Back in December in Abu Dhabi, the 2021 Formula 1 racing season came to a close in dramatic fashion. It was a fitting end to a season marked with tight races from start to finish.

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team faced many challenges this season but still managed to win a record eighth straight FIA Formula OneTM World Constructors’ Championship. We want to congratulate the one-of-a-kind Lewis Hamilton for finishing second in the Drivers’ Cup and reflect on his and the team’s amazing achievements—and what the next year might hold.¹

The 2021 Season in Stats

The season has been thrilling, to say the least. From overcoming a collision and time penalty to clinch the British Grand Prix to a win despite car damage at Jeddah, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team delivered championship performances across the board. It was a great year to launch our new campaign and share how the organization uses data and Pure StorageⓇ to push the limits of innovation and engineering. The whole team—from engineers, IT, pit crews, mechanics, drivers, and more—helped the team break records and make breakthroughs.

The season by the numbers:

  • 72 years of racing
  • 22 races run: An F1 record! The ambitious 2021 calendar took the cake despite the events of 2020 and travel restrictions.
  • Countries raced in: 21
  • Countries represented on the leaderboard: 14 countries²
  • The first-ever race in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: It was also one of the most dramatic races of the season.
  • The US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, broke the all-time attendance record: 400,000 fans showed up over the weekend, taking the record from Silverstone.³
  • Most watched season: Across multiple networks in the U.S., the 2021 season broke the 1995 record as the most-watched season of all time.4

Mercedes Breaks Record with Eighth Consecutive Constructors’ Championship Cup

The Mercedes F1 team started the season with seven Constructors’ Cup wins, then smashed the record with eight.

Mercedes F1 Team total points: 613.5

  • Lewis Hamilton: 387.5
  • Valtteri Bottas: 226

Hamilton’s New 2021 Records

While there weren’t many records left for Hamilton to beat, he managed to do so, further positioning him as one of the most successful drivers in the history of F1:

First Driver to 100 Grand Prix Wins: At the start of the season, Hamilton held this record with 95 wins. At Sochi, he became the first F1 driver to break 100. He rounded out the season with an astonishing 103 wins.

First to 100 Pole Positions: Hamilton started the season with his record-breaking 98 pole positions, broke 100 by the second race, and wrapped the season with 103.

Record Career Podium Finishes: Hamilton held the record here with 165 career podium finishes at the start of the season and ended with 182. Verstappen earned the most season podium finishes with 18, but Hamilton was close behind with 17.

The DHL 2021 Fastest Lap Award: DHL gave the award to Hamilton for the fastest laps of the 2021 season. He pulled out the fastest lap in six rounds this year, just ahead of Verstappen and Bottas.

Looking Ahead to 2022

2022 has big shoes to fill, but we’ve already got some exciting newness to look forward to.

Kiitos, Valtteri!: In the team’s words: “Valtteri [has] been such an important part of this team, delivering five Constructors’ Championships in five seasons. Thank you for your remarkable contribution to our motorsport history.” Bottas has joined Alfa Romeo for the 2022 season and we all wish him the best of luck.

George Russell Joins Mercedes: And in his place, George Russell joins the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team in 2022. This up-and-coming British driver has looked up to Hamilton for years, so it will be exciting to see Russell continue to grow under his wing.

New Car Designs: Keep your eyes peeled for a fresh livery design on the Mercedes-AMG cars next season, and what’s underneath is changing, too. A 2022 prototype was revealed at the British Grand Prix, unveiling new aerodynamics that will improve the car’s performance in another car’s wake, plus new 18-inch wheels. This could impact everything from lap times and standings to on-track action, allowing for more wheel-to-wheel racing.

See you in March!

The year was a stunning comeback for the sport and a display of fantastic driving from all teams who laid their best out on the track week after week. After the challenges of the last two years, to break attendance records is a true testimony to the thrill of the sport and the loyalty of its fans.

We are so proud to be an official partner and cannot wait to see what the next year holds.