How Old Was Lewis Hamilton When He Started F1?

Lewis Hamilton joined the McLaren young driver programme in 1998 when he was only 13 years old, then made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007 at the age of 22. This made him the youngest racing driver ever to be contracted by a Formula One team, racing with McLaren for six years, from 2007 to 2012, before moving to Mercedes.

Since then, Hamilton has achieved numerous records and is tied with Michael Schumacher for the most drivers’ championships (seven).

Early Life and Career

Lewis Hamilton, born on January 7, 1985, in Stevenage, England, started his racing career at a young age. He began karting at the age of eight and quickly showed his talent in the sport.

Childhood

Hamilton was born to Carmen Larbalestier and Anthony Hamilton. His parents separated when he was two years old, and he lived with his mother and half-sisters until he was twelve. Hamilton’s father worked multiple jobs to support his son’s karting career and later became his manager.

Hamilton’s first exposure to racing was through his father, who took him to watch local races. He was immediately hooked and started karting soon after. Hamilton’s father was instrumental in his early racing career, and his support helped him progress through the ranks.

Karting Career

Hamilton’s talent in karting was apparent from an early age. He won his first British championship at the age of ten and continued to dominate the sport in his teenage years. Hamilton’s success in karting caught the attention of Ron Dennis, the CEO of McLaren.

At the age of thirteen, Hamilton joined the McLaren young driver program, becoming the youngest driver ever to be contracted by a Formula One team. He progressed through the ranks of motorsport, winning championships in Formula Renault and GP2 before making his Formula One debut in 2007.

Hamilton’s success in karting and junior formulae laid the foundation for his successful career in Formula One. He has since gone on to become one of the most successful drivers in the sport’s history, with seven world championships and numerous race wins to his name.

Formula One Career

Lewis Hamilton’s Formula One career began in 2007 when he signed with McLaren, one of the top teams in the sport. He was only 22 years old at the time and had already achieved success in lower-level racing series.

First Season

In his first season, Hamilton made an immediate impact, finishing on the podium in his first nine races and winning his first Grand Prix in Canada. He ultimately finished second in the championship, just one point behind Kimi Raikkonen.

How old was Lewis Hamilton when he won his first championship in F1?

Hamilton won his first F1 championship in 2008 at the age of 23. It was a closely fought battle with Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, but Hamilton secured the title by finishing fifth in the final race of the season in Brazil.

Championship Wins

Hamilton has gone on to win six more championships, in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, tying him with Michael Schumacher for the most championships in Formula One history. He has also broken numerous records, including the most pole positions and the most podium finishes.

Despite facing stiff competition from drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen in recent years, Hamilton has remained at the top of his game and shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to be one of the most dominant and successful drivers in the history of the sport.

Legacy and Achievements

Lewis Hamilton has left an indelible mark on the world of motorsports. His legacy and achievements are a testament to his skill, hard work, and determination. Here are some of the highlights of his stunning career:

Records Set

Hamilton has set numerous records throughout his career. Here are some of the most notable:

• Joint-record seven World Drivers’ Championship titles (tied with Michael Schumacher)
• Most wins in F1 history (103)
• Most pole positions in F1 history (103)
• Most podium finishes in F1 history (174)
• Most points in F1 history (3,901)

Who has the most F1 wins in history?

Hamilton currently holds the record for the most wins in F1 history with 103 victories. He surpassed Michael Schumacher’s previous record of 91 wins during the 2020 season.

Impact on Motorsports

Hamilton’s impact on motorsports extends beyond his impressive record of wins and championships. He has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the sport, using his platform to push for change. He has also been a leader in the fight against climate change, using his influence to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Hamilton’s success has inspired a new generation of drivers, particularly those from underrepresented communities. His achievements have shown that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

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