Legend of The F1 Sir Lewis Hamilton
Today I will delve into the illustrious career and life story of the legendary Lewis
Hamilton, who made his mark with the Mercedes-McLaren Formula 1 team.
Life of Sir
Lewis Hamilton was born in Stevenage, England, in 1985. His parents separated when he
was only 2 years old, leading him to live with his mother and half-sisters Samantha and
Nicola until the age of 12. Subsequently, Hamilton settled with his father, residing with his
stepmother Linda and his half-brother Nicolas, who also pursued a career as a
professional racing driver. Raised in a Catholic household, Hamilton’s father played a
crucial role in shaping his path, gifting him a go-kart as a notable catalyst for his journey
into motor sports.
His father, a significant influence, became Hamilton’s staunchest supporter. In addition to
his achievements in racing, Hamilton displayed prowess in football and cricket.
Overcoming challenges, including exposure to racism during his childhood and working
as a labourer, Hamilton never wavered in his determination, ultimately attaining immense
success. He stands as a living legend who, through resilience and perseverance, has left an
indelible mark on the world of motor sports.
Lewis Hamilton embarked on his Formula 1 career through the Mercedes-Benz Young
Driver Training Program, joining the initiative at the tender age of 9. His journey to the
top included championship victories in the Formula Renault, Formula 3, and GP2 series.
In 2006, Hamilton made his mark in Formula 1 by starting with the McLaren youth team.
His exceptional performance in his debut GP2 season, where he clinched the
championship, garnered attention, leading to a contract with the McLaren F1 team at the
conclusion of the 2006 season. This milestone made Hamilton the first black pilot in the
storied history of Formula 1. His early achievements and groundbreaking entry into the
pinnacle of motor sports laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would go on to
redefine the sport.
In the 2007 Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton secured an impressive second-place finish,
accumulating 109 points, with just a one-point difference from the leader. The following
year, in 2008, he clinched the championship by garnering 98 points, narrowly edging out
Felipe Massa by a single point. This achievement established Hamilton as the youngest
Formula 1 champion in history at that time, a record that would later be surpassed by
Sebastian Vettel in the 2010 season. Hamilton’s back-to-back stellar performances
highlighted his prowess and competitiveness in the world of Formula 1.
In the midst of speculations about a potential departure from Vodafone McLaren
Mercedes during the 2012 season, Lewis Hamilton confirmed a significant move by
signing a three-year agreement with Mercedes GP on September 28, 2012. His decision
proved fruitful as he secured his second championship in the 2014 Formula 1 season.
Hamilton’s journey continued with notable moments, including finishing 9th in the
Mexican Grand Prix on October 29, 2017, which led to him clinching the 2017 Formula 1
World Drivers’ Championship two races before the season concluded. This marked his
fourth drivers’ championship. Despite trailing Sebastian Vettel in the mid-season of both
2017 and 2018, Hamilton turned the tide to become the champion in both years.
The years 2019 and 2020 saw Hamilton’s dominance, securing his sixth and seventh
championships, respectively. This period coincided with a phase where Ferrari’s vehicles
were less competitive, allowing Hamilton to equal Michael Schumacher’s record for the
most championships.
Beyond his on-track achievements, Hamilton gained recognition outside the racing world.
In 2020, Time magazine included him in its list of the 100 most influential people globally.
Further highlighting his impact, he was knighted in the 2021 New Year’s Honours Award.
As an intriguing development, Hamilton announced his intention to make a move to
Ferrari, considered one of the premier teams by many fans. This decision came after
spending his last season with Mercedes, where he had become a legend. The racing
community eagerly anticipates Hamilton’s new chapter with Ferrari, adding another layer
to the remarkable story of Sir Lewis Hamilton’s illustrious career.