Biography of Lewis Hamilton
Sir Lewis Hamilton is widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time. Born on January 7, 1985, in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England, he has rewritten the record books during an illustrious career. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches (1.74 m), Hamilton holds more Grand Prix victories than any driver in the history of the sport and has won seven World Championships—claiming titles in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Hamilton’s F1 journey began in 2007 with McLaren, partnering with double world champion Fernando Alonso. In a remarkable rookie season, he secured a podium on debut and continued his strong form throughout the year, winning four races. He narrowly missed the championship, finishing one point behind Kimi Räikkönen. Undeterred, Hamilton returned in 2008 to clinch his maiden title in dramatic fashion, overtaking Timo Glock on the final corner in Brazil to snatch the title from Felipe Massa.
The next few years saw ups and downs. In 2009, he struggled with an underperforming McLaren but still managed two wins. By 2010 and 2011, Hamilton remained competitive but faced controversies and inconsistent results. A shift came in 2013 when he made a bold move to join Mercedes. Though his first season was rocky, a win in Hungary showed promise.
The introduction of hybrid engines in 2014 marked the beginning of Mercedes’ dominance. Hamilton won 11 races that year and beat teammate Nico Rosberg to his second world title. He added a third in 2015 and narrowly missed out in 2016, finishing behind Rosberg after a critical engine failure in Malaysia. Rosberg retired, and Valtteri Bottas joined the team in 2017. Hamilton responded with four more championships between 2017 and 2020, showcasing unparalleled consistency and pace.
The 2021 season saw Hamilton in a fierce battle with Max Verstappen. The rivalry culminated in a controversial finale in Abu Dhabi, where Verstappen won the title in dramatic circumstances. In 2022, rule changes left Mercedes on the back foot, and Hamilton finished a career-low sixth without a win. The 2023 season showed improvement, with Hamilton finishing third overall and earning six podiums, but he still couldn’t return to the top step of the podium.
Off the track, Hamilton is equally notable. His net worth exceeds £300 million, bolstered by endorsements with brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Police, and Monster Energy. He reportedly earns $55 million annually from Mercedes, making him one of the wealthiest active sportspeople in the UK.
Though he’s never been married, Hamilton’s personal life has drawn attention. His most public relationship was with singer Nicole Scherzinger, and he has also been linked to several celebrities including Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and Gigi Hadid.
Hamilton is an avid car collector but has become more environmentally conscious in recent years. While his garage includes a Pagani Zonda, McLaren P1, and Shelby Cobras, he now drives a Mercedes-Benz EQC and supports eco-friendly racing through his Extreme E team, X44.
His family has played a key role in his success. His father, Anthony Hamilton, worked multiple jobs to support his karting career and managed him early in F1. Despite a falling out in 2010, they have since reconciled. Hamilton’s mother, Carmen Larbalestier, raised him until age 12, and he announced in 2022 that he planned to include her surname in his own. He also has a half-brother, Nicolas, who competes in motorsport despite living with cerebral palsy.
On Instagram, Hamilton has over 35 million followers, making him one of the most influential figures in sports. He shares insights into his racing life, training, and personal interests, including his dog Roscoe, who even has his own Instagram page.
Hamilton’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has been a hallmark of his recent years. His helmet design has evolved from Ayrton Senna-inspired colors to bold statements of identity and social awareness, including the use of black and purple themes.
In 2021, he was knighted by Prince Charles, becoming the fourth F1 driver to receive that honor after Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss, and Sir Jackie Stewart.
Outside motorsport, Hamilton has also joined the exclusive ranks of NFL franchise ownership, expanding his influence beyond racing and into American football—a testament to his global stature and business acumen.
Sir Lewis Hamilton’s story is one of relentless ambition, resilience, and a drive for excellence both on and off the track.
