Lewis Hamilton wrapped up the 2020 World Drivers’ Championship in emphatic fashion, securing his seventh title and equalling Michael Schumacher’s all-time record. Mercedes claimed the Constructors’ Championship with ease, underscoring their unbroken dominance since 2014. Yet the season was far from routine. A global pandemic forced radical calendar changes, unprecedented race formats and no spectators, making 2020 one of the most extraordinary chapters in Formula 1 history.
Season Overview
Originally slated for 22 rounds, the championship ultimately ran 17 Grands Prix between July and December, after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted widespread postponements and cancellations. The opening double-header in Austria kick-started the season behind closed doors. Subsequent events at Silverstone, Monza and the rearranged Turkish Grand Prix delivered thrilling contests despite the absence of fans. Drivers and teams faced strict health protocols, creating a bubble environment that prioritised safety without sacrificing on-track drama.
Championship Narrative
From the outset, Mercedes’ W11 and Hamilton proved untouchable. Hamilton won 11 of 17 races and clinched the title with three rounds still to run at Istanbul Park. His 347 points tally outpaced teammate Valtteri Bottas by 124 points. Bottas delivered consistent podiums to finish second with 223 points, while Max Verstappen claimed third overall with 214 points for Red Bull Racing.
Racing Point’s Sergio Pérez and Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo battled fervently for fourth and fifth, finishing on 125 and 119 points respectively. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz both impressed, ending the campaign with 97 and 105 points in what was a breakout season for the British team.
| Pos | Driver | Team | Points |
| 1 | Lewis Hamilton (GBR) | Mercedes | 347 |
| 2 | Valtteri Bottas (FIN) | Mercedes | 223 |
| 3 | Max Verstappen (NED) | Red Bull Racing | 214 |
| 4 | Sergio Pérez (MEX) | Racing Point | 125 |
| 5 | Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) | Renault | 119 |
| 6 | Carlos Sainz (ESP) | McLaren | 105 |
| 7 | Alexander Albon (THA) | Red Bull Racing | 105 |
| 8 | Charles Leclerc (MON) | Ferrari | 98 |
| 9 | Lando Norris (GBR) | McLaren | 97 |
| 10 | Pierre Gasly (FRA) | AlphaTauri | 75 |
Top 10 drivers by points in the 2020 season
Lewis Hamilton’s Record-Equalling Triumph
Hamilton’s mastery in 2020 cemented his status among the all-time greats. He:
- Secured 11 race victories, matching his best tally in fewer events
- Claimed 10 pole positions, showcasing qualifying pace rarely equalled
- Broke Michael Schumacher’s record for career wins at the Portuguese Grand Prix (92nd victory)
His crowning moment came at Istanbul Park, where he clinched the title in torrential rain. Hamilton’s total of 347 points underscored his unrivalled consistency and speed under pressure.
Mercedes’ Continued Supremacy
With 573 points, Mercedes easily won the Constructors’ Championship, outscoring Red Bull Racing Honda by 254 points. The W11 featured innovations such as the Dual-Axis Steering (DAS) system, effectively exploited in the season’s early rounds. Mercedes topped every qualifying session until Hungary and set the benchmark for reliability and racecraft throughout a disrupted campaign.
Emerging Contenders and Notable Performances
- Racing Point (formerly Force India): Sergio Pérez claimed his maiden victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix, and Lance Stroll contributed key points to secure fourth in the constructors’ table.
- McLaren: Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris combined for 202 points, marking McLaren’s best result since 2012 and signalling their resurgence.
- Renault: Daniel Ricciardo’s two podiums demonstrated his skill and aided Renault’s fourth place in the constructors’ standings.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Championship
The pandemic prompted novel race logistics:
- Behind-closed-doors events with strict testing protocols
- Double-headers at circuits such as Silverstone and Bahrain
- Altered calendar featuring new venues (e.g., Mugello, Nürburgring return)
Teams endured compressed schedules and minimal track time, rewarding those who adapted swiftly. The revised format injected unpredictability and highlighted operational resilience across the paddock.
Technical Innovations and Regulatory Changes
- DAS System: Mercedes introduced a steering-axis adjustment mechanism, gaining advantage in tyre warm-up.
- Racing Point’s RP20: The “Pink Mercedes” car drew controversy over its resemblance to the Mercedes W10, prompting regulatory scrutiny.
- Sprint Race Testing: Although full sprint events were trialled in 2021, concept discussions began in 2020, reshaping future formats.
Looking Ahead: Legacy of 2020
The 2020 season’s legacy extends beyond mere statistics. It demonstrated:
- Adaptability: Teams proved capable of maintaining performance under unprecedented constraints.
- Depth of talent: Emerging stars like Norris and Pérez signalled future title bids.
- Sporting innovation: Technical regulations evolved swiftly in response to challenges, influencing the 2021 car designs.
As F1 presses on with new hybrid regulations and sprint formats, the lessons of 2020 will resonate. Mercedes and Hamilton’s achievements remain benchmarks, yet the next generation of contenders stands ready to challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What made the 2020 F1 season unique?
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a delayed start, behind-closed-doors races, and double-header weekends. New venues like Mugello and Portimão featured for the first time.
Who were the top three drivers in 2020?
Lewis Hamilton (347 points), Valtteri Bottas (223 points) and Max Verstappen (214 points) finished first, second and third respectively.
Which team won the 2020 Constructors’ Championship?
Mercedes secured the title with 573 points, dominating in both reliability and performance.
How many races did Lewis Hamilton win in 2020?
Hamilton won 11 of the 17 races, equalling his personal best and breaking the record for most career Grand Prix victories.
Where can I find the full 2020 standings?
The official FIA standings are available on the Formula 1 website under “Results” for the 2020 Drivers’ and Teams’ championships.
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