage was George Russell with the emotional Brit securing his first ever race win.
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But Hamilton and Verstappen were left reflecting on what could have been after the early contact damaged both of their races.
The collision gave F1 fans flashbacks to last year when their championship fight was punctuated by high-speed crashes, dangerous close-range collisions and heart-stopping near misses.
Most notable was their terrifying smash at the British Grand Prix as Hamilton sent Verstappen flying into the barriers at frightening speed on the opening lap.
A few months later the Red Bull driver ended up on top of the Mercedes man’s car after Verstappen misjudged a move at Monza.
The seven-times World Champion would then go into the back of the 25-year-old’s motor later in the season as tensions overflowed during a frantic Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
And at the Sao Paulo race last year, Hamilton was memorably forced wide by Verstappen or they would have made contact again. More