Lewis Hamilton

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Hamilton's journey from a karting prodigy to a record-equalling seven-time champion is marked by pivotal moments. After winning his maiden title in 2008 with a last-lap overtake in the final race, he became the then-youngest World Drivers' Champion. He signed for Mercedes in 2013, ending his 15-year association with McLaren, and partnered his old karting teammate Nico Rosberg. New engine regulations in 2014 saw Mercedes emerge dominant, and over the next three seasons Hamilton and Rosberg won 51 of 59 Grands Prix amidst a fierce rivalry, with Hamilton winning titles in 2014 and 2015. After Rosberg's retirement, Hamilton twice overturned mid-season deficits to Sebastian Vettel to claim his fourth and fifth titles in 2017 and 2018. He won his sixth in 2019, then broke the all-time win record at the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix to claim his record-equalling seventh. In 2021 he became the first driver to surpass 100 race wins and pole positions, finishing runner-up to Max Verstappen. Following winless campaigns in 2022 and 2023, he took his record ninth British Grand Prix victory in 2024, his final season with Mercedes. Hamilton signed for Ferrari in 2025, won his first Grand Prix with them in 2026, and is contracted to remain until at least the end of 2027.

In Their Own Story

The roar of the V6 turbo-hybrid engine fades slightly as Lewis Hamilton crosses the finish line at the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix, the checkered flag waving in the distance. Rain slicks the asphalt, turning the circuit into a mirror reflecting the floodlights above. Inside the cockpit, his hands grip the wheel with practiced precision, navigating the final lap not just for speed, but to protect a hard-fought lead. The silence of the post-race celebration is broken only by the sound of champagne spraying and the roar of a crowd that knows they have witnessed history unfold once again—Hamilton had just broken Michael Schumacher's all-time win record, claiming his 92nd victory. This moment capped a 2020 campaign where he broke several records and claimed his record-equalling seventh World Drivers' Championship.

Reader's Guide

Lewis Hamilton is defined by his relentless pursuit of perfection and his ability to evolve with changing regulations. His arc spans from a talented young driver challenging established norms to becoming the most successful driver in Formula 1 history. His skills include exceptional wet-weather driving, tire management, and strategic racecraft that often turns deficits into victories. He possesses an uncanny ability to find grip where others struggle, making him a master of car control. Defining moments include his dramatic 2008 championship win—a title-deciding overtake on the last lap of the last race—the record-breaking partnership with Mercedes that yielded six titles, and his continuous efforts to modernize the sport's image. Hamilton remains a central figure whose legacy is built on both speed and social impact, having been knighted by Elizabeth II in the 2021 New Year Honours and listed in the 2020 issue of Time as one of the 100 most influential people globally.

Did You Know?

• Hamilton was the first black driver to compete in Formula One, making his debut at the 2007 Australian Grand Prix.
• He won his maiden World Drivers' Championship in 2008 with a title-deciding overtake on the last lap of the last race, becoming the then-youngest champion.
• Hamilton holds the records for most wins (106), pole positions (104), and podium finishes (207).
• He was knighted by Elizabeth II in the 2021 New Year Honours.
• Hamilton signed for Ferrari in 2025 and won his first Grand Prix with the team in 2026.