Leclerc and Perez join exclusive club after beating Lewis Hamilton

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While the battle for second is still very much alive – Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez can take small pride in officially becoming part of an exclusive club. That’s because the pair have now formally finished about the seven-time world champion following their efforts in Sao Paulo – a feat that has proven immensely difficult during an era largely dominated by Mercedes.

It’s been a campaign to forget for the Silver Arrows, who finally secured their first triumph of the season as George Russell won his maiden race in Brazil.

Hamilton finished in second but both Leclerc and Perez have now mathematically finished above him in the driver standings as he battles it out with Russell for fourth position.

Russell could become the 11th driver to achieve the milestone in the season finale in Abu Dhabi as he boasts a 25-point lead on his team-mate.

The statistics reflect incredibly well on Hamilton – demonstrating his remarkable consistency over the course of his 15-year career that started way back in 2007.

That was the year that Kimi Raikkonen first edged out the Brit during the Finn’s dramatic title-winning season.

Raikkonen reigned supreme by just a single point before also defeating Hamilton in 2012 five years later.

Jenson Button also battled past Hamilton in 2009 (Brawn GP) and 2011 (McLaren) – two of his best F1 seasons.

It’s no surprise that Sebastian Vettel toppled Hamilton during his extended four-year reign of dominance between 2010-2013. He also finished above Hamilton in 2009 when Button was the champion.

Vettel is set to wave goodbye to F1 at the end of the season following the campaign’s final race in Abu Dhabi.

Rubens Barrichello was the fourth driver to finish above Hamilton in 2009 during his time with Brawn GP.

Mark Webber also came above the future seven-time world champion that year – also achieving the feat in 2010, 2011 and 2013.

Nico Rosberg also beat Hamilton to the 2016 drivers’ title before Max Verstappen pipped Hamilton during a jaw-dropping final lap in the final race of the calendar last December to win his maiden title.

Verstappen also retained the title this season after Hamilton struggled to fight back due to a series of problems with Mercedes W13 car.

Leclerc and Perez have since joined the exclusive club as Hamilton desperately searches for a win in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.

It’s undeniable that both Leclerc and Perez have benefitted from superior machinery this term as Hamilton had been forced to contend with a series of ‘bouncing’ issues earlier in the season.

Toto Wolff is now hopeful that Mercedes can put their struggles behind them as they bid to wrestle back the title from Red Bull in 2023.

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