F1 French Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton takes part in the 300th Grand Prix and hopes to end the long-awaited race for victory, but no driver has beaten the curse as the Mercedes star chooses Fernando Alonso as his strongest rival tough against Max Verstappen

Lewis Hamilton is taking another step as he prepares to take part in his 300th Formula 1 race at the French Grand Prix this weekend.

The Mercedes star, 37, made his F1 debut in 2007 in Melbourne aged 22 and said he still cherishes the appearance as the highlight of his career.

Hamilton finished third and became only the 13th driver to finish on the podium on his debut.

“The complete realization of your dream come true is a very, very surreal experience, it will always be your first, there is only one first,” he said.

“Just to get to that first Grand Prix in 2007, the number of sleepless nights as a family that we all had had no idea if we were going to achieve our dream but never give up nonetheless and be there, that will probably be the real highlight. “

Hamilton’s first F1 season was at McLaren alongside Fernando Alonso and the Briton named his former team-mate as his biggest rival.

He added: “I remember the task of being alongside Fernando. I was so young mentally.

“It’s a lot of pressure to face a big like him, on pure pace and ability, I would say it’s Fernando.

“We had good battles. I wish we could have more and hope he keeps running so we can have more in the future.

Getty

GETTY

Hamilton is having one of the toughest seasons of his career and languishes in sixth place in the Drivers’ Championship standings.

He is currently on his longest Grand Prix winless streak – he hasn’t won since winning the checkered flag in Saudi Arabia last season.

But there is reason to be optimistic that Hamilton’s luck could be about to turn with three consecutive podiums amid continued improvements from Mercedes.

Sadly, no driver in the history of the sport has won a race after driving a triple century of racing.

A defiant Hamilton said: “It doesn’t bother me because I’m heading for this win.

“I think we can compete, either now or in five races. It was more about the journey, we have consistency and we kept pushing. No one on our team gave up.

“It was a very valuable lesson and experience for all of us. We’ve refined our tools in other areas, so when we get back to where we deserve to be, we’ll appreciate it all the more.

Seven-time champion Hamilton will have to defy the odds once again as talkSPORT.com reviews the five drivers to have already reached 300…

AFP OR LICENSORS

Kimi Raikkonen

• Last victory in F1: 288th start, United States GP 2018
• Age at the time: 38
• 300th Grand Prix: Monaco 2019
• F1 career: 2001-2009/2011-2021
• Total strokes: 349

Fernando Alonso

• Last victory in F1: 201st start, Spanish GP 2013
• Age at the time: 31
• 300th Grand Prix: Canada 2018
• F1 career so far: 2001/2003-2018/2021-present
• Total strokes: 344

Jensen Button

• Last victory in F1: 228th start, Brazilian GP 2012
• Age at the time: 32
• 300th Grand Prix: Malaysia 2016
• F1 career: 2000-2017
• Total strokes: 306

Michael Schumacher

• Last victory in F1: 246th start, Chinese GP 2006
• Age at the time: 37
• 300th Grand Prix: Belgium 2012
• F1 career: 1991-2006/2010-2012
• Total strokes: 306

Rubens Barrichello

• Last victory in F1: 280th start, Italian GP 2009
• Age at the time: 37
• 300th Grand Prix: Belgium 2010
• F1 career: 1993-2011
• Total strokes: 322

Sports