The 2018 Formula One World Championship, the 69th season of the premier motorsport series, was marked by intense competition, strategic innovations, and significant regulatory changes. Spanning 21 Grands Prix from March 25 to November 25, the season witnessed a fierce rivalry between Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team and Scuderia Ferrari, with drivers Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel vying for supremacy.

Championship Overview

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team secured their fifth consecutive Constructors’ Championship, amassing a total of 655 points, 84 points ahead of Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton clinched his fifth World Drivers’ Championship title, concluding the season with 408 points, 88 points clear of Sebastian Vettel. Hamilton’s performance included 11 race victories and 4 pole positions, underscoring his dominance throughout the season.

Key Highlights

• Regulatory Changes: The 2018 season introduced the mandatory “halo” cockpit protection device, aimed at enhancing driver safety. Despite initial aesthetic criticisms, the halo proved effective in several incidents, notably protecting Charles Leclerc during a first-lap crash at the Belgian Grand Prix.

• Mid-Season Developments: The championship battle saw momentum shifts, with Vettel leading after the British Grand Prix. However, a series of errors and mechanical issues in subsequent races allowed Hamilton to capitalize, notably with victories in Germany and Hungary.

• Emerging Talents: Charles Leclerc, driving for Alfa Romeo Sauber, impressed in his rookie season, earning a promotion to Ferrari for 2019. Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing continued to showcase his prowess, securing two race wins and finishing fourth in the Drivers’ Championship.

Statistical Overview

• Race Wins: Hamilton led with 11 victories; Vettel secured 5; Verstappen achieved 2; Daniel Ricciardo and Kimi Räikkönen each obtained 1 win.

• Pole Positions: Vettel achieved the most pole positions with 5, Hamilton closely followed with 4.

• Fastest Laps: Valtteri Bottas recorded the highest number of fastest laps, totaling 7 throughout the season.

The 2018 Formula One season was a testament to Mercedes’ sustained excellence and Hamilton’s driving mastery. The intense rivalry with Ferrari, coupled with the emergence of young talents, set the stage for an exciting future in the sport. The successful implementation of safety innovations like the halo underscored Formula One’s commitment to driver welfare without compromising the competitive spirit of the championship.