Formula 1: Records that can be broken in 2022
What's the story
A 23-race Formula 1 campaign is all set to enthrall fans with the maiden race this year being held in Bahrain. The main event is set to be held on Sunday with the qualifiers later tonight. F1 fans could witness an intense season ahead after a roller coaster 2021. We look at the records that can be broken in 2022.
Titles
Hamilton can surpass Schumacher
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton missed out on his eighth title in 2021 in controversial circumstances. If the Briton manages to win an eighth drivers' World Championship honor this year, he will set a new record. Currently, Hamilton is tied with Michael Schumacher in terms of most titles won (seven each). Hamilton will be aiming to keep his neck ahead this season.
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Why does this story matter?
This season can be highly important for Lewis Hamilton as he eyes a flurry of records. He has what it takes to go the distance after a sorry end to his campaign last season. With Max Verstappen being an ideal candidate in terms of challenging for the top honor, we could be in store for a supreme title race.
Alonso
Alonso can break Patrese's record
Veteran F1 driver Fernando Alonso will be keen to make things count for Alpine. He finished 10th last season, claiming 80 points. He had one podium finish. If Alonso can win a race this season, he will set the record for the longest gap between wins. Alonso had last won the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix. Riccardo Patrese (6 years, 211 days) holds the record.
Kimi
Raikkonen's records can be surpassed
Alonso can surpass Kimi Raikkonen for most Grand Prix appearances. Alonso (333) can get past Raikkonen's tally of 349 GP appearances. As per F1, Alonso is also set to get past Kimi in terms of most F1 race laps as he's just 586 behind. Hamilton and Alonso can break Raikkonen's record of most GP finishes as well.
Schumacher
Hamilton can break these records of Schumacher
Schumacher holds the record for most races with a single constructor. He raced 179 times for Ferrari. Hamilton needs to start two more races with Mercedes to beat Schumacher's tally, Both Schumacher and Hamilton are tied in terms of most wins at the same GP (8). Hamilton, who has eight each in Hungary and Great Britain, can steer clear of Schumacher (8 French GP).
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Can Verstappen better his tally?
Max Verstappen sealed the most podiums in a season (18) in 2021. With 23 races this season, we could see both Hamilton and Verstappen eye a new record of most podium finishes.
Do you know?
Another major record Hamilton is aiming to notch
Hamilton has enjoyed 15 consecutive seasons with at least one GP win. The only other driver to have achieved this stunning feat is Schumacher from 1992-96. Hamilton is set to notch 16 consecutive seasons with a win this year.