Lewis Hamilton (UK)
Lewis Hamilton Spaniens Grand Prix 2018 © Cahier Archives
Lewis Hamilton was born on 7 January 1985 in Tewin, England. At the tender age of eight, Lewis sat in a kart for the first time and was immediately bitten by the racing bug. Mercedes-Benz soon recognised the British youngster's enormous talent, becoming one of his sponsors right at the start of his career.
Lewis not only showed incredible pace on the track but also climbed the career ladder at an impressive rate. After he had blown the competition out of the water in every category of karting and won the McLaren Mercedes Champions of the Future series, McLaren Mercedes enrolled him on their young driver programme in 1997. In 2001, he moved up into British Formula Renault, winning the title two years later.
Lewis' winning streak continued unabated in the Formula 3 Euro Series. He was crowned junior champion whilst still in his second year and subsequently progressed to the GP2 Series with ART Grand Prix. Despite his rookie status, Lewis dominated the Championship - taking five victories on his way to the title. This success immediately led to his promotion to the very pinnacle of motor racing - Formula One.
Lewis made his Grand Prix debut with McLaren Mercedes on 18 March 2007 as team-mate to reigning World Champion Fernando Alonso whilst still only 22 years old. Despite his youth, he remained in contention for the title right up until the season finale in Brazil - challenging top drivers with considerably more experience. The numerous records set by Lewis in his rookie season highlighted his class - including the most race wins, pole positions and points scored in a debut season.
What had already been an extraordinary career reached new heights in 2008, with a first Formula One World Championship crown. At the time of his title victory, Lewis was 23 years, 9 months and 26 days old - taking the accolade of youngest ever Formula One World Champion from Fernando Alonso. Four years later, after six successful seasons with McLaren Mercedes, Lewis sought a new challenge - joining the works Mercedes team for the 2013 season.
Lewis secured his first Silver Arrows podium in only his second race at the Malaysian Grand Prix, with a maiden victory following eight races later in Hungary. A total of one victory, five podiums, five pole positions and one fastest lap saw Lewis finish his first campaign with the Silver Arrows in fourth place overall on 189 World Championship points.
2014 heralded the dawn of a new era for Formula One - and a second World Drivers' Championship crown for Lewis. 11 victories, 16 podium finishes, seven pole positions and seven fastest race laps from 19 races saw him take the title after a season-long battle with team-mate Nico Rosberg – culminating in a dramatic finale at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Highlights of a memorable year included fighting from the back of the grid to the podium in Germany and Hungary, plus a home victory at Silverstone.
One year later, Lewis would repeat that feat in equally impressive fashion. A dominant title defence brought 10 victories, 17 podium finishes, 11 pole positions and eight fastest laps from 19 races en route to a third World Driver’s Championship – equalling the great Ayrton Senna and compatriot Sir Jackie Stewart.
Lewis achieved a similar level of success in the 2016 season, scoring the most race wins (ten) and most pole positions (twelve) of any driver. The Brit kept his World Championship hopes alive until the final weekend of the season in Abu Dhabi – but ultimately had to settle for the runner-up spot behind team-mate Nico Rosberg.
Lewis continues to reach new heights in the Formula One hall of fame. By the end of the 2016 season, he had climbed to third place on the all-time leaderboard for podium finishes (105) and pole positions (61). Meanwhile, victory at the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, his 53rd in F1, saw Lewis surpass four-time World Champion Alain Prost to become the second most winning driver in the history of the sport, behind only the great Michael Schumacher.
2020 Formula One: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team
2019 Formula One: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport – Champion
2018 Formula One: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport – Champion
2017 Formula One: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport – Champion
2016 Formula One: MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS – P2
2015 Formula One: MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS – Champion
2014 Formula One: MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS – Champion
2013 Formula One: MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS – 4th
2012 Formula One: McLaren Mercedes – 4th
2011 Formula One: McLaren Mercedes – 5th
2010 Formula One: McLaren Mercedes - 4th
2009 Formula One: McLaren Mercedes – 5th
2008 Formula One: McLaren Mercedes - Champion
2007 Formula One: McLaren Mercedes – 2nd
2006 GP2 Series: ART Grand Prix - Champion
2005 Formula Three Euro Series: ASM - Champion
2004 Formula Three Euro Series: Manor Motorsport – 5th
2003 Formula Renault UK: Manor Motorsport - Champion
2002 Formula Renault UK: Manor Motorsport – 3rd
Hamiltons Helmet © AMG Prtronas Motorsport