The 2015 Formula One World Championship, marking the 66th season of the premier motorsport series, was characterized by dominant performances, emerging talents, and notable regulatory changes. Spanning 19 Grands Prix from March 15 to November 29, the season saw Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team maintain their supremacy, while individual drivers achieved significant milestones.

Championship Overview

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team continued their dominance, securing their second consecutive Constructors’ Championship with a record-breaking 703 points. The intra-team rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg intensified, with Hamilton clinching his third World Drivers’ Championship title at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Hamilton concluded the season with 381 points, 59 points ahead of Rosberg, who finished as runner-up. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel secured third place in the standings, amassing 278 points.

Key Highlights

• Emergence of Young Talent: Max Verstappen made history by becoming the youngest driver to start a Grand Prix at 17 years and 166 days during the Australian Grand Prix. He further impressed by becoming the youngest points scorer in Formula One history at the Malaysian Grand Prix, finishing seventh at 17 years and 180 days.

• Return of the Mexican Grand Prix: After a 23-year hiatus, the Mexican Grand Prix returned to the calendar, held at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. The event was notable for its enthusiastic crowds and the unique stadium section, enhancing the season’s diversity.

• Technical and Regulatory Developments: The season marked the second year of the 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 hybrid power units, with power outputs reaching approximately 875 bhp. Teams continued to adapt to the complex Energy Recovery Systems (ERS), which played a crucial role in performance differentiation. 

Statistical Overview

• Race Wins: Mercedes dominated with 16 victories (Hamilton 10, Rosberg 6). Ferrari secured the remaining 3 wins, all by Vettel.

• Pole Positions: Hamilton achieved 11 pole positions, earning him the FIA Pole Trophy for the season. 

• Fastest Laps: Hamilton recorded the most fastest laps, underscoring his competitive race pace throughout the season.

The 2015 Formula One season reinforced Mercedes’ technical superiority and Hamilton’s driving excellence. The emergence of young talents like Max Verstappen and the return of classic venues such as the Mexican Grand Prix added depth and excitement to the championship narrative. As teams continued to evolve with the hybrid power units, the season set the stage for future technological advancements and competitive dynamics in the sport.