2007

2007 marked the beginning of a new generation in Formula One. Michael Schumacher had retired at the end of the previous season, leaving Fernando Alonso as the sport's new benchmark after back-to-back World Championships with Renault. Alonso's move to McLaren was expected to begin a new era of dominance, but standing alongside him was an unproven rookie who would change the sport forever.

That rookie was Lewis Hamilton.

Few expected Hamilton to challenge Alonso so quickly. Instead, he stunned the Formula One world by finishing on the podium in each of his first nine Grands Prix, taking his maiden victory in only his sixth start and matching his team-mate almost immediately. By round four he led the World Championship, and one of the fiercest team-mate rivalries in Formula One history had begun.

As the season progressed, tensions inside McLaren grew. Alonso expected to lead the team as reigning World Champion, while Hamilton refused to play the role of supporting driver. Their rivalry became increasingly bitter, spilling over both on and off the circuit, and leaving McLaren divided at the very moment they looked capable of winning both championships.

Heading into the final race, Hamilton looked destined to become the first rookie World Champion in Formula One history. Instead, a dramatic finale allowed Ferrari's Kimi Räikkönen to complete one of the sport's greatest title steals, becoming World Champion by a single point while both McLaren drivers finished level on 109 points.