Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton was born on 7 January 1985 in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, in the UK, and is currently a FORMULA 1 driver with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team. Hamilton holds the record for the most wins in F1, and is a seven-time World Champion. He made his F1 debut in 2007 with McLaren, and won his first championship with them in 2008. In 2013 he left McLaren to join Mercedes, where he won his next six championships.

Lewis Hamilton currently holds the record for the most race wins, most pole positions, most podium finishes, most points finishes, most carer points, and most points in a season. In 2020 he equalled Michael Schumacher’s record of seven titles.

After a strong start to his karting career, Hamilton joined the McLaren Young Driver Programme in 1998, where he continued to make strong progress. This resulted in his move to the McLaren F1 team in 2007, where he became the first (and still only) black driver to race in Formula 1. In his debut season, Hamilton finished second in the Driver’s Championship, just one point behind champion Kimi Raikkonen.

f1chronicle-Großer Preis von Vereinigten Staaten 2019, Sonntag - LAT Images
2019 United States Grand Prix, Sunday – LAT Images

In 2008 Hamilton won his maiden F1 championship in dramatic fashion, overtaking Timo Glock on the last corner of the final lap of the final race of the season to snatch the championship from Ferrari’s Felipe Massa to become the youngest ever champion in Formula 1 (a record since beaten by Sebastian Vettel in 2010).

In the four largely disappointing years following his championship win Hamilton finished no higher than fourth in the Driver’s Championship, which paved the way for his exit from his boyhood-team and a reunion with his childhood friend and karting teammate Nico Rosberg at Mercedes in 2013.

The change to turbo-hybrid engines ushered in a successful spell for both Mercedes and Hamilton, with the Brit winning the title in 2014 and 2015, before being pipped by teammate and rival Rosberg in a bitter battle in 2016.

With Rosberg retiring after the 2016 season Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel became the main challenger to Mercedes, but he was unable to stop Hamilton from winning a four-peat of titles in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

On February 2024 it was announced that Lewis Hamilton would end his tenure with Mercedes to join Ferrari from 2025.

Early Life and Education of Lewis Hamilton

Birth and Family Background

Lewis Hamilton was born on January 7, 1985, in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England. His father, Anthony Hamilton, is of Grenadian descent, while his mother, Carmen Larbalestier, is White British. Hamilton has identified as black and is of mixed-race heritage. His parents separated when he was two years old, and he initially lived with his mother and older half-sisters, Samantha and Nicola. At the age of twelve, he moved in with his father, stepmother Linda, and half-brother Nicolas, who is also a professional racing driver.

Early Interest in Racing

Hamilton’s racing journey began at a young age. His father bought him a radio-controlled car when he was five, and he finished second in the national BRCA championship the following year. Facing challenges as the only black child racing at his club, Hamilton encountered racist abuse. His father gifted him a go-kart for Christmas when he was six and promised to support his racing career as long as he worked hard at school. To fulfill this promise, Anthony Hamilton took redundancy from his IT manager position and worked multiple jobs, including as a double glazing salesman and dishwasher, to support Lewis’s racing endeavors.

Education

Hamilton was educated at The John Henry Newman School, a voluntary aided Catholic secondary school in Stevenage. He took up karate at the age of five to defend himself against bullying. Hamilton also excelled in other sports, playing association football for his school team and expressing interest in football and cricket. In February 2001, he began studies at Cambridge Arts and Sciences (CATS), a private sixth-form college in Cambridge.

Lewis Hamilton’s Personal Life and Off-Track Activities

Lewis Hamilton, beyond his remarkable Formula One career, has a multifaceted personal life and engages in various off-track activities. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

High-Profile Lifestyle and Advocacy

Lewis Hamilton has been a prominent advocate for various social and environmental causes, leveraging his high-profile status to bring attention to important issues. Here are key aspects of his advocacy:

  1. Combatting Racism and Promoting Diversity in Motorsport: Hamilton has been a vocal advocate against racism and has actively worked towards increasing diversity in motorsport. His experiences as the first black driver in Formula One have shaped his perspective and commitment to these causes. He has used his platform to speak out against racial injustice and has been involved in initiatives to promote diversity within the sport.
  2. Environmental Activism: Alongside his advocacy for racial equality, Hamilton is also known for his environmental activism. He has expressed concerns about climate change and has taken personal steps to reduce his carbon footprint, including adopting a vegan diet and emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices.
  3. Influence Beyond Racing: Hamilton’s advocacy extends beyond the racetrack. He has been recognized for his influence in various fields, including fashion and music, which he uses to further his advocacy goals. His high-profile lifestyle and diverse interests have helped him reach a broader audience and bring attention to the causes he supports.
  4. Recognition and Honors: Hamilton’s efforts in advocacy have not gone unnoticed. He was listed in the 2020 issue of Time as one of the 100 most influential people globally and was knighted in the 2021 New Year Honours. These honors reflect his impact both within and outside the world of motorsport.
  5. Support for Black Lives Matter: Amid the global support for the Black Lives Matter movement, Hamilton has been an active participant. He has taken the knee ahead of races and worn apparel supporting the movement, using his visibility in Formula One to highlight issues of racial injustice.
  6. Mercedes’ Commitment to Diversity: Hamilton’s influence has also been seen in his team’s actions. Mercedes sported a black livery as a statement of their commitment to diversity, reflecting the impact of Hamilton’s advocacy on the broader motorsport community.

Through these efforts, Lewis Hamilton has established himself as a significant figure in advocating for social and environmental issues, using his platform as a world-renowned athlete to effect positive change.

Music and Fashion Ventures

Lewis Hamilton’s involvement in music and fashion is a notable aspect of his off-track activities. He has been credited with expanding Formula One’s global following by appealing to a broader audience outside the sport, partly due to his high-profile lifestyle, which includes his ventures in music and fashion. Hamilton’s interest in these areas has contributed to his status as a public figure beyond his racing career.

Music

Hamilton has shown a keen interest in music, often sharing his musical pursuits and tastes with his fans. He has been known to attend various music events and has connections with several artists in the music industry. His passion for music is seen as an extension of his creative and artistic side, which contrasts with the technical and high-pressure environment of Formula One racing.

Fashion

Hamilton is also recognized for his involvement in the fashion industry. He frequently attends high-profile fashion events and has developed a reputation for his unique and often trend-setting personal style. His interest in fashion extends beyond just appearances, as he has been involved in collaborations with fashion brands and designers. This involvement in fashion reflects his interest in self-expression and creativity, further highlighting the multifaceted aspects of his personality.

Fashion Collaborations and Personal Style

  1. Tommy Hilfiger Partnership: In 2018, Hamilton became the global menswear ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger. Following this, he and Hilfiger launched the collaborative collection “Tommy X Lewis,” emphasizing individuality and challenging traditional fashion norms. This line reflects Hamilton’s passion for streetwear and his distinctive style, combined with the classic Americana aesthetic of the Tommy Hilfiger brand.
  2. Tommy X Lewis X H.E.R. Collection: A notable capsule collection from this collaboration was “Tommy X Lewis X H.E.R.,” which Grammy award-winning musician H.E.R. joined. This collection followed a “style for all” motto, embracing genderless fashion and catering to a diverse audience. It also emphasized sustainability, using 100% organic cotton.
  3. Clothing Brand +44: Hamilton launched his own clothing brand, +44, in early 2022, in collaboration with Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami. The brand’s collections are bold and transformative, aiming to make people feel authentic. The designs draw inspiration from anime, manga, and the concept of a “psychedelic speed demon,” reflecting Hamilton’s unique fashion sense.
  4. Customized Racing Gear: Hamilton’s fashion sense extends to his racing gear. He has customized his racing helmets with unique designs and colors that reflect his personality and pay tribute to various causes and moments in his career. For example, he wore a helmet adorned with the LGBTQIA+ Pride flag colors at a race in Saudi Arabia in 2021 to address human rights issues.

Hamilton’s engagement in music and fashion illustrates how he uses his platform and influence to explore and express his interests outside of motorsport, contributing to his image as a versatile and dynamic public figure.

Championing Diversity and Combating Racism

A prominent aspect of Hamilton’s off-track life is his advocacy for increased diversity in motorsport and his active role in combating racism. His efforts in these areas have been widely recognized and appreciated, contributing to important conversations and actions within the sporting community and beyond.

Recognition and Honors

Hamilton’s influence and contributions have been acknowledged globally. He was listed in the 2020 issue of Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Additionally, his contributions were honored with a knighthood in the 2021 New Year Honours.

Lewis Hamilton’s Career Before Formula 1

Karting (1993-2000)

Lewis Hamilton began karting at the Rye House Kart Circuit at eight years of age, where he quickly started picking up podiums, race wins, and championships driving for the Martin Hines’s Zip Young Guns Karting Team.

After winning his first karting championship he asked Ron Dennis for an autograph at the end of year presentation, where he famously said to the McLaren supremo ‘Hi. I’m Lewis Hamilton. I won the British Championship and one day I want to be racing your cars.’

Dennis told him to come and see him in nine years, which he did, and the rest is history…

Hamilton progressed through to Junior Yamaha in 1997, and in 1998 he won his second British Championship as well as the Super One series. At this point Ron Dennis reached out to Hamilton to sign him to the McLaren driver development programme with a contract that included an option for a F1 drive, making him the youngest driver to secure a contract that would offer a spot in F1.

He continued his rise, progressing through the Intercontinental A (1999), Formula A (2000) and Formula Super A (2001) categories, where he picked up the European Championship in 2000.

Formula Renault and Formula Three (2001–2005)

After a successful career in karting, Hamilton stepped up to Formula Renault in 2002, making his debut in the 2001 British Formula Renault Winter Series, finishing fifth overall in the series.

He then made the step up to a full 2002 Formula Renault UK season with Manor Motorsport, scoring three pole positions and three race wins to finish third overall. Hamilton stayed with Manor for the 2003 championship, which he won by virtue of taking 10 race wins and 419 points, eclipsing second place finisher Alex Lloyd who managed two wins and 377 points.

Hamilton then tested for McLaren for the first time in the winter of 2004, and in a case of ‘hat might have been’ Williams confirmed they came close to signing the youngster, however, their engine supplier BMW would not fund the move.

This meant Hamilton re-signed with McLaren, and made his debut in the Formula 3 Euro Series in 2004 with Manor, winning one race and finishing fifth in the championship.

For 2005 Hamilton moved to reigning Formula 3 Euro Series champions ASM, where he dominated the season, winning 15 out of 20 races to be crowned champion.

GP2 (2006)

Following his Formula 3 success in 2005, Hamilton stepped up a level again, racing GP2 with ASM’s sister team ART Grand Prix in 2006.

Hamilton won the GP2 championship at his first attempt, beating out more fancied rivals such as Timo Glock and Nelson Piquet Jr.

The timing of this success was perfect, as at the conclusion of the 2006 FORMULA 1 season McLaren had Juan Pablo Montoya leave to race NASCAR while Kimi Raikkonen left to join Ferrari.

Two-time champion Fernando Alonso joined the team, and the last remaining seat was down to a battle between Hamilton, Pedro de la Rosa, and Gary Paffett.

Hamilton was named the driver to win the coveted seat, and from 2007, he set about re-writing the record books.

Lewis Hamilton’s Career In Formula 1

McLaren (2007 – 2012)

Lewis Hamilton finished on the podium in his FORMULA 1 debut, finishing third, making him the 13th driver in history to score a podium on debut.

During his rookie year Hamilton set several F1 records, such as joint most wins in a debut season (four), most consecutive podiums from debut (nine), and most points in a debut season (109).

During the season Hamilton and his teammate Fernando Alonso were involved in a number of high-profile disputes, which ultimately cost them both the championship, as Kimi Raikkonen snatched the Driver’s Championship in the final race of the season by a single point.

At the conclusion of the season Alonso had his McLaren contract terminated by mutual consent, while Hamilton signed a bumper extension to keep him with McLaren through to the end of the 2012 season.

In 2008 Hamilton enjoyed an even more successful season, securing five race wins and 10 podium finishes.

The battle for the championship went right down to the wire, where Ferrari’s Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton were both in contention at the final round in Brazil.

Hamilton won the title in dramatic circumstances, when he overtook Toyota’s Timo Glock on the final corner of the final lap of the season, sending his camp into tears of jubilation, while Massa and his family were left despondent at their home circuit. This win made Hamilton the first British driver to secure the F1 title since Damon Hill in 2006.

Following the great success of 2008, Hamilton spent a disappointing four years failing to recapture the form that saw him win a championship. This was in part due to the Brits loss of focus, as well as the declining fortunes of the McLaren team.

However, he was still able to secure podiums and race wins in every season, often outperforming the car at his disposal.

2012 saw a return to form for both Hamilton and McLaren, who took four wins and finished fourth in the driver’s standings.

At the conclusion of the season Hamilton made the shock announcement that he would be replacing the retiring Michael Schumacher at Mercedes.

Mercedes (2013 – Present)

Hamilton’s move to Mercedes surprised many who saw it as a backwards step given the German manufacturers struggles since returning to F1. In his first season with the Silver Arrows Hamilton was only able to take one race win, the 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix, and a smattering of podiums.

2014 saw a change in regulations that meant a move to turbo-hybrid engines, which has coincided with a period of unparalleled dominance for Mercedes and Hamilton. In the first season of the new regulations Mercedes took out 16 of the 19 races, with 11 of those victories going to Hamilton as he took home his second World Championship.

The following year Hamilton dominated the 2015 Formula 1 season, winning ten races and finishing on the podium a record 17 times as he equalled his hero Ayrton Senna’s total of three World Championships.

At the conclusion of the 2015 season Hamilton signed a contract extension for three years for a reported £100 million in a deal that included causes to allow the three-time champion to retain his image rights as well as his trophies and championship-winning cars.

2016 was a thrilling season that went right down to the wire, with teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg fighting for the championship in acrimonious circumstances.

Despite having more pole positions and more race wins in the season, Hamilton would finish second to Rosberg, losing the championship by five points.

Rosberg shocked the world when he retired from Formula 1 after his 2016 championship, which left Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel as the only challenger to Mercedes and Hamilton in 2017.

The pair traded blows throughout the 2017 season, one in which Hamilton set a new record for most career pole positions, but a strong second half of the season saw Hamilton pull away from Vettel to clinch his fourth Driver’s Championship.

The 2018 season was dubbed the Fight for Five as both Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel entered the season tied on four championships a piece. In a carbon copy of 2017, Vettel led the standings at the halfway point, but a combination of driver error, mechanical issues, and Hamilton winning six of seven races saw the Brit win his fifth championship on his way to setting the record for most points scored in a season (408).

2019 was something of a procession for Mercedes, who were only challenged by Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing. While his teammate Bottas put up a brave resistance he was never in the running, as Hamilton secured his sixth World Championship by taking 11 wins, 17 podiums (matching the all-time record for the fourth time). His total of 413 points also set a new record, eclipsing the record he had set in 2018.

Lewis Hamilton’s 2020 Formula 1 season was a remarkable display of skill and dominance, further cementing his status as one of the sport’s greatest drivers. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a revised and condensed race calendar, Hamilton showcased his exceptional talent and resilience. He won 11 of the 17 races, including a memorable victory at the Turkish Grand Prix, where he clinched his seventh World Championship, equaling Michael Schumacher’s record. His performance throughout the season was characterized by strategic brilliance, consistent podium finishes, and a commanding presence on the track. Off the track, Hamilton was also a vocal advocate for social justice, promoting racial equality and environmental sustainability, adding a profound layer to his legacy beyond his racing achievements.

The 2021 Formula 1 season was one of intense competition and dramatic moments, highlighting Hamilton’s resilience and skill as a top-tier driver. The season was marked by a fierce rivalry with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, leading to several nail-biting races and on-track incidents, most notably at the British and Italian Grands Prix. Hamilton secured eight wins throughout the season, including a stunning performance in the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he fought from the back of the grid to win. The season culminated in a controversial and highly contentious Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where a last-lap overtaking maneuver by Verstappen, facilitated by a safety car period, saw Hamilton lose the championship in the final moments of the race. Despite this heart-wrenching conclusion, Hamilton’s performance throughout the year was a testament to his enduring skill and competitive spirit, as he continued to push the boundaries of the sport.

Lewis Hamilton’s 2022 Formula 1 season was notable for being the first in his career where he did not secure a race win. Despite this, he achieved runner-up finishes in five races and ended the season 6th in the championship standings with 240 points, contributing 47% of his team’s total points. Hamilton started 22 races, finishing 20 of them, and led for 46 laps over the season. His best finishes were five 2nd places, demonstrating his competitiveness despite not reaching the top step of the podium.

In qualifying, Hamilton showed consistent performance, making it into Q3 in 20 out of 22 races. His best qualifying positions were third in Singapore and Mexico, while his worst was 16th in Saudi Arabia. His average qualifying position was 6.18, with an average starting grid position of 6.50.

Hamilton’s season was marked by several significant achievements and records. He became the first driver to record top three finishes in sixteen consecutive seasons and to score points in 250 Grands Prix. He also set records for the most podium finishes at a single circuit (British Grand Prix) and became the first driver to have led laps in 16 consecutive F1 seasons.

How Old Is Lewis Hamilton?

Lewis Hamilton is 38 years old. He was born on January 7, 1985 in Stevenage, England. Hamilton began his career in karting at the young age of eight and achieved success winning multiple British championships. He continued advancing through the Formula series, winning the British Formula Renault championship in 2003 and the GP2 Series in 2006. Hamilton made his Formula One debut in 2007 at the Australian Grand Prix driving for McLaren and has gone on to have an extremely successful career, winning seven world championships which ties Michael Schumacher for the most all-time. At 38 years old, Hamilton is currently still competing in Formula One for the Mercedes team and continues chasing more records and championships, making him one of the oldest drivers on the F1 grid.

How Tall Is Lewis Hamilton?

The official listed height for Lewis Hamilton is 1.74 meters or 5 feet and 9 inches tall. However, there seems to be some discrepancy on his exact height. In 2013, Hamilton was measured at 171 cm or 5 feet and 7.5 inches tall for a feature with the Red Arrows, which would make him shorter than his stated height. Most recent sources list him as 1.74m, but back in 2007 Eurosport had him listed as 1.75m. Standing next to some of his fellow drivers like Max Verstappen (listed at 1.81m or 5 feet and 11 inches) and Lando Norris (1.77m or 5 feet and 10 inches), Hamilton does appear slightly shorter.

In general, most Formula 1 drivers tend to be on the taller side, with the average height being around 5 feet 11 inches or 1.8 meters. At around 5 feet 9 inches or 1.74m, Lewis Hamilton is among the shorter drivers on the F1 grid based on official listings. While his exact height may be up for debate between 1.74m and 1.75m, most sources agree Hamilton is certainly not the tallest driver but still within the average range for modern-day Formula 1 drivers.

How Much Does Lewis Hamilton Weigh?

Lewis Hamilton’s weight is often reported to be around 73-74 kilograms (161 pounds).

  • Sources from 2020, including Hamilton’s own Instagram, stated his weight as 161 pounds or 73 kg (Source)
  • F1 data sites like PlanetF1 and Eurosport also list Hamilton’s weight as 73 kg or 161 pounds from 2020 onward.
  • In 2022, Hamilton spoke about needing to lose weight after the summer break, saying he was almost 77 kg and needed to be around 73-74 kg for racing (Source)
  • Most recent 2023 stats still have Hamilton listed between 73-75 kg.

At around 5’9″ tall, Lewis Hamilton’s competitive racing weight is reported to be between 73-74 kg (161 pounds), which he has needed to monitor closely over his career.

How Much Does Lewis Hamilton Make?

Lewis Hamilton earns a very sizable salary as one of the top Formula 1 drivers in the world, brining in $35 million per year on his current contract that ties him to Mercedes for the 2024 and 2025 F1 seasons.

According to multiple sources:

  • Hamilton’s current contract with Mercedes, which runs through 2025, pays him a base salary of $35 million per year before bonuses.
  • He is currently the second-highest-paid driver on the grid, behind Max Verstappen.
  • When accounting for bonuses, Hamilton’s pre-tax earnings for 2022 were estimated at $55 million by Forbes (source).

Further Reading: How Much Money Do Formula 1 Drivers Make?

How Much Is Lewis Hamilton Worth?

Lewis Hamilton has an estimated net worth of $285 million as of 2023, according to multiple sources:

  • Celebrity Net Worth estimates Hamilton’s net worth at $285 million as of November 2023. A large portion of this value comes from his Formula 1 career earnings over 16 seasons, where he has won 7 world championships. (Source)
  • Yahoo Finance also reports Hamilton’s net worth as $285 million in 2023, noting that his annual salary from Mercedes is $55 million alone. Beyond racing, Hamilton earns additional income from various business ventures and endorsement deals. (Source)
  • With over $400 million in career earnings as of 2022, Hamilton has been able to amass significant wealth over his career through both salary and smart investments. His diverse portfolio includes stakes in various companies and is estimated to continue growing. (Source)

As one of the most successful Formula 1 drivers of all time with 7 championships, Lewis Hamilton has built a net worth of $285 million through his racing salary and various business interests, making him one of the richest athletes in the world.

Where Does Lewis Hamilton Live?

Lewis Hamilton owns luxury properties around the world, but one of his main homes is in Monaco.

Hamilton has owned a penthouse apartment in the luxury La Petite Maison complex in the Fontvieille district of Monaco since 2012 (source). Fontvieille is known as one of the most exclusive areas in Monaco, located just a 15-minute walk from the famous Monaco Grand Prix circuit (source).

While he keeps the details of his Monaco home private, Hamilton has shared some photos on social media showing the stunning views of the Mediterranean it offers. Many Formula 1 drivers reside in Monaco part-time due to its tax benefits and luxury lifestyle.

In addition to his Monaco penthouse, Hamilton also owns homes in London, New York, and Geneva for a worldwide property portfolio (source). But it seems one of his main residences remains the luxury Monaco apartment he has had for over a decade.

How Many Pole Positions Does Lewis Hamilton Have?

Lewis Hamilton has achieved a record 104 pole positions in Formula 1. Here are some key details:

  • He holds the all-time record for most pole positions in Formula 1 history.
  • Hamilton has achieved at least one pole position in every season he has competed in F1 since 2007.
  • His most pole positions in a single season is 15, set in 2016.
  • Michael Schumacher is second on the all-time pole position list with 68.
  • Hamilton has scored poles for McLaren and Mercedes, with the majority coming during his highly successful stint with Mercedes since 2013.
  • His most recent pole was at the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, taking his career total to 104 poles and further extending his all-time record.

With a record 104 pole positions, Lewis Hamilton has achieved more poles from qualifying sessions than any other driver in the history of Formula 1 racing. During the 2022 season, he did not secure any pole positions, ending his record-breaking run of 15 consecutive seasons with at least one pole position.

How Many Wins Does Lewis Hamilton Have?

Lewis Hamilton has achieved an incredible 103 Grand Prix wins over his Formula One career so far.

  • Hamilton made his F1 debut in 2007 and scored his first win at the Canadian Grand Prix that season.
  • He drove for McLaren from 2007-2012, tallying 21 wins with the team. The remaining 82 wins have come since joining Mercedes in 2013 (source).
  • With 11 wins in 2020, Hamilton held the record for most wins in a single season(Max Verstappen broke this record in 2022 and 2023).
  • His 103rd and most recent win to date came at the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, further extending his record.

Across 16 full seasons competing in Formula 1 since 2007, Lewis Hamilton has achieved an unmatched 103 Grand Prix wins, cementing himself as statistically the most successful driver in the history of the sport.

How Many Championships Does Lewis Hamilton Have?

Lewis Hamilton has won a record-equalling 7 Formula One World Drivers’ Championships.

  • Hamilton won his first championship in 2008, his second season in F1, driving for McLaren
  • He won consecutive titles with Mercedes in 2014 and 2015, helping establish them as a dominant force in the sport.
  • Hamilton captured his fifth title in 2018, and sixth in 2019, making him only the third driver to win 5 or more championships
  • In 2020, he tied Michael Schumacher’s record by winning his 7th world title, despite a close fight with teammate Valtteri Bottas
  • As of 2023, Hamilton and Schumacher remain the only two drivers to have won 7 championships, cementing Hamilton as one of the most successful drivers of all time.

Lewis Hamilton has won an incredible seven Formula One World Drivers’ Championship titles over the course of his career, matching Michael Schumacher’s long-standing record.

Where Is Lewis Hamilton From?

Lewis Hamilton was born in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England. Here are some more details about where he is from:

  • Lewis Hamilton was born on January 7, 1985 in Stevenage, a town located north of London in Hertfordshire, England (source).
  • He was raised in Stevenage and still considers it his home, though he now owns properties around the world. Hamilton remains a proud ambassador of the town.
  • Both of Hamilton’s parents are from Grenada in the West Indies, though he was born and raised in England. He holds dual British and Grenadian citizenship.
  • Growing up, Hamilton was inspired by Britain’s motor racing heritage and drivers like Ayrton Senna. He began karting at a young age in his hometown of Stevenage.

While now being a global superstar, Lewis Hamilton is proudly from Stevenage, Hertfordshire in England, where he was born and raised before embarking on his impressive Formula 1 career.

When Did Lewis Hamilton Join F1?

Lewis Hamilton joined Formula One in 2007, making his debut with McLaren.

Some more details:

  • Hamilton started karting at a young age and worked his way up through the junior formulas, winning both the British Formula Renault and Formula Three championships.
  • In 2006, he was signed as a test driver for the McLaren F1 team.
  • For the 2007 season, McLaren promoted Hamilton to a full-time race seat alongside two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.
  • Hamilton made his Formula One debut at the 2007 Australian Grand Prix for McLaren, making him the first black driver to race in Formula One.

Lewis Hamilton joined the Formula One grid as a full-time race driver in 2007 at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, kicking off an illustrious career spanning over 15 years so far with McLaren and Mercedes.

Why Is Lewis Hamilton Number 44?

Lewis Hamilton races with the number 44 because it was his karting number that brought him luck throughout his career.

There are a few key reasons why Lewis Hamilton races with the number 44:

  • Hamilton began karting when he was young and was assigned number 44, which stuck with him throughout his junior racing career.
  • He considers it his “family lucky number” as his father’s license plate also had 44 on it (source).
  • When driver numbers were introduced to F1 in 2014, Hamilton chose to keep 44 as it had served him well in his earlier career.
  • He has said 44 represents where his career began in karting and it remains an important number to him and his fans.

44 was Hamilton’s first racing number from karting that brought him success and became his lucky number, which is why he has kept it throughout his illustrious F1 career.

Why is Lewis Hamilton number 44?
2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Saturday – Lewis Hamilton displays his famous number 44 during qualifying.

When Was Lewis Hamilton Knighted?

Lewis Hamilton received one of the highest honors awarded by the British government when he was knighted by Prince Charles at Windsor Castle on December 15, 2021.

As Hamilton had equaled Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula One World Drivers’ Championship titles in 2020, he was included on the 2021 New Year Honors list for his services to motorsports. However, the knighting ceremony was delayed until late 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

When he finally received the accolade from Prince Charles, Hamilton became Sir Lewis Hamilton – only the fourth F1 driver to be knighted while still racing after Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss, and Jackie Stewart. The knighting recognized Hamilton’s status as one of Britain’s most successful sportsmen and his contribution to raising the profile of motorsports both domestically and globally throughout his illustrious F1 career.

What NFL Team Does Lewis Hamilton Own?

Lewis Hamilton owns a minority stake in the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Some key details:

  • In August 2022, it was announced that Hamilton had joined the ownership group that purchased the Broncos for $4.65 billion, a record sale price for a sports franchise (source: The Guardian)
  • The main owner is Rob Walton, heir to the Walmart fortune, with Hamilton and other celebrities such as Formula One rival Fernando Alonso also acquiring minority stakes.
  • As a part-owner, Hamilton has expressed his excitement to be involved with the Broncos and support the team, while also hoping to raise the NFL’s profile internationally.

Lewis Hamilton owns a minority share of the Denver Broncos American football franchise.

Where Was Lewis Hamilton Before Mercedes?

Lewis Hamilton drove for McLaren for most of his career before Mercedes. Here are some more details:

  • Hamilton began his Formula 1 career with McLaren in 2007 at the age of 22, partnering with Fernando Alonso. He won his first championship with McLaren in his second season.
  • He spent five very successful seasons with McLaren from 2007-2012, winning 22 races and a championship. McLaren was a top team for much of this period.
  • The 2012 season was Hamilton’s last with McLaren, in which he won three races and finished 4th in the standings.
  • After his contract expired at the end of 2012, Hamilton left McLaren to join the Mercedes works team for the 2013 season, partnering with Nico Rosberg.
  • Mercedes had not won a race in three years before Hamilton’s arrival. But he helped transform them into the dominant force they became, winning his first title with them in 2014.

Lewis Hamilton began his F1 career and spent his first seven seasons from 2007-2012 with McLaren, winning one of his seven championships.

When Did Lewis Hamilton Join Mercedes?

Lewis Hamilton joined the Mercedes Formula 1 team in 2013. This move marked a significant shift in his career, as he had previously been with McLaren since his F1 debut in 2007. Hamilton’s switch to Mercedes has been highly successful, leading to multiple World Championships and establishing him as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

What Helmet Does Lewis Hamilton Wear?

Lewis Hamilton wears helmets manufactured by Bell Racing.

  • Bell Racing is an American manufacturer and has been Hamilton’s exclusive helmet supplier throughout his Formula One career since 2007.
  • They produce custom carbon fiber full-face helmets for Hamilton tailored to his exact measurements and needs as a racing driver.
  • Hamilton works closely with Bell designers each year to develop new graphic designs for his helmets that often reflect causes or themes important to him.
  • His 2023 helmet features a striking purple and yellow design to match his Mercedes car colors
  • Bell helmets are considered among the most advanced in terms of safety technology, with Hamilton’s including features like integrated cameras.

Throughout his F1 career Lewis Hamilton has exclusively worn custom carbon fiber full face helmets manufactured for him by Bell Racing at each Grand Prix.

What Helmet Does Lewis Hamilton Wear?
Lewis Hamilton wearing his helmet from Bell Racing at the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

What Scooter Does Lewis Hamilton Ride?

Lewis Hamilton rides a Xiaomi Electric Scooter Pro 2 when getting around the Formula 1 paddock.

  • The Xiaomi Electric Scooter Pro 2 is an electric scooter produced by Chinese technology company Xiaomi.
  • Hamilton was seen riding this scooter in the paddock as early as 2021, with its distinctive Mercedes-AMG branding.
  • As one of the top-selling electric scooter models, it provides a convenient way for Hamilton to navigate busy F1 venues.
  • Key specs of the Pro 2 include a max speed of 20 km/h, 40 km range, and dual suspension for a smooth ride.
  • By riding the scooter, Hamilton helps promote environmentally-friendly mobility solutions within the paddock.

When getting around Formula 1 paddocks, Lewis Hamilton chooses to ride the popular Mercedes-AMG branded Xiaomi Electric Scooter Pro 2 for its performance and sustainability.