What Happened to F1 Driver Tipped To Be ‘Next Lewis Hamilton’ in 2016
One driver has failed to live up to the early expectations in Formula 1
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton, Motorsport
James Taylor
Topics: Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton, Motorsport
A Formula 1 driver once tipped to be the 'next Lewis Hamilton' has failed to live up to his early promise.
Fans are always on the lookout for the next superstar, and it is no different in the world of Formula 1.
Since making his F1 debut in 2007, Hamilton has gone on to enjoy one of the most decorated careers in motorsport history.
He has won a joint-record seven Formula 1 world championships and holds the record for the most Grand Prix victories, with an astonishing 105 wins to his name.
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Although Hamilton has struggled this season since joining Ferrari, he remains one of the sport's biggest stars.
That status has led fans to draw comparisons between up-and-coming drivers and the legendary Briton.
One of those to receive such comparisons back in 2016 was Pascal Wehrlein.
The German made his Formula One debut that year, scoring the team's only point of the entire season.
In 2017, he joined Sauber, and once again scored the team's only points finishes of the year in Spain and Azerbaijan.
Despite that, he was replaced at the end of the season by Charles Leclerc, while Marcus Ericsson retained the other seat.
For many F1 fans, the rest of Wehrlein's motorsport journey is a mystery.
Now aged 31, he has enjoyed a successful career in Formula E.
He joined the all-electric racing car series in 2018, spending two seasons with Mahindra Racing, before making the move to Porsche in 2020, where he still races today.
The pinnacle of his Formula E career came in 2024, when he was crowned world champion.
After sealing the title, Wehrlein said: "Our days here in London have been terrific, we didn’t make any mistakes and improved from session to session.
"It makes me extremely proud to see how everyone in our team has worked so hard and given me their unfailing support since my first day at Porsche.”
Wehrlein has also ventured into endurance racing this year.
In January, he joined a four-man team with JDC-Miller MotorSports at the 24 Hours of Daytona, where they finished sixth.
He also made his debut at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.
Although Wehrlein was unable to establish himself in Formula 1, he has still enjoyed a successful career in motorsport.
He has said his main priority remains Formula E, but winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of his biggest career goals.