Lewis Hamilton dominated F1 yet again – but will Brit star quit Mercedes for Ferrari?

LEWIS HAMILTON had all the answers as he stormed to his sixth Formula One title — but ended the season facing questions over a possible move to Ferrari.

Over 21 races in 2019, the Brit won 11 times, claimed five poles, set six fastest laps and stood on the podium 17 times.

He is now just one world title away from equalling Michael Schumacher’s record.

And while he was in a class of his own this year, Hamilton’s season was not without mistakes — most notably in the standout race at Hockenheim.

The final German Grand Prix for the foreseeable future was a cracker, as a downpour before the start caused chaos.

Hamilton crashed twice in his Mercedes — as did his team-mate Valtteri Bottas and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc — while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was lucky to escape with just a spin.

It was brilliantly entertaining as Mercedes’ double celebration — with staff marking their 125th year in motorsport and 200th F1 GP by wearing 1950s dress — backfired spectacularly.

Off track it was also a year where Hamilton continued to evolve as a personality that transcends the sport.

Along with his fashion business, he co-produced a documentary on veganism and spoke out about climate change and animal welfare.

Even if it did draw fierce and unnecessary criticism at times, the fact the leading sportstar in his field speaks his mind should be reason to applaud, not to condemn him.

Take nothing away from Hamilton’s success, but it was also a season of let-downs elsewhere.

Ferrari stuffed it up again, despite having the quickest car all year.

And a finger must be pointed at Bottas, who again was outclassed by his team-mate despite all the pre- season hype surrounding the Finn.

So what of Ferrari?

They looked brilliant in Barcelona at pre-season testing and talk about Merc’s winning run coming to an end seemed legitimate. But then they went into reverse.

Reliability issues cost Leclerc some early-season wins and then there was Sebastian Vettel.

This was another stinker for the German. His performance in Italy was the undoubted low point, unfortunate for him it come in front of his bosses.

Oh, and that the race was won by the brilliant Leclerc, who became the instant darling of the Tifosi, who welcomed him into the Italian team.

Move over Vettel, there is a new No 1 in town.

All this has led to speculation about him being replaced at Ferrari by Hamilton.

Meanwhile, Red Bull were enjoying a resurgence after linking up with Honda.

The Japanese engine maker silenced their critics as they helped Verstappen to three wins.

And what about the British rookies?

Lando Norris, 20, impressed at McLaren, while 21-year-old George Russell could do little in a poor Williams car — although he did thrash team-mate Robert Kubica 21-0 in qualifying.

London-born racer Alex Albon was the star, winning a promotion from Toro Rosso to Red Bull. The 23-year-old is definitely one to watch in 2020.