Lewis Hamilton has been praised for his remarkable rookie season in Formula 1, with former driver Nelson Piquet Jr suggesting that few modern drivers have matched the Briton’s early impact in the sport.
Hamilton made an immediate impression when he debuted with McLaren in 2007 alongside two-time world champion Fernando Alonso. Despite being a newcomer, he quickly established himself as a title contender, securing nine consecutive podium finishes in his first nine races, including victories in Canada and the United States. His consistency and composure saw him lead the championship heading into the final stages of the season.
However, a costly mistake at the Chinese Grand Prix, where he slid into the gravel while entering the pit lane, significantly dented his title hopes. A subsequent gearbox issue in the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix ultimately ended his chances, allowing Kimi Räikkönen to clinch the championship by a single point. Hamilton finished level on points with Alonso but secured second place overall on count-back.
Reflecting on that season, Piquet Jr—who competed in Formula 1 between 2008 and 2009—highlighted the scale of Hamilton’s achievement. Speaking on a Brazilian motorsport podcast alongside several former drivers, he described Hamilton’s battle with Alonso as extraordinary, emphasizing the confidence and performance level he displayed as a rookie.
Piquet Jr contrasted Hamilton’s debut campaign with the performances of current drivers, arguing that today’s newcomers have not reached the same standard. In particular, he was critical of Lando Norris, suggesting the McLaren driver is “nothing special” when compared to Hamilton’s early career exploits. He also referenced younger talents such as Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli, noting that their rookie seasons do not compare to Hamilton’s head-to-head fight with an established champion like Alonso.
According to Piquet Jr, Hamilton’s debut year remains one of the most impressive in Formula 1 history, particularly given the level of competition he faced within his own team. He suggested that only those within the sport fully appreciate just how exceptional Hamilton’s first season was, describing the Briton’s confidence and ability as “crazy” for a newcomer.
Hamilton’s rookie campaign continues to be regarded as a benchmark for excellence, setting a standard that many believe has yet to be equaled by the current generation of drivers.