Lewis Hamilton vs. Daniel Ricciardo: A Comparative Analysis of Speed

For many, the years of Lewis Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo’s careers represent an exciting era in Formula 1. While opinions vary, I have often wondered about the comparison between these two driven and skilled racers. Particularly, what would have happened had their circumstances been different—like being rotated between the different team cars during their prime years.

Comparing Hamilton's and Ricciardo's Peak Performances

At their peaks, both Hamilton and Ricciardo seemed to be towering above their peers. However, their driving experiences were significantly different. Hamilton and Ricciardo drove different cars throughout their careers, which makes direct speed comparisons difficult. Yet, according to my observations, Ricciardo was quite competitive, even surpassing Sebastian Vettel when both were racing for Red Bull.

In the feeder series, it was evident that Hamilton was always faster than Vettel, even during a time when Vettel was considered the superior racer. This data hints at a potential mismatch if Ricciardo had raced against the likes of Hamilton, suggesting his performance might not have been as strong.

In-Season Performance Comparison: 2021 Season

A closer look at the 2021 season reveals striking contrasts between Hamilton and Ricciardo's performances. During the current season, Ricciardo has finished in the top 10 only five times, with his best finish being sixth in the Saudi Arabia and Australian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Lando Norris, in Ricciardo's previous team, has managed to secure top-10 finishes on twelve occasions, including a remarkable third place in Italy.

Comparatively, Ricciardo has only finished higher than Norris on four occasions, and in those instances, both drivers managed to score points for the team. Additionally, there was only one occasion where Ricciardo outperformed Norris by finishing in the top 10 with an eighth place, while Norris scored a ninth place finish.

Bearing all these facts and statistics in mind, with Hamilton being even a higher class racer than Norris, there is no doubt that Hamilton is faster and a better driver than Ricciardo. Racing experiences and circumstances play a significant role in driver performance, and the available evidence clearly supports this conclusion.

Final Thoughts

It is truly unfortunate to see the contrasting treatment Ricciardo has received since his transition to F1. Both drivers, Hamilton and Ricciardo, deserve the respect and recognition they have earned through their hard work and talent. While Ricciardo had to deal with the often-soon-to-be-legend Vettel, Hamilton had the support to rise to the top. F1 is a serious business, and every driver's performance tells a story of perseverance and competition.