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{{short description|British racing driver (born 1985)}}
{{About|the Formula One racing driver|the footballer|Lewis Hamilton (footballer)|the steamship|SS Lewis Hamilton}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2011}}
{{pp-move}}
{{Infobox F1 driver
{{pp-blp|small=yes}}
| name = Lewis Hamilton
{{good article}}
| image = Hamilton 2008 Singapore GP 1.jpg
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
| nationality = {{flagicon|UK}} ]
{{EngvarB|date=May 2023}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|1|7|df=y}}
{{Infobox person
| 2011 Team = ]–]
| honorific_prefix = ]
| 2011 Car number = 3
| name = Lewis Hamilton
| Races = 74
| honorific_suffix = {{postnom|country=GBR|size=100%|MBE|HonFREng}}
| Championships = 1 ({{f1|2008}})
| image = Lewis Hamilton 2022 São Paulo Grand Prix (52498120773) (cropped).jpg
| Wins = 15
| caption = Hamilton at the ]
| Podiums = 38
| birth_name = Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton
| Poles = 18
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1985|1|7}}
| Points = 543
| birth_place = ], Hertfordshire, England
| Fastest laps = 8
| partner = ] (2007–2015)
| First race = ]
| relatives = ] (half-brother)
| First win = ]
| awards = ]
| Last win = ]
| website = {{URL|lewishamilton.com}}
| Last race = {{Latest F1GP}}
| signature = ]
| Last season = 2010
| signature_alt = Lewis Hamilton signature
| Last position = 4th (240 points)
| module = {{Infobox F1 driver | embed=yes
| nationality = {{#invoke:flag|icon|GBR}} ]
<!-- Please leave the 2024 team in the infobox until at least 1 January 2025, per WP:F1 convention -->
| 2024 Team = ]<ref name="Mercedes Drivers 2024">{{Cite web |date=31 August 2023 |title=Hamilton extends Mercedes F1 contract until 2025 |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-extends-mercedes-f1-contract-until-2025/10513865/ |access-date=31 August 2023 |website=Motorsport.com |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831122634/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-extends-mercedes-f1-contract-until-2025/10513865/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
<!-- Please leave the 2025 team in the infobox until at least 1 January 2026, per WP:F1 convention -->
| 2025 Team = ]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Coleman |first1=Madeline |date=2 February 2024 |title=Ferrari's prestige lured Lewis Hamilton – and cost Carlos Sainz his seat |url=https://theathletic.com/5247004/2024/02/02/ferraris-lewis-hamilton-carlos-sainz/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919020346/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5247004/2024/02/02/ferraris-lewis-hamilton-carlos-sainz/ |archive-date=19 September 2024 |access-date=6 February 2024 |work=] |publisher=]}}</ref>
| car_number = 44{{efn-num|Hamilton was the first reigning world champion to decline to run the No. 1, deciding to stay with his old karting No. 44 from 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/319581/hamilton-to-keep-44-as-car-number/ |title=Hamilton to keep 44 as car number |publisher=GP Update |access-date=25 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202194050/http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/319581/hamilton-to-keep-44-as-car-number/ |archive-date=2 December 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He briefly ran the number 1 on the nose of his car in practice for the ] and ] Abu Dhabi Grands Prix after winning his fifth and sixth World Championships respectively, but was still officially entered under the number 44 and that figure still appeared on the engine cover.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.world-champion-hamilton-to-run-number-1-on-his-mercedes-in-abu-dhabi.6vWT0SZvvaOikawEIq4WsC.html |title=World champion Hamilton runs number 1 on his Mercedes in Abu Dhabi |website=Formula 1|date=23 November 2018|access-date=27 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123200753/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.world-champion-hamilton-to-run-number-1-on-his-mercedes-in-abu-dhabi.6vWT0SZvvaOikawEIq4WsC.html|archive-date=23 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| races = {{F1stat|HAM|entries}} ({{F1stat|HAM|starts}} starts)
| championships = 7 ({{F1|2008}}, {{F1|2014}}, {{F1|2015}}, {{F1|2017}}, {{F1|2018}}, {{F1|2019}}, {{F1|2020}})
| wins = {{F1stat|HAM|wins}}
| podiums = {{F1stat|HAM|podiums}}
| points = {{F1stat|HAM|careerpoints}}
| poles = {{F1stat|HAM|poles}}
| fastest_laps = {{F1stat|HAM|fastestlaps}}
| first_race = ]
| first_win = ]
| last_win = ]
| last_race = {{Latest F1GP}}
| last_season = 2024
| last_position = 7th (223 pts)
}}
{{Infobox racing driver|embed=yes
| prev series = ]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]
| prev series years = ]<br>]–]<br>]<br>]–]<br>]
| titles = ]<br>]<br>]
| title years = ]<br>]<br>]
}}
}} }}
'''Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton'''<ref name="Hamilton">{{cite book|title=Lewis Hamilton: My Story|last=Hamilton|first=Lewis|isbn=978-0007270057|page=33|publisher=]|year=2007}}</ref> ]<!-- This name is correct as stated in his autobiography, page 33, line 3. DO NOT CHANGE! --> (born 7 January 1985) is a ] ] racing driver from ], currently racing for the ] team, and was the {{f1|2008}} ].


{{Lewis Hamilton series}}
Hamilton was born in ], ].<ref name="Kelso">{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2007/apr/20/paulkelso.uknews4|title=Profile: Lewis Hamilton|last=Kelso|first=Paul|date=20 April 2007|publisher=The Guardian|accessdate=26 June 2008|location=London}}</ref> In December 1995, at the age of ten, he approached McLaren team principal ] at the Autosport Awards ceremony and told him, "I want to race for you one day ... I want to race for McLaren." Less than three years later McLaren and Mercedes-Benz signed him to their Young Driver Support Programme.<ref name="Wolff"/> After winning the ], ], and ] championships on his way up the racing career ladder,<ref name="Wolff"/> he drove for McLaren in 2007, making his Formula One debut 12 years after his initial encounter with Dennis. Coming from a <!-- mixed-race is an official ethnic classification on the UK Census -->] background, with a black father and white mother,<ref name="Wolff"/><ref name="BBC1">{{cite news|title=Grenadian roots of first black F1 driver|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/caribbean/news/story/2006/11/061127_grenadaf1.shtml|date=27 November 2006|publisher=BBC|accessdate=12 December 2006}}</ref> Hamilton is often labelled <!-- Please don't change this without discussion -->"the first ] driver in Formula One".<ref name="Kelso"/><ref name="Wolff"/><ref name="BBC1"/><ref name="Time">{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1609725,00.html|title=Lewis Hamilton: The Tiger Woods of Racing?|last=Smith|first=Adam|date=12 April 2007|publisher=Time|accessdate=26 June 2008}}</ref><ref name="Garside">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1528611/Formula-One's-first-black-driver-to-take-his-place-on-grid.html|title=Formula One's first black driver to take his place on grid|last=Garside|first=Kevin|coauthors=Britten, Nick|date=13 September 2006|publisher=The Telegraph|accessdate=26 June 2008|location=London}}</ref>
'''Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton''' (born 7 January 1985) is a British ], who most recently competed in ] for ].<!--Only change to set to compete for Ferrari from 1 January 2025--> Hamilton has won a joint-record seven ]—tied with ]—and holds the ] for most ] ({{F1stat|HAM|wins}}), ] ({{F1stat|HAM|poles}}), and ] ({{F1stat|HAM|podiums}}), among ].


Born and raised in ], Hamilton began his career in ] aged six, winning several national titles and attracting the attention of ], who signed him to the ] in 1998. After winning the ] ] and ] in 2000, Hamilton progressed to ], where his successes included winning the ] and the ]. He subsequently signed for ] in {{F1|2007}}, becoming the first ] driver to compete in Formula One at the {{F1GP|2007|Australian}}. In his rookie season, Hamilton won four ] and set several records as he finished runner-up to ] by one point. Hamilton won his maiden title in {{F1|2008}}, making a title-deciding overtake on the last lap of the ] to become the ]. The dominant ]-] combination prevailed throughout his remaining four seasons at McLaren, with Hamilton achieving multiple race wins in each, including his involvement in a four-way title battle in {{F1|2010}}.
In his first season in Formula One, Hamilton set numerous records, while finishing second in the ], just one point behind ]. He won the World Championship ], ahead of ] by the same margin of a single point. He has stated he wants to stay with the McLaren team for the rest of his F1 career.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7710778.stm|title=Hamilton in McLaren career pledge|work=]|publisher=]|first=Andrew|last=Benson|date=5 November 2008|accessdate=17 August 2010|location=], ]}}</ref>


Hamilton signed for ] in {{F1|2013}} to partner ], ending his 15-year association with McLaren. Following his maiden victory with the team at the ], new ] came into effect the ], which saw Mercedes emerge as the dominant force in Formula One. Over the next three seasons, Hamilton and Rosberg won 51 of 59 Grands Prix amidst their ]—widely known as ''The ] War''—with Hamilton winning the former titles in {{F1|2014}} and {{F1|2015}}, and Rosberg winning ]. After Rosberg's retirement, Hamilton twice overturned mid-season point deficits to ] of ] to claim his fourth and fifth titles in {{F1|2017}} and {{F1|2018}}. Hamilton won his sixth title in {{F1|2019}}, before breaking several records across his {{F1|2020}} campaign—including the all-time win record at the {{F1GP|2020|Portuguese}}—to equal ]'s record of seven World Drivers' Championships. Hamilton became the first driver to surpass 100 race wins and pole positions in {{F1|2021}}, finishing runner-up to ] amidst a ]. Following winless campaigns in {{F1|2022}} and {{F1|2023}}, Hamilton took his record-breaking ninth {{F1GP|2024|British}} victory in {{F1|2024}}, his twelfth and final season with Mercedes. Hamilton is set to join Ferrari from {{F1|2025}} onwards.
==Personal life==
Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton<ref name="Hamilton"/> was born on 7 January 1985 in ], ], ],<ref name="Kelso"/> and was named after American sprinter ].<ref name="Wolff">{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/racing/06/12/hamilton0618/index.html|title='Better Than Sex'|last=Wolff|first=Alexander|work=SI.com|publisher=Associated Press|date=12 June 2007|accessdate=21 August 2007}}</ref> Hamilton's mother, Carmen Larbalestier (now married as Carmen Lockhart), is ], while his father, Anthony Hamilton, is ], making him ],<ref name="Wolff"/> (Anthony Hamilton's parents emigrated from ] to the United Kingdom in the 1950s).<ref name="Wolff"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/profile-formula-one-driver-lewis-hamilton-450381.html|title=Profile: Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton|publisher=]|author=Viner, Brian|date=26 May 2007|accessdate=8 September 2010 | location=London}}</ref> Lewis Hamilton's parents separated when he was two, as a result of this he lived with his mother and half-sisters Nicola and Samantha<ref>{{cite news|title=MY BOY RACER|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20070701/ai_n19341883|date=1 July 2007|publisher=]|accessdate=1 July 2007|first=Michael|last=Duffy}}</ref> until he was twelve, when he started living with his father, stepmother Linda and half-brother Nicolas (who has ]).<ref name="timeonline_cool">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article5069252.ece|title=Lewis Hamilton admits: 'I just don't know how I kept my cool'|publisher=The Times|date=3 November 2008|author=Matt Dickinson|location=London}}</ref> In early 2011, Nicolas signed with ] to start a racing career in the 2011 ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89510|title=Hamilton's brother to race in Clio Cup|publisher=Autosport.com|author=English, Steven|date=16 February 2011|accessdate=16 February 2011}}</ref> Hamilton was raised as a ] by his father.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/398979/Lewis-Hamilton-Exclusive-Interview-The-Sun.html|title=The day Lewis Hamilton feared for career|publisher=]|work=]|date=29 October 2007|quote=Lewis, a Roman Catholic, credits his dad Anthony as the guiding force in his life.|accessdate=28 March 2010|first=Oliver|last=Harvey}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-1292598/The-truth-Lewis-Hamilton-father-Anthony-McLaren-star-wanted-man-break-freedom.html|title=The truth about Lewis Hamilton and his father, Anthony: Suffocated and frustrated McLaren star simply had to break the bond|work=]|publisher=]|date=7 July 2010|quote=Anthony loves his family. He instilled in Lewis the typically high standards of a Roman Catholic of Caribbean ancestry.|accessdate=8 March 2011|first=Jonathan|last=McEvoy}}</ref>


Hamilton has been credited with furthering Formula One's global following by appealing to a broader audience outside the sport, in part due to his high-profile lifestyle, amongst his environmental and social activism. He has also become a prominent advocate in support of ] and increased diversity in motorsport. Hamilton was listed in the 2020 issue of '']'' as one of the ], and was ] in the ].
]. From this point until March 2010 Anthony Hamilton also managed his son.<ref>{{cite news|title=Anthony Hamilton's massive support makes parting with Lewis easier to understand|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/7355036/Anthony-Hamiltons-massive-support-makes-parting-with-Lewis-easier-to-understand.html|work=]|date=3 March 2010|accessdate=14 May 2010|location=London|first=Tom|last=Cary}}</ref>]]
{{TOClimit|4}}
Hamilton's father bought him a ] in 1991, which gave him his first taste of racing competition. Hamilton finished second in the national ] championship the following year. He said of the time: "I was racing these remote-controlled cars and winning club championships against adults".<ref name="hamiltonf1fbio">{{cite web|title=Who's Who: Lewis Hamilton|publisher=F1Fanatic.co.uk|year=2007|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/f1-information/whos-who/whos-who-h/lewis-hamilton/|accessdate=6 October 2007}}</ref> As a result of this his father bought him his first ] as a Christmas present at the age of six.<ref name=nutsref>{{cite journal|title=20 things you don't know about Lewis Hamilton|date=22 June 2007-28|publisher=]}}</ref> His father told him that he would support his racing career as long as he worked hard at school. Supporting his son became problematic, which caused him to take redundancy from his position as an IT Manager and became a contractor. He was sometimes employed in up to three jobs at a time, while still managing to find enough time to attend all Hamilton's races. He later set up his own computer company as well as working as a full-time manager for Hamilton.<ref name=observer>{{cite news|last=Owen|first=Oliver|title=The real deal|publisher=]|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/jun/03/features.sportmonthly/print|date=3 June 2007|accessdate=5 July 2007|location=London}}</ref> Hamilton is now managed by ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/mar/14/lewis-hamilton-simon-fuller-xix-entertainment|title=Lewis Hamilton signs with Simon Fuller's XIX Entertainment|first=James|last=Callow|date=14 March 2011|accessdate=22 March 2011|work=]|publisher=]}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
Hamilton was educated at ], a ] Catholic secondary school in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/southerncounties/content/articles/2007/06/18/lewis_hamilton_facts_feature.shtml|title=Lewis Hamilton fact file|date=19 June 2007|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref> Alongside his interest for racing, he played football for his school team with current ] and ] ] ].<ref name=observer/> Hamilton said that if Formula One had not worked for him he would have been a footballer, being a big fan of ]<ref>{{cite news|title=Arsenal fan Lewis Hamilton is backing Gunners all the way|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/02/16/arsenal-fan-lewis-hamilton-is-backing-gunners-all-the-way-115875-20321044/|date=16 February 2008|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref> or a cricketer, having played both for his school teams as a youngster. He subsequently attended, in February 2001, Cambridge Arts and Sciences (CATS), a private sixth-form college in Cambridge.<ref>{{cite book|author=Hamilton, Lewis|title=Lewis Hamilton: My Story|year=2007|isbn=978-0007270057|publisher=HarperCollins}}</ref> At the age of five Hamilton took up Karate in order to defend himself as a result of bullying at school.<ref>{{cite news|title=I'm the Kung Fu FlidBoy racer Lewis Hamilton on fame, religion and Beyonce|work=]|date=27 October 2007|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-488525/Boy-racer-Lewis-Hamilton-fame-religion-Beyonce.html|accessdate=11 June 2010|location=London}}</ref>
]<ref>{{cite news|title=Anthony Hamilton's massive support makes parting with Lewis easier to understand|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/7355036/Anthony-Hamiltons-massive-support-makes-parting-with-Lewis-easier-to-understand.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/7355036/Anthony-Hamiltons-massive-support-makes-parting-with-Lewis-easier-to-understand.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Daily Telegraph |date=3 March 2010|access-date=14 May 2010|location=London|first=Tom|last=Cary}}{{cbignore}}</ref>|left]]
Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton was born on 7 January 1985 in ], ].<ref name="Hamilton">{{cite book|title=Lewis Hamilton: My Story|last=Hamilton|first=Lewis|isbn=978-0-00-727005-7|page=33|publisher=]|year=2007}}</ref><ref name="Kelso">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/apr/20/paulkelso.uknews4|title=Profile: Lewis Hamilton|last=Kelso|first=Paul|date=20 April 2007|work=The Guardian |access-date=26 June 2008|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005142006/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/apr/20/paulkelso.uknews4|archive-date=5 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> His father, Anthony Hamilton, is of ] descent, while his mother, Carmen Larbalestier, is ] from ],<ref>{{Cite web|title=FreeBMD Entry Info|url=https://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?scan=1&r=212152514:9565&d=bmd_1637027742|access-date=12 December 2021|website=freebmd.org.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212190025/https://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?scan=1&r=212152514:9565&d=bmd_1637027742|archive-date=12 December 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> making him ].<ref name="Wolff"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lewishamilton.com/post/first-black-driver/|title=Being F1's first black driver is important|website=lewishamilton.com|access-date=7 March 2018|archive-date=8 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308041330/http://www.lewishamilton.com/post/first-black-driver/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Hamilton's parents separated when he was two, after which he lived with his mother and older half-sisters, Samantha and Nicola, until he was twelve.<ref name="DSpyHamilton">{{cite web|last=Mathé|first=Charlotte|title=10 Things About ... Lewis Hamilton|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/10-things-about/a582795/10-things-about-lewis-hamilton/|publisher=]|date=12 July 2014|access-date=21 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820214050/https://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/10-things-about/a582795/10-things-about-lewis-hamilton/|archive-date=20 August 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton then lived with his father, stepmother Linda, and his half-brother ], who is also a professional racing driver.<ref>{{Cite AV media|title=The Life of Formula 1 Champ Lewis Hamilton (Full Segment) {{!}} Real Sports w/ Bryant Gumbel {{!}} HBO|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZVMTuSsEX4|access-date=26 October 2020|date=20 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209235841/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZVMTuSsEX4|archive-date=9 December 2020|url-status=live|via=]}}</ref><ref name="timeonline_cool">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article5069252.ece|title=Lewis Hamilton admits: 'I just don't know how I kept my cool'|work=The Times|date=3 November 2008|author=Matt Dickinson|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509090949/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article5069252.ece|archive-date=9 May 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=9 May 2009}}</ref> Hamilton was raised a ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/lewis-hamilton/trivia.html;jsessionid=EC73F0B4D8B84D48A7D4B67E238E9055|title=Lewis Hamilton Biography&nbsp;– Trivia|work=]|publisher=thebiographychannel.co.uk|access-date=7 May 2013|location=London|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525232920/http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/lewis-hamilton/trivia.html%3Bjsessionid%3DEC73F0B4D8B84D48A7D4B67E238E9055|archive-date=25 May 2014}}</ref>


Hamilton's father bought him a ] when he was five.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 in Four - Race to the top: Lewis Hamilton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/41TbhT9DRrd0cglSfjqWD4v/race-to-the-top-lewis-hamilton|access-date=26 October 2020|website=bbc.co.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006062640/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/41TbhT9DRrd0cglSfjqWD4v/race-to-the-top-lewis-hamilton|archive-date=6 October 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton finished second in the national ] championship the following year against adult competition.<ref name="hamiltonf1fbio">{{cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton Biography|publisher=F1Fanatic.co.uk|year=2007|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/f1-information/whos-who/whos-who-h/lewis-hamilton/|access-date=6 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307034157/http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/f1-information/whos-who/whos-who-h/lewis-hamilton/|archive-date=7 March 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> Being the only black child racing at his club, Hamilton was subjected to racist abuse.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=25 September 2016|title=Lewis Hamilton: I had a lot of bullying and racism at school|url=https://www.eurosport.com/formula-1/hamilton-i-had-a-lot-of-bullying-and-racism-at-school.-it-made-me-tougher_sto5873701/story.shtml|access-date=26 October 2020|website=Eurosport|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230619141216/https://www.eurosport.com/formula-1/hamilton-i-had-a-lot-of-bullying-and-racism-at-school.-it-made-me-tougher_sto5873701/story.shtml|archive-date=19 June 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton's father bought him a ] for Christmas when he was six and promised to support his racing career as long as he worked hard at school.<ref name="nutsref">{{cite magazine|title=20 things you don't know about Lewis Hamilton|date=22 June 2007|magazine=]}}</ref> To support his son, Hamilton's father took redundancy from his position as an ] manager and became a contractor, sometimes working up to four jobs at a time including employment as a ] salesman, dishwasher, and putting up signs for ]s,<ref name="benson">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/extra/c1nx5lutpg/The-real-Lewis-Hamilton-story |title=Challenger, champion, change-maker: The real Lewis Hamilton story |last=Benson |first=Andrew |website=] |access-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116105558/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/extra/c1nx5lutpg/The-real-Lewis-Hamilton-story |archive-date=16 November 2020 |url-status =live}}</ref> while still attending his son's races.<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 May 2018|title='Thanks dad!' Lewis Hamilton reflects on his F1 championship journey|url=https://m.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/thanks-dad-lewis-hamilton-reflects-on-his-f1-championship-journey-20180522|access-date=26 October 2020|website=Wheels|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214184739/https://m.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/thanks-dad-lewis-hamilton-reflects-on-his-f1-championship-journey-20180522|archive-date=14 February 2019|url-status=live|first=Robin|last=Classen}}</ref> Hamilton's father later set up his own IT company.<ref name="observer">{{cite news|last=Owen|first=Oliver|title=The real deal|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jun/03/features.sportmonthly/print|date=3 June 2007|access-date=5 July 2007|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140526045106/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jun/03/features.sportmonthly/print|archive-date=26 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> He continued to be Hamilton's manager until early 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/mar/14/lewis-hamilton-simon-fuller-xix-entertainment|title=Lewis Hamilton signs with Simon Fuller's XIX Entertainment|first=James|last=Callow|date=14 March 2011|access-date=22 March 2011|work=The Guardian|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213193515/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/mar/14/lewis-hamilton-simon-fuller-xix-entertainment|archive-date=13 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Words from Lewis Hamilton's father inspired Hungarian Grand Prix pace, says Wolff {{!}} Formula 1®|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamiltons-father-inspired-hungarian-gp-pace-says-wolff.5pmzFBAUv7teU5vpgkGWvh.html|access-date=26 October 2020|website=Formula1.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805173148/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamiltons-father-inspired-hungarian-gp-pace-says-wolff.5pmzFBAUv7teU5vpgkGWvh.html|archive-date=5 August 2019|url-status=live|date=5 August 2019}}</ref>
In October 2007, Hamilton announced his intention to live in ], stating that this was because he wished to get away from the media scrutiny that he experienced living in the United Kingdom. Hamilton admitted under questioning on the television show '']'', which was broadcast on 10 November 2007, that taxation was partly responsible for his decision, in addition to wanting more privacy.<ref name=BBC>{{cite news|title=Hamilton makes tax move admission|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/7088652.stm
|date=11 November 2007|accessdate=11 November 2007|work=BBC News}}</ref> Hamilton received public criticism from UK MPs including Liberal Democrat MP ] for avoiding UK taxes.<ref name=AFP>{{cite news|title=Ecclestone urges more recognition for F1 champ Hamilton|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jGS3IaJsftaH5JHip7T_TwrcBUMg|date=6 November 2008|accessdate=6 November 2008}}</ref> He settled in ] in ] on ];<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Formula_One_drivers_find_peace_in_Switzerland.html?cid=984310|title=Formula One drivers find peace in Switzerland|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref> other Formula One drivers, including world champions ], ] and ], also live in Switzerland.<ref name=BBCNews>{{cite news|title=Hamilton decides to leave Britain|publisher=]|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7068001.stm|date=29 October 2007|accessdate=29 October 2007 | first=Adam | last=Parsons}}</ref> Hamilton was one of several super-rich figures whose tax arrangements were singled out for criticism in a report by the charity ] in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tax-evasion-costs-lives-of-56m-children-826252.html|title=Tax evasion 'costs lives of 5.6m children'|work=The Independent|location=London|first=Sean|last=O'grady|date=12 May 2008|accessdate=7 May 2010}}</ref>


Hamilton was educated at ], a ] Catholic secondary school in Stevenage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/southerncounties/content/articles/2007/06/18/lewis_hamilton_facts_feature.shtml|title=Lewis Hamilton fact file|date=19 June 2007|work=]|publisher=BBC|access-date=31 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202034208/https://www.bbc.co.uk/southerncounties/content/articles/2007/06/18/lewis_hamilton_facts_feature.shtml|archive-date=2 December 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton has said that at the age of five he took up ] to defend himself as a result of bullying at school.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2316406/A-salute-to-the-real-Lewis-Hamilton.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2316406/A-salute-to-the-real-Lewis-Hamilton.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | first=Gareth A | last=Davies | title=A salute to the real Lewis Hamilton | date=5 July 2007}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He was also excluded from school for a period when he was mistakenly identified as having attacked a fellow student who was treated in hospital for his injuries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/10/lewis-hamilton-everything-id-suppressed-came-up-i-had-to-speak-out |title=Lewis Hamilton: 'Everything I'd suppressed came up – I had to speak out' |last=Younge |first=Gary |author-link=Gary Younge|date=10 July 2021 |website=] |access-date=10 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806063221/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/10/lewis-hamilton-everything-id-suppressed-came-up-i-had-to-speak-out |archive-date=6 August 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to racing, he played association football for his school team with eventual ], ].<ref name=observer/> Hamilton, an ] fan, said that if Formula One had not worked for him, he would have been a footballer or a cricketer, having played both for his school teams.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lewis Hamilton: I could have been a footballer|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2324465/Lewis-Hamilton-I-could-have-been-a-footballer.html|date=29 October 2007|work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=21 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419224359/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2324465/Lewis-Hamilton-I-could-have-been-a-footballer.html|archive-date=19 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2001, he began studies at Cambridge Arts and Sciences (CATS), a private ] in Cambridge.<ref>{{cite book|author=Hamilton, Lewis|title=Lewis Hamilton: My Story|year=2007|isbn=978-0-00-727005-7|publisher=HarperCollins}}</ref>
] (left), ] and ] at ''Stars and Cars'' 2007]]
On 18 December 2007, Hamilton was suspended from driving in France for a month after being caught speeding at {{convert|196|km/h|abbr=on}} on a French motorway. His ] was also impounded.<ref name=Speeding1>{{cite news|title=Hamilton gets one-month driving ban for 122mph jaunt in France|work=]|first=Amol|last=Rajan|publisher=Independent Print Limited|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/hamilton-gets-onemonth-driving-ban-for-122mph-jaunt-in-france-765887.html|date=19 December 2007|accessdate=17 August 2010|location=London}}</ref><ref name=Speeding2>{{cite news|title=Lewis Hamilton caught Speeding in France|publisher=]|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1572929/Lewis-Hamilton-caught-speeding-in-France.html|date=19 December 2007|accessdate=4 November 2008|location=London|first=Henry|last=Samuel}}</ref> In November 2007, Hamilton started dating ], the lead singer of the American girl band ]; it was announced in January 2010 that they split up to focus on their respective careers,<ref name=Split>{{cite news|title=Lewis Hamilton to split from Nicole Scherzinger|publisher=]|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1242242/Lewis-Hamilton-Nicole-Scherzinger-split-focus-careers.html|date=11 January 2010|accessdate=11 January 2010|location=London | first1=Sara | last1=Nathan | first2=Simon | last2=Cable}}</ref> however they were seen together at the ]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8713401.stm|title=Turkish Grand Prix|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 May 2010|accessdate=30 June 2010}}</ref> and at the ] in ], on 13 June 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/7825194/Canadian-Grand-Prix-Lewis-Hamilton-and-Jenson-Button-secure-McLaren-one-two.html|title=Canadian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button secure McLaren one-two|work=]|publisher=Telegraph Media Group|location=]|date=13 June 2010|last=Cary|first=Tom|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref>


==Junior racing career==
Hamilton was awarded an ] by ] in the ].<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=58929|date=31 December 2008|startpage=17|supp=yes|notarchive=yes}}</ref>
===Karting===
Hamilton began ] in 1993 and quickly began winning races and cadet class championships.<ref name="BBC_07-06-19">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/6766373.stm|title=Hamilton's kart sells for £42,100|work=BBC News|date=19 June 2007|access-date=5 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422083337/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/6766373.stm|archive-date=22 April 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Baker|first=Andrew|title=Lewis Hamilton's karting days have helped him become one of F1's best drivers|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/3281489/Lewis-Hamiltons-go-kart-career-helped-him-become-one-of-Formula-Ones-best-drivers-FORMULA-ONE.html|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=29 October 2008|access-date=21 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081102073253/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/3281489/Lewis-Hamiltons-go-kart-career-helped-him-become-one-of-Formula-Ones-best-drivers-FORMULA-ONE.html|archive-date=2 November 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> Two years later, he became the youngest driver to win the British cadet karting championship at the age of ten. That year, Hamilton approached McLaren Formula One team boss ] at the ] for an autograph and said: "Hi. I'm Lewis Hamilton. I won the British Championship and one day I want to be racing your cars."<ref name=benson /> Dennis wrote in Hamilton's autograph book: "Phone me in nine years, we'll sort something out then."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article1942897.ece|date=17 June 2007|access-date=25 March 2011|first1=Jane|last1=Nottage|first2=Richard|last2=Rae|title=Teams target the next generation of stars|work=The Times |location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204142837/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article1942897.ece|archive-date=4 December 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>


When Hamilton was 12, ] took a bet, at 40/1 odds, that Hamilton would win a Formula One race before the age of 23; another predicted, at 150/1 odds, that he would win the World Drivers' Championship before he was 25.<ref name="westcott20120709">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-18769451 |title=The curious world of long-term bets |last=Westcott |first=Kathryn |date=9 July 2012 |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141002104649/https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-18769451 |archive-date=2 October 2014 |url-status=live|access-date=30 September 2014}}</ref> In 1998, Dennis called Hamilton following his second Super One series and British championship wins,<ref name=hamiltonf1fbio/> to offer Hamilton a role in the ].<ref name="Wolff">{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/racing/06/12/hamilton0618/index.html |title=Better Than Sex |last=Wolff |first=Alexander |magazine=Sports Illustrated |agency=Associated Press |date=12 June 2007 |access-date=21 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121143456/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/racing/06/12/hamilton0618/index.html |archive-date=21 January 2008 }}</ref> The contract included an option of a future Formula One seat, which would make Hamilton the youngest driver to secure a contract that later resulted in a Formula One drive.<ref name="BBC_07-06-19"/>
On 18 March 2009, ] unveiled a ] of Hamilton in his ] race suit. This wax replica cost around £150,000 and took over six months to complete.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.madametussauds.com/London/NewsAndEvents/LewisHamilton/Default.aspx|title=Lewis Hamilton Arrives|work=]|publisher=Merlin Entertainment Group|date=18 March 2009|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref>
{{quote box|quote=He's a quality driver, very strong and only 16. If he keeps this up I'm sure he will reach F1. It's something special to see a kid of his age out on the circuit. He's clearly got the right racing mentality.|source=—], speaking about Hamilton in 2001<ref>{{cite news|title=Schumacher Tips Hamilton for Future Glory|publisher=AtlasF1|url=http://www.atlasf1.com/news/2001/oct/report.php/id/5969/.html|date=28 October 2001|access-date=5 July 2007|archive-date=24 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024041547/http://www.atlasf1.com/news/2001/oct/report.php/id/5969/.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>|width=27%|align=right}}

Two days before the ], ] witnessed Hamilton "deliberately losing traction" in his silver ] C63, and impounded the car for 48 hours. Hamilton immediately released a statement of apology for "driving in an over-exuberant manner". After being charged with intentionally losing control of a vehicle, Hamilton was eventually fined ]500 (]288), being described as a "]" by the magistrate.<ref name=Telegraph26Mar2010>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/7527854/Lewis-Hamilton-Formula-1-drivers-Mercedes-impounded-by-police-in-Melbourne.html|title=Lewis Hamilton: Formula 1 driver's Mercedes impounded by police in Melbourne|publisher=The Telegraph|date=26 March 2010|accessdate=26 March 2010|location=London|first=Andrew|last=Hough}}</ref><ref name=BBC10143347>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia_pacific/10143347.stm|title=F1's Hamilton charged over 'loss of vehicle control'|publisher=BBC News Online|accessdate=3 May 2010|date=23 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/7962618/Lewis-Hamilton-fined-after-acting-like-a-hoon-in-Australia.html|title=Lewis Hamilton fined after 'acting like a hoon' in Australia|work=]|publisher=Telegraph Media Group|date=24 August 2010|accessdate=29 August 2010|first=Tom|last=Cary | location=London}}</ref>

==Early career==
===Karting===
Hamilton began ] in 1993 at the age of eight,<ref name="BBC_07-06-19">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/6766373.stm|title=Hamilton's kart sells for £42,100|work=BBC News|date=19 June 2007|accessdate=5 July 2007}}</ref> at the ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article412123.ece|title=1st Time in a Kart Felt so Natural|author=Hamilton, Lewis|publisher=The Sun|date=1 November 2007|accessdate=5 November 2007}}</ref> and quickly began winning races and Cadet class championships. At the age of ten he approached McLaren F1 team boss Ron Dennis for an autograph, and told him, "Hi. I'm Lewis Hamilton. I won the British Championship and one day I want to be racing your cars." Dennis wrote in his autograph book, "Phone me in nine years, we'll sort something out then." Hamilton drove for Martin Hines' Zip Young Guns Karting Team.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article1942897.ece|date=17 June 2007|accessdate=25 March 2011|first1=Jane|last1=Nottage|first2=Richard|last2=Rae|title=Teams target the next generation of stars|work=]|publisher=]}}</ref> From the Cadet ranks, he progressed through to Junior Yamaha (1997) and Ron Dennis actually called him in 1998 after Hamilton won an additional Super One series and his second British championship.<ref name=hamiltonf1fbio/> Dennis delivered on his promise and signed Hamilton to the McLaren driver development program. This contract included an option of a future F1 seat, which would eventually make Hamilton the youngest ever driver to secure a contract which later resulted in an F1 drive.<ref name="BBC_07-06-19"/>
{{quote box|quote="He's a quality driver, very strong and only 16. If he keeps this up I'm sure he will reach F1. It's something special to see a kid of his age out on the circuit. He's clearly got the right racing mentality."|source=], speaking about Hamilton in 2001.<ref name="atlasf1">{{cite news|title=Schumacher Tips Hamilton for Future Glory|publisher=AtlasF1|url=http://www.atlasf1.com/news/2001/oct/report.php/id/5969/.html|date=28 October 2001|accessdate=5 July 2007}}</ref>|width=21%|align=right}}
<!--EDITORS: Please discuss on the talk page, and explain your reasoning BEFORE removing the above quote--> <!--EDITORS: Please discuss on the talk page, and explain your reasoning BEFORE removing the above quote-->
Hamilton continued his progress in the Intercontinental A (1999), Formula A (2000) and Formula Super A (2001) ranks, and became European Champion in 2000 with maximum points. In ] and Formula Super A, racing for TeamMBM.com, his team mate was ] who would later drive for the ] and ] teams in Formula One. Following his karting successes the ] made him a "Rising Star" Member in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mclaren.com/drivers/lewis-hamilton|title=Lewis Hamilton Biography|publisher=Vodafone McLaren Mercedes official website|accessdate=5 July 2007}}</ref> Hamilton continued his progress in the ] (1999), Formula A (2000) and Formula Super A (2001) ranks, and became European Champion in 2000 with maximum points. In ] and Formula Super A, racing for TeamMBM.com, his teammate was ], who would later drive for the ] and Mercedes teams in Formula One; they would later team up again for Mercedes from 2013 to 2016. Following his karting successes, the ] made him a "Rising Star" Member in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mclaren.com/drivers/lewis-hamilton |title=Lewis Hamilton Biography |publisher=Vodafone McLaren Mercedes official website |access-date=5 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100313142434/http://mclaren.com/drivers/lewis-hamilton |archive-date=13 March 2010 }}</ref> In 2001, ] made a one-off return to karts and competed against Hamilton along with other future Formula One drivers ] and ]. Hamilton ended the final in seventh, four places behind Schumacher. Although the two saw little of each other on the track, Schumacher praised the young Briton.<ref name="hamiltonschumacherf1f">{{cite web|title=When Hamilton raced Schumacher|publisher=F1Fanatic.co.uk|year=2007|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2007/09/18/when-hamilton-raced-schumacher/|access-date=10 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011112609/http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2007/09/18/when-hamilton-raced-schumacher/|archive-date=11 October 2007|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2001, ] made a one-off return to karts and competed against Hamilton along with other future F1 drivers ] and Nico Rosberg. Hamilton ended the final in seventh, four places behind Schumacher. Although the two saw little of each other on the track Schumacher praised the young Briton (see quote box).<ref name="hamiltonschumacherf1f">{{cite web|title=When Hamilton raced Schumacher|publisher=F1Fanatic.co.uk|year=2007|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2007/09/18/when-hamilton-raced-schumacher/|accessdate=10 June 2007}}</ref>


===Formula Renault and Formula Three=== ===Formula Renault and Formula Three===
Hamilton began his car racing career in the 2001 British Formula Renault Winter Series. Despite crashing on his third lap in the car in testing, he finished fifth overall in the winter series.<ref name="hamiltonf1fbio"/> This led to a full 2002 ] campaign with Manor Motorsport. Hamilton finished third overall with three wins and three pole positions. He remained with Manor for another year and won the championship with ten wins and 419 points to the two wins and 377 points of his nearest rival, ]. Having clinched the championship, Hamilton missed the last two races of the season to make his debut in the season finale of the ]. Here he was less successful: in the first race he was forced out with a puncture,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=138456&FS=BF3|title=Brands Hatch round 23 race report|last=Thomas|first=Stella-Maria|coauthors=Waite, Lynne|date=10 October 2003|publisher=Motorsport.com|accessdate=5 July 2007}}</ref> and in the second he crashed out and was taken to hospital after a collision with his team-mate Tor Graves.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=138458&FS=BF3|title=Brands Hatch round 24 race report|last=Thomas|first=Stella-Maria |coauthors=Waite, Lynne|date=13 October 2003|publisher=Motorsport.com|accessdate=5 July 2007}}</ref> He did show his speed at both the ] and ], in the latter he qualified on pole position in his first visit to the track and in only his fourth F3 race. Asked in 2002 about the prospect of becoming one of the youngest ever ] drivers, Hamilton replied that his goal was "not to be the youngest in F1 ... to be experienced and then show what I can do in F1".<ref name=CAR200207>{{cite journal|authorlink=Jeremy Hart|title=The next big thing. The sky's the limit for British teenager Lewis Hamilton, whom McLaren is grooming for F1. And it's purely down to his talent|journal=CAR Magazine|volume=|pages=146–149|date=July 2002}}</ref> Hamilton began his car racing career in the 2001 British Formula Renault Winter Series, finishing fifth in the standings.<ref name="hamiltonf1fbio"/> This led to a full 2002 ] campaign with Manor Motorsport in which he finished fifth overall.<ref>{{cite web |title=Formula Renault 2.0 UK 2002 standings |url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-renault-20-eurocup/2002/|website=driverdb.com |publisher=Driver Database |access-date=19 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706182659/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-renault-20-eurocup/2002/|archive-date=6 July 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> He remained with Manor for another year, winning the championship ahead of ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Formula Renault 2.0 UK 2003 standings |url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-renault-20-uk/2003/ |website=driverdb.com |publisher=Driver Database |access-date=19 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220918222407/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-renault-20-uk/2003/ |archive-date=18 September 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Having clinched the championship, Hamilton missed the last two races of the season to make his debut in the season finale of the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=British Formula 3 Championship 2003 standings |url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-3-britain/2003/ |website=driverdb.com |publisher=Driver Database |access-date=19 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223022300/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-3-britain/2003/ |archive-date=23 December 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> In his first race he was forced out with a puncture,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=138456&FS=BF3|title=Brands Hatch round 23 race report|last=Thomas|first=Stella-Maria|author2=Waite, Lynne|date=10 October 2003|publisher=Motorsport.com|access-date=5 July 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930014439/http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=138456&FS=BF3|archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref> and in the second he crashed out and was taken to hospital after a collision with teammate ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=138458&FS=BF3|title=Brands Hatch round 24 race report|last=Thomas|first=Stella-Maria|author2=Waite, Lynne|date=13 October 2003|publisher=Motorsport.com|access-date=5 July 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927190701/http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=138458&FS=BF3|archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref>


Asked in 2002 about the prospect of becoming one of the youngest ever Formula One drivers, Hamilton replied that his goal was "not to be the youngest in Formula One" but rather "to be experienced and then show what I can do in Formula One".<ref name="CAR200207">{{cite magazine|title=The next big thing. The sky's the limit for British teenager Lewis Hamilton, whom McLaren is grooming for F1. And it's purely down to his talent|magazine=CAR Magazine|pages=146–149|date=July 2002}}</ref> He made his debut with Manor in the 2004 ], ending the year fifth in the championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=Formula 3 Euro Series 2004 standings|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-3-euro-series/2004/|access-date=19 December 2018|website=driverdb.com|publisher=Driver Database|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200005/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-3-euro-series/2004/|archive-date=24 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> He also won the Bahrain F3 Superprix,<ref>{{cite news|title=1st Bahrain F3 Superprix 2004 Race|url=http://www.formula3.info/saison2004/bahrain/race2.htm|access-date=1 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710175034/http://www.formula3.info/saison2004/bahrain/race2.htm|archive-date=10 July 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> and twice raced in the ].<ref>{{cite web|date=16 November 2003|title=Hamilton misses podium|url=http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/25310|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719130650/http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/25310|archive-date=19 July 2018|access-date=1 December 2020|work=Autosport}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=21 November 2004|title=Macau: Bad day for the Brits|url=http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/40892|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721173156/http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/40892|archive-date=21 July 2018|access-date=20 July 2018|work=Autosport}}</ref> Williams had come close to signing Hamilton but did not because ], their engine supplier at the time, would not fund him.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=41844|title=Williams 'came close to Lewis deal'|date=2 March 2008|publisher=ITV-F1.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302135515/http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=41844|archive-date=2 March 2008}}</ref> Hamilton eventually re-signed with McLaren. According to then McLaren executive and future CEO ], who was responsible for guiding Hamilton through the team's young driver programme, he and Anthony Hamilton had a "huge row" at the end of the season, with his father pushing for him to move up to GP2 for 2005, while Whitmarsh felt that he should remain in Formula 3 for a second season, culminating in Whitmarsh tearing up Hamilton's contract; however, Hamilton called Whitmarsh six weeks later and re-signed with the team.<ref name=benson />
Later in 2004 ] would announce that they had come close to signing him but were refused the opportunity due to ], their engine supplier at the time, refusing to fund Hamilton's career.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=41844|title=Williams 'came close to Lewis deal'|date=2 March 2008|publisher=ITV-F1.com}}</ref> Hamilton eventually re-signed with McLaren, and made his debut with Manor in the 2004 ]. They won one race and Hamilton ended the year fifth in the championship. He also won the Bahrain F3 Superprix and raced one of the ]. Hamilton first tested for ] in late 2004 at ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.crash.net/f1/news/50828/1/new_mclaren_bad_news_for_wurz.html|title=New McLaren bad news for Wurz|work=crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|date=16 December 2004|accessdate=17 August 2010}}</ref>


Hamilton moved to the reigning Euro Series champions ASM for the 2005 season and dominated the championship, winning 15 of the 20 rounds. This would have been 16 but for being disqualified from one win at ] on a technical infringement that caught out several other drivers.<ref name=hamiltonf1fbio/> He also won the ] at ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Lewis Hamilton portrait|url=http://f3euroseries.com/news_newsausgabe.php?id=977|work=f3euroseries.com|publisher=]|date=28 August 2005|accessdate=17 August 2010}}</ref> After the season British magazine '']'' featured him in their "Top 50 Drivers of 2005" issue, ranking Hamilton 24th.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/f1-information/whos-who/whos-who-h/lewis-hamilton/|title=Lewis Hamilton biography and information|work=F1 Fanatic|publisher=Keith Collantine|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref> Hamilton first tested for McLaren in late 2004 at ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.crash.net/f1/news/50828/1/new_mclaren_bad_news_for_wurz.html|title=New McLaren bad news for Wurz|publisher=crash.net|date=16 December 2004|access-date=17 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305085550/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/50828/1/new_mclaren_bad_news_for_wurz.html|archive-date=5 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton moved to the reigning Euro Series champions ASM for the 2005 season and dominated the championship, winning 15 of the 20 rounds.<ref name=hamiltonf1fbio/> He also won the ] at ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Lewis Hamilton portrait |url=http://f3euroseries.com/news_newsausgabe.php?id=977 |publisher=] |date=28 August 2005 |access-date=17 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206015911/http://www.f3euroseries.com/news_newsausgabe.php?id=977 |archive-date=6 December 2010 }}</ref> After the season British magazine '']'' featured him in their "Top 50 Drivers of 2005" issue, ranking Hamilton 24th.<ref name="hamiltonf1fbio"/>


===GP2=== ===GP2===
Hamilton moved to ASM's sister GP2 team, ], for the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/formula1/driver/profile/0,20666,12479_2454888_809,00.html|title=Lewis Hamilton|work=]|publisher=]|date=10 February 2010|access-date=31 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100904234425/http://www.skysports.com/formula1/driver/profile/0,20666,12479_2454888_809,00.html|archive-date=4 September 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Hamilton won the GP2 championship at his first attempt, beating ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |title=2006 GP2 SERIES - Standings |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/gp2/2006-gp2-series |website=motorsportmagazine.com |publisher=Motor Sport Magazine |access-date=19 December 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230906204803/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2006-gp2-series/ |archive-date=6 September 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> He secured a dominant win at the ], after a penalty for speeding in the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Nurburgring 2006: Hamilton beats penalty and rest |url=https://www.crash.net/gp2/race-report/67144/1/nurburgring-2006-hamilton-beats-penalty-and-rest |access-date=19 December 2018 |work=crash.net |agency=Crash |date=6 May 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707020655/https://www.crash.net/gp2/race-report/67144/1/nurburgring-2006-hamilton-beats-penalty-and-rest |archive-date=7 July 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> At his home race at ], Hamilton overtook two rivals at Becketts, a series of high-speed bends where overtaking is rare.<ref>{{cite news |title=Silverstone: DAMS team race two report |url=https://www.motorsport.com/fia-f2/news/hamilton-unrivaled-in-silverstone-sprint-race/221089/?nrt=73 |access-date=19 December 2018 |work=motorsport.com |agency=Motorsport Network |date=14 June 2006 |archive-date=20 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220235109/https://www.motorsport.com/fia-f2/news/hamilton-unrivaled-in-silverstone-sprint-race/221089/?nrt=73 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In Istanbul he recovered from a spin that left him in eighteenth place to take second.<ref>{{cite news |title=Istanbul 2006: Zuber win overshadowed by Hamilton |url=https://www.crash.net/gp2/race-report/67521/1/istanbul-2006-zuber-win-overshadowed-by-hamilton |access-date=19 December 2018 |work=crash.net |agency=Crash |date=27 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230611/https://www.crash.net/gp2/race-report/67521/1/istanbul-2006-zuber-win-overshadowed-by-hamilton |archive-date=20 December 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton won the title in unusual circumstances, inheriting the final point he needed after ] was stripped of fastest lap in the ] feature race.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gp2series.com/en/website/2008gp2series/insidegp2/about-gp2/GP2-history/ |title=GP2 Series&nbsp;– History |publisher=GP2 Series (official website) |access-date=5 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517030121/http://www.gp2series.com/en//website/2008gp2series/insidegp2/about-gp2/GP2-history/ |archive-date=17 May 2008 }}</ref>
Due to his success in Formula Three, he moved to ASM's sister GP2 team ] for ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/formula1/driver/profile/0,20666,12479_2454888_809,00.html|title=Lewis Hamilton|publisher=]|work=]|date=10 February 2010|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref> Just like their sister team in F3, ART were the leaders of the field and reigning champions having taken the 2005 GP2 crown with ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.attwilliams.com/team/profiles/nico-rosberg/|title=Nico Rosberg|publisher=]|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref> Hamilton won the GP2 championship at his first attempt, beating ] and ].


==Formula One career==
His performances included a dominant win at the ], despite serving a penalty for speeding in the ]. At his home race at ], supporting the {{F1 GP|2006|British}}, Hamilton overtook two rivals at Becketts, a series of high-speed (up to 150&nbsp;mph in a GP2 car) bends where overtaking is rare. In Istanbul he recovered from a spin that left him in eighteenth place to take second position in the final corners. He won the title in unusual circumstances, inheriting the final point he needed after ] was stripped of fastest lap in the ] feature race. In the sprint race, though he finished second with Piquet sixth, he finished twelve points clear of his rival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gp2series.com/en/website/2008gp2series/insidegp2/about-gp2/GP2-history/|title=GP2 Series&nbsp;– History|publisher=GP2 Series (official website)|accessdate=5 July 2007}}</ref>
===McLaren (2007–2012)===
Hamilton's success in the GP2 championship coincided with a vacancy at ] following the departure of ] to ] and ] to ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5168206.stm|title=McLaren agree to release Montoya|work=BBC Sport|date=11 July 2006|access-date=28 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060917163255/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5168206.stm|archive-date=17 September 2006|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5332710.stm|title=Ferrari reveal Räikkönen signing|work=BBC Sport|date=10 September 2006|access-date=28 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109034829/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5332710.stm|archive-date=9 November 2006|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton was given nearly {{convert|5,000|mi|km}} of private testing to acclimatise himself to the ], alongside ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?series=6&id=2822961 |title=F1 newcomer Hamilton 'is going to be phenomenal' |last=Knutson |first=Dan |date=2 April 2007 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223145841/https://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?series=6&id=2822961 |archive-date=23 December 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10581481/lewis-hamiltons-first-full-f1-test-10-years-on-from-his-big-f1-break |title=Lewis Hamilton's first full F1 test: 10 years on from his big breakthrough |last=Galloway |first=James |date=21 September 2016 |website=] |access-date=25 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002104947/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10581481/lewis-hamiltons-first-full-f1-test-10-years-on-from-his-big-f1-break |archive-date=2 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Ultimately, Hamilton was confirmed as the team's second driver;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6179704.stm|title=Hamilton gets 2007 McLaren drive|work=BBC Sport|date=24 November 2006|access-date=28 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070908132759/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6179704.stm|archive-date=8 September 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> the announcement was not made public for nearly two months, reportedly to avoid being overlooked by ]'s retirement announcement.<ref name="Tremayne">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/hamiltons-f1-drive-is-a-dream-come-true-425740.html|title=Hamilton's F1 drive is a dream come true|author=Tremayne, David|date=25 November 2006|access-date=25 November 2006|work=The Independent|location=London|archive-date=16 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916115706/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/hamiltons-f1-drive-is-a-dream-come-true-425740.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>


====2007–2008: Record-breaking debut seasons====
His 2006 GP2 championship coincided with a vacancy at McLaren following the departure of ] to ] and ] to ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5168206.stm|title=McLaren agree to release Montoya|publisher=]|work=]|date=11 July 2006|accessdate=28 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5332710.stm|title=Ferrari reveal Raikkonen signing|publisher=]|work=]|date=10 September 2006|accessdate=28 February 2009}}</ref> After months of speculation on whether Hamilton, ] or ] would be paired with defending champion Fernando Alonso for {{f1|2007}}, Hamilton was confirmed as the team's second driver.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6179704.stm|title=Hamilton gets 2007 McLaren drive|publisher=]|work=]|date=24 November 2006|accessdate=28 February 2009}}</ref> He was told of McLaren's decision on 30 September, but the news was not made public until 24 November, for fear that it would be overshadowed by ]'s retirement announcement.<ref name="Tremayne">{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/hamiltons-f1-drive-is-a-dream-come-true-425740.html|title=Hamilton's F1 drive is a dream come true|author=Tremayne, David|date=25 November 2006|accessdate=25 November 2006|publisher=]|location=London}}</ref>
], in his sixth appearance.]]
Hamilton's ] in Formula One saw him partner two-time defending World Drivers' Champion ] at McLaren.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 September 2021 |title=The incredible tale of McLaren and Mercedes' F1 split |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/the-incredible-tale-of-mclaren-and-mercedes-f1-split/ |access-date=12 February 2024 |website=The Race |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212201406/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/the-incredible-tale-of-mclaren-and-mercedes-f1-split/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the season-opening {{F1GP|2007|Australian}}, Hamilton became the first—and, {{as of|2024||lc=y}}, only—] driver to race in the series.<ref>{{cite news|title=Grenadian roots of first black F1 driver|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/caribbean/news/story/2006/11/061127_grenadaf1.shtml|date=27 November 2006|publisher=BBC|access-date=12 December 2006|quote=The first black driver named to race in Formula One|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070322182924/https://www.bbc.co.uk/caribbean/news/story/2006/11/061127_grenadaf1.shtml|archive-date=22 March 2007|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1528611/Formula-One%27s-first-black-driver-to-take-his-place-on-grid.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080831041311/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1528611/Formula-One%27s-first-black-driver-to-take-his-place-on-grid.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 August 2008|title=Formula One's first black driver to take his place on grid|last=Garside|first=Kevin|author2=Britten, Nick |date=13 September 2006|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=26 June 2008|location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1609725,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070429021936/http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1609725,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 April 2007|title=Lewis Hamilton: The Tiger Woods of Racing?|last=Smith|first=Adam|date=12 April 2007|magazine=Time|access-date=26 June 2008}}</ref> After finishing third on debut,<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 December 2009 |title=Formula 1's Greatest Drivers: 17. Michael Schumacher<!--Formula 1's Greatest Drivers – Lewis Hamilton--> |url=http://f1greatestdrivers.autosport.com/?driver=17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105161925/http://f1greatestdrivers.autosport.com/?driver=17 |archive-date=5 November 2013 |access-date=10 February 2024 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref> Hamilton went on to set several records,<ref name="BBC 2018">{{cite news|title=Lewis Hamilton is in Formula 1's top five, says Fernando Alonso|publisher=BBC|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45905592|date=19 October 2018|access-date=19 October 2018|archive-date=19 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019130336/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45905592|url-status=live}}</ref> including the ] (9), the ] (4, shared with ]) and the most points in a debut season (109).<ref name="Maltby 2018">{{cite web |last=Maltby |first=Matt |date=1 November 2018|title=Hamilton x5: The stats that prove his greatness |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-x5-the-stats-that-prove-his-greatness.78RWOkP4fmyeYg2MokkoEG.html |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=1 November 2018 |archive-date=1 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101155918/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-x5-the-stats-that-prove-his-greatness.78RWOkP4fmyeYg2MokkoEG.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Acquiring the championship lead as early as in the ] of the season, Hamilton became the youngest driver to lead the World Drivers' Championship. After strategical missteps by McLaren in the closing rounds of the season, amongst a retirement at the {{F1GP|2007|Chinese}}, Hamilton's 12-point advantage in the standings evanesced.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |date=24 November 2020|title=The mysterious loss of Hamilton's first F1 title |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/the-mysterious-loss-of-hamiltons-first-f1-title/ |website=the-race.com |access-date=23 September 2024 |archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124100501/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/the-mysterious-loss-of-hamiltons-first-f1-title/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/do-you-remember-hamiltons-rookie-title-bid-hitting-the-rocks-in.4A4wST7ALsdxY3syUvFhIc |title=Do you remember… Hamilton’s rookie title bid hitting the rocks in China |date=7 April 2015 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909145556/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/do-you-remember-hamiltons-rookie-title-bid-hitting-the-rocks-in.4A4wST7ALsdxY3syUvFhIc |archive-date=9 September 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> He finished runner-up in the championship to Räikkönen by one point, classified ahead of teammate Alonso whilst finishing level on points.{{efn-num|Hamilton and Alonso both scored 109 points in {{F1|2007}}, with Hamilton classified ahead on count-back, by virtue of having more second-placed finishes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46226823 |title=Fernando Alonso: Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, 'spy-gate' & threats & demands to Ron Dennis |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=19 November 2018 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=6 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206162734/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46226823 |archive-date=6 December 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>}} Throughout the season, Hamilton and Alonso were involved in several incidents, which resulted in inter-team tensions, culminating in Alonso and McLaren terminating their contract by mutual consent.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/how-alonso-and-hamiltons-2007-feud-erupted-its-going-to-be-a-fight/ |title=How Alonso and Hamilton's 2007 feud erupted: 'It's going to be a fight' |last= |first= |date=4 July 2023 |website=] |issn=0027-2019 |access-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826041524/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/how-alonso-and-hamiltons-2007-feud-erupted-its-going-to-be-a-fight/ |archive-date=26 August 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ALO07">{{Cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7074737.stm |title=Alonso and McLaren agree to split |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=2 November 2007 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113152512/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7074737.stm |archive-date=13 November 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton signed a {{currency|50|GBP}} million contract to stay with the team until the end of 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7196436.stm|title=Hamilton signs new McLaren deal|work=BBC Sport|date=18 January 2008|access-date=31 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202042227/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7196436.stm|archive-date=2 December 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>


] with McLaren at the ].|left]]
==Formula One career==
Partnering ] for {{F1|2008}}, Hamilton's winning form continued as he amassed five race victories and 10 podium finishes. At the rain-affected {{F1GP|2008|British}}, he won by over a minute from second-placed ], which was widely acclaimed as one of the greatest wet-weather performances in Formula One history.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tremayne|first=David|author-link=David Tremayne|date=4 April 2019|title=Lewis Hamilton's wet-weather masterclass at the 2008 British Grand Prix - F1's Best Drives #8|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1s-best-drives-8-hamiltons-wet-weather-masterclass-at-silverstone.YtsrQVjDDKr2FQQM5DLIs.html|url-status=live|access-date=16 February 2024|website=formula1.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404104158/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1s-best-drives-8-hamiltons-wet-weather-masterclass-at-silverstone.YtsrQVjDDKr2FQQM5DLIs.html |archive-date=4 April 2019}}</ref> As the season reached its conclusion, the championship became a two-way fight between Hamilton and Ferrari's ]. Hamilton won his first title at the season-ending {{F1GP|2008|Brazilian}}, overtaking ] for fifth-place at the final corners of the last lap to become the then-youngest ], and deny race-winner Massa the title by one point.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7705230.stm|title=Last-gasp Hamilton takes F1 crown|first=Andrew|last=Benson|work=]|date=2 November 2008|access-date=20 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019171348/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7705230.stm|archive-date=19 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/11/8635.html |title=Hamilton speechless after dramatic title finale |publisher=Formula One |access-date=26 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205143351/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/11/8635.html |archive-date=5 December 2008 }}</ref> Hamilton also became the ] to win the World Drivers' Championship since ] in {{F1|1996}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7705310.stm|title=2008 Brazilian Grand Prix|work=BBC Sport|date=2 November 2008|access-date=31 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508142243/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7705310.stm|archive-date=8 May 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>
===2007 season===
].]]
]]]
] behind Ferrari's ]]]
].]]
It was announced prior to the start of the season that Hamilton would be partnering defending double World Champion ] who had joined McLaren after leaving ]. On his debut at the {{F1 GP|2007|Australian}}, he qualified fourth and finished third in the race, becoming the thirteenth driver to finish on the podium in his first F1 career race (excluding those in the first ever World Championship round).<ref name="Super Wheels">{{cite news|url=http://www.supersportzone.co.za/Motorsport/columns.aspx?id=5221&headline=Hamilton|title=Hamilton still has long way to go|work=Super Wheels|publisher=Reuters|date=22 March 2007|accessdate=5 July 2007}}</ref> In ], Hamilton got his first front-row start, qualifying and finishing second behind ]. Hamilton again finished second behind Massa in the {{F1 GP|2007|Spanish}}, to take the lead in the drivers championship.<ref name="bahrain07">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6557493.stm|title=Massa holds off battling Hamilton|accessdate=17 April 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 April 2007 | first=Julian | last=Shea}}</ref> This meant that Hamilton broke ]'s record of being the youngest driver to ever lead the world championship.<ref name="Spain07">{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailyf1news.com/dailyf1news/nieuw/artikel.php?nwsID=3176|title=Race notes: Spanish GP|accessdate=13 May 2007|publisher=Daily F1 News|year=2007}}</ref>


====2009–2012: Final years at McLaren====
Hamilton finished second behind Alonso at ] and afterwards suggested he was prevented from racing his team mate. The ] cleared McLaren following an investigation. Hamilton had both his first ] and first victory of his F1 career in the {{F1 GP|2007|Canadian}} at ]. He led for most of the race even after the ] was deployed four times increasing the chances of him being overtaken.<ref>{{cite news|title=Canadian Grand Prix|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6739373.stm|date=10 June 2007|accessdate=11 June 2007 | first=Andrew | last=Benson}}</ref> A week later Hamilton won the {{F1 GP|2007|United States}}, also from pole position, becoming the first Briton since ] in ] to win an F1 race in the US,<ref name="usgpfactsstats">{{cite web|title=United States Grand Prix facts and statistics|publisher=F1Fanatic.co.uk|year=2007|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2007/06/18/united-states-grand-prix-facts-statistics/|accessdate=6 October 2007}}</ref> and only the second person, after ], to win more than one race in his rookie Formula One season since the first year of the Championship.
During his final four years with McLaren—a period largely dominated by ]—Hamilton continued to score podium finishes and race victories, and once challenged for the title. Major technical regulation changes in {{F1|2009}} led to a challenging start for McLaren.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 March 2009 |title=McLaren admit car isn't fast enough |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/mar/13/lewis-hamilton-mclaren-problems-testing |access-date=16 September 2024 |website=] |archive-date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916171033/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/mar/13/lewis-hamilton-mclaren-problems-testing |url-status=live }}</ref> Often qualifying outside of the top ten, and struggling to consistently score points, Hamilton was unable to defend his title. Major upgrades at the {{F1GP|2009|German}} saw a dramatic improvement in performance of the ]. From that point onward, Hamilton advanced from eleventh to fifth in the standings, outscoring the rest of the field across the remaining nine rounds.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 May 2022 |title=When Hamilton had a rubbish F1 car - 2009 McLaren |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/video/when-hamilton-had-a-rubbish-f1-car-2009-mclaren/571751/ |access-date=16 September 2024 |website=] |archive-date=21 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821193840/https://www.autosport.com/f1/video/when-hamilton-had-a-rubbish-f1-car-2009-mclaren/571751/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


{{#invoke:multiple image|
By finishing third at ] behind ] drivers ] and Felipe Massa, Hamilton extended his lead in the Driver's Championship to 14 points.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grandprix.com/race/r776racereport.html|title=French GP – Sunday – Race Report|work=GrandPrix.com|publisher=Inside F1, Inc.|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref> This was the first time in his F1 career he finished a race in a lower position than he started, and the first time he had been passed on the race track in Formula One.{{Citation needed|date=September 2010}} He took pole at his home Grand Prix at ] and led for the first 16 laps, but slipped to third, 40 seconds behind Räikkönen and Alonso.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6282190.stm|title=British Grand Prix 2007|publisher=]|work=]|first=Benson|last=Andrew|date=8 July 2007|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref>
| align = left
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| image1 = Hamilton puncture Spain 2010.png
| image2 = Hamilton 2012 brazil retire.jpg
| footer = Several race retirements hindered Hamilton's chances of winning the title in {{F1|2010}} and {{F1|2012}}. Pictured are the ] ''(left)'', and ] ''(right)'', with the latter being his final race for McLaren.
}}
In {{F1|2010}}, Hamilton was partnered by reigning World Drivers' Champion ].<ref>{{cite news |date=18 November 2009 |title=Jenson Button signs with McLaren in all-British line-up |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/18/jenson-button-lewis-hamilton-mclaren |access-date=18 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407155730/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/18/jenson-button-lewis-hamilton-mclaren |url-status=live}}</ref> Whilst McLaren struggled to match the outright pace of Red Bull and ],<ref>{{cite news |date=13 December 2010 |title=2010 in stats part three: car performance |url=https://www.racefans.net/2010/12/13/2010-in-stats-part-three-car-performance/ |access-date=17 December 2024 |work=Race Fans |archive-date=4 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204000725/https://www.racefans.net/2010/12/13/2010-in-stats-part-three-car-performance/ |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=Content is challenged in the article's comment section, uses (non-competitive) free practice data.|date=December 2024}} Hamilton engaged in a four-way title battle throughout the season with ], ] and ]. At the {{F1GP|2010|Canadian}}, Hamilton secured McLaren's only pole position of the season, and took the championship lead after winning the race.<ref>{{cite news |date=13 July 2010 |title=Lewis Hamilton wins Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/18/jenson-button-lewis-hamilton-mclaren |access-date=18 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=24 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624065442/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8737884.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> After several retirements during the latter half of the season, Hamilton lost points to his rivals and, ultimately, the championship lead.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 September 2010 |title=Hamilton F1 hopes fading |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/arid-30475303.html |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=Irish Examiner |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923135949/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/arid-30475303.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He entered the ] of the season with an outside chance of winning the title, but finished fourth as Vettel won his maiden title.<ref>{{cite news |date=14 November 2010 |title=Sebastian Vettel wins Formula One world championship in Abu Dhabi |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/nov/14/sebastian-vettel-champion |access-date=18 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=16 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216025751/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/nov/14/sebastian-vettel-champion |url-status=live}}</ref>


{{F1|2011}} emerged as a challenging year for Hamilton, marking the first season he had been out-scored by a teammate, as Button finished runner-up to Vettel. Drawbacks in his private life, as well as multiple run-ins with FIA officials, contributed to inconsistent performances from Hamilton throughout the season.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 December 2012 |title=The year the wheels and everything else came off for Lewis Hamilton |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/dec/11/lewis-hamilton-f1-mclaren |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=1 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301100459/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/dec/11/lewis-hamilton-f1-mclaren |url-status=live }}</ref> Hamilton finished fifth in the standings with three race wins; he secured the only non-Red Bull pole position of the season at the {{F1GP|2011|Korean}}, and vowed he would return to form for {{F1|2012}}.<ref>{{cite news |agency=Press Association |date=9 March 2012 |title=McLaren's Lewis Hamilton envisages much closer F1 season in 2012 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/mar/09/mclaren-lewis-hamilton-f1-season |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224000715/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/mar/09/mclaren-lewis-hamilton-f1-season |url-status=live }}</ref> That season, Hamilton finished fourth in the standings and achieved four race wins amidst several operational failures and reliability issues, akin to the 2010 season.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 September 2012 |title=Hamilton's chequered 2012 season |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/formula1/19765940 |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=BBC Sport |archive-date=23 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623215758/https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/formula1/19765940 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=22 December 2012 |title=Formula 1 2012: What a Year |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/20824978 |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=BBC Sport |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705095742/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/20824978 |url-status=live }}</ref> '']'' analysis revealed Hamilton had lost an estimated 110 points due to race retirements and other misfortunes, taking him out of a potential title fight.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 November 2012 |title=Analysis: How the points, and the title, slipped away for Lewis Hamilton |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/analysis-how-the-points-and-the-title-slipped-away-for-lewis-hamilton/3219278/ |access-date=9 February 2024 |website=Motorsport.com |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209131835/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/analysis-how-the-points-and-the-title-slipped-away-for-lewis-hamilton/3219278/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to the end of the year, Hamilton announced—to widespread surprise—that he would be joining Mercedes for the {{F1|2013}} season, replacing the retiring ].<ref name="halloffame">{{cite web |last=Donaldson |first=Gerald |date=2018|title=Lewis Hamilton – Hall of fame |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers/hall-of-fame/Lewis_Hamilton.html |website=Formula1.com |publisher=FIA Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920231333/https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers/hall-of-fame/Lewis_Hamilton.html |archive-date=20 September 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>
During qualifying for the {{F1 GP|2007|European}}, Hamilton crashed at the ] after a problem with the ] caused by the air gun used on his car. He was taken to the ] medical centre on a stretcher with an oxygen mask and drip, but was conscious throughout.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hamilton unhurt following crash|work=]|publisher=]|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6910032.stm|date=21 July 2007|accessdate=17 August 2010}}</ref> He was unable to complete qualifying and his existing laptime was surpassed by all other competitors during Q3, thus he qualified in tenth position.<ref>{{cite news|title=Räikkönen storms to pole as Hamilton crashes out|publisher=formula1.com|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/7/6508.html|date=21 July 2007|accessdate=21 July 2007}}</ref> After a final medical check on Sunday morning, Hamilton was cleared to race.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hamilton cleared to race in the Euro GP|publisher=itv-f1.com|url=http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=40127|date=22 July 2007|accessdate=22 July 2007}}</ref> During a heavy rainstorm which caused the race to be red-flagged Hamilton slid off into a gravel trap, however as he kept his engine running he was lifted back on to the circuit and able to rejoin the race after the restart. His ninth place finish in this race was his first non-podium and non-points finish, enabling title contenders Alonso and Massa to reduce Hamilton's championship lead.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6910755.stm|title=European Grand Prix 2007|author=Benson, Andrew|publisher=]|work=]|accessdate=7 September 2010 | date=22 July 2007}}</ref>


===Mercedes (2013–2024)===
Hamilton won the {{F1 GP|2007|Hungarian}} from pole position following a controversial qualifying session. Alonso had set the fastest time, but was relegated five places down the grid to sixth for preventing Hamilton to leave the pit lane in time to complete his final qualifying lap. Kimi Räikkönen stayed within five seconds of Hamilton for the entire race (excluding pit stop periods). McLaren were docked any constructor's points earned during the race due to the incident in qualifying.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grandprix.com/race/r779racereport.html|title=Hungarian GP – Sunday – Race Report|publisher=grandprix.com|accessdate=7 September 2010}}</ref>
====2013–2016: Teammates with Rosberg====
] whilst teammates at ], widely known as ''The ] War''.]]
Upon signing with ] in {{F1|2013}}, Hamilton was reunited with his childhood karting teammate, ]. The move was met with surprise by pundits and the public, with some describing the move to Mercedes—a team with no recent history of success—as a gamble.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cary |first1=Tom |title=Lewis Hamilton to join Mercedes in $100m move from McLaren, signing a three-year deal |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/9572696/Lewis-Hamilton-to-join-Mercedes-in-100m-move-from-McLaren-signing-a-three-year-deal.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/9572696/Lewis-Hamilton-to-join-Mercedes-in-100m-move-from-McLaren-signing-a-three-year-deal.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=29 November 2018 |work=The Telegraph |publisher=telegraph.co.uk |date=28 September 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gill |first1=Pete |title=Lewis Hamilton joins Mercedes for 2013 |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/22058/8129689/lewis-hamilton-joins-mercedes-for-2013-the-potential-winners-and-losers |access-date=29 November 2018 |work=Sky Sports |publisher=skysports.com |date=4 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801121751/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/22058/8129689/lewis-hamilton-joins-mercedes-for-2013-the-potential-winners-and-losers |archive-date=1 August 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> In his first season with the ]-based team, Hamilton secured a sole race victory, winning the {{F1GP|2013|Hungarian}} from pole position.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.racecar.com/Motorsport/News/Lewis-Hamilton-takes-pole-to-flag-victory-in-hungary/59153.htm|title=Lewis Hamilton takes pole to flag victory in Hungary|work=Racecar|publisher=Racecar New Media Services Ltd.|date=28 July 2013|access-date=31 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517185613/http://www.racecar.com/Motorsport/News/Lewis-Hamilton-takes-pole-to-flag-victory-in-hungary/59153.htm|archive-date=17 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> With four further podium finishes and pole positions, Hamilton finished fourth in the standings for the third time in five years.<ref name="halloffame"/>


Changes to ] for the {{F1|2014}} season, which mandated the use of ], contributed to the start of a highly successful era for Hamilton. Mercedes won 16 of the 19 races held that season; Hamilton secured a career-best 11 victories as he prevailed in a season-long duel for the title against teammate Rosberg. Clinching his second championship at the final race in ], Hamilton declared over team radio it was "the greatest day of life".<ref name="halloffame"/>
After declaring he had restored his relationship with Alonso,<ref name="Hamilton calls for truce">{{cite news|title=Hamilton calls for truce and targets the bigger battles ahead|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/aug/25/motorsports.sport|work=sport.guardian.co.uk|publisher=Guardian Unlimited|date=25 August 2007|accessdate=25 August 2007|location=London|first=Richard|last=Williams}}</ref> Hamilton qualified second in ]. After dropping to third at the first corner, Hamilton looked set for a podium finish with 15 laps remaining, but a right-front tyre puncture forced him to crawl back to the pits, leaving him to finish fifth meaning his championship lead was cut once more.<ref>{{cite news|title=Turkish Grand Prix 2007|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6964650.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 August 2007|accessdate=26 August 2007 | first=Andrew | last=Benson}}</ref>


Hamilton dominated the {{F1|2015}} season, winning 10 races from a ] 17 podium finishes, as he achieved his first back-to-back championships.<ref name="Coulthard 2015">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/11954394/Lewis-Hamilton-has-proved-himself-to-be-the-best-F1-driver-of-his-generation.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/11954394/Lewis-Hamilton-has-proved-himself-to-be-the-best-F1-driver-of-his-generation.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Lewis Hamilton has proved himself to be the best F1 driver of his generation|last=Coulthard|first=David|date=26 October 2015|work=The Telegraph|access-date=9 August 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ] intensified, climaxing in a heated battle at the {{F1GP|2015|United States}}, where Hamilton clinched the title with three races to spare.<ref name="halloffame" /> Hamilton extended his contract with Mercedes for three additional years in a deal reportedly worth more than {{currency|100|GBP}}&nbsp;million;<ref name="telegraph.co.uk">{{cite news|last1=Johnson|first1=Daniel|title=Lewis Hamilton signs £100m deal with Mercedes|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/11617842/Lewis-Hamilton-signs-100m-deal-with-Mercedes.html|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=21 May 2015|date=20 May 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150522045857/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/11617842/Lewis-Hamilton-signs-100m-deal-with-Mercedes.html |archive-date=22 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Weaver|first1=Paul|title=Lewis Hamilton agrees £100m deal to stay at Mercedes for three years|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/20/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-deal-formula-one-monaco|work=The Guardian|access-date=21 May 2015|date=20 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620031204/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/20/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-deal-formula-one-monaco|archive-date=20 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> the deal allowed Hamilton to retain his own image rights and keep his championship-winning cars and trophies.<ref name="telegraph.co.uk" />
Alonso beat Hamilton in the ] and ] Grands Prix, leaving Hamilton with a two-point lead in the title race. However he extended his lead to 12 points after winning the {{F1 GP|2007|Japanese}} in heavy rain after Alonso crashed. Following the race Hamilton was investigated by the race stewards over his involvement in an incident behind the safety car, which saw both ] and ] crash out of the race while following the McLaren. The trio were cleared on the Friday of the {{F1 GP|2007|Chinese}} weekend.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forumula1.net/2007/f1/f1-news/no-penalty-for-hamilton-vettel-penalty-annulled/|title=No Penalty for Hamilton; Vettel Penalty Annulled|publisher=forumula1.net|date=5 October 2007|accessdate=5 October 2007}}</ref>


]
After securing pole position in ], which saw changeable weather conditions, Hamilton retired from the race. He experienced considerable tyre wear, notably his right rear, and he ran wide into the gravel trap in the pitlane where his car beached, recording the first retirement of his Formula One career. It was later revealed that ] became unnerved at the glaringly worn tyres and advised McLaren to order him to make a ], which McLaren refused to do, believing it would be counterproductive. Hamilton himself couldn't tell the full extent of the tyre problem as raindrops were in his wing mirrors. Hamilton thus went into the final race of the season four and seven points ahead of Alonso and Räikkönen respectively.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7032284.stm|title=Chinese Grand Prix|publisher=]|work=]|date=7 October 2007|accessdate=7 September 2010}}</ref>
Hamilton lost the title by five points to Rosberg in {{F1|2016}}. Mercedes's policy of letting the pair fight freely led to several acrimonious exchanges both on- and off-track,<ref name="Gregory 2016">{{cite news|url=https://time.com/lewis-hamilton-formula-one/|title=The fastest man on wheels|last=Gregory|first=Sean|date=20 December 2016|work=Time Magazine|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121050015/https://time.com/lewis-hamilton-formula-one/|url-status=live}}</ref> culminating in a collision at the {{F1GP|2016|Spanish}}. Hamilton defied ] at the season-ending {{F1GP|2016|Abu Dhabi}}—deliberately slowing Rosberg into the chasing pack at the end of the race, in an unsuccessful bid to encourage other drivers to overtake his teammate and hand the title to Hamilton.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/38145250|title=Hamilton did nothing wrong in Abu Dhabi decider|date=29 November 2016|work=BBC Sport|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20231015084012/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/38145250 |archive-date=15 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> A succession of poor race-starts from Hamilton early in the season, as well as an engine blowout at the {{F1GP|2016|Malaysian}}, meant Rosberg took the championship,<ref name="Gregory 2016"/> before announcing his shock retirement from the sport immediately after beating his rival.<ref name="halloffame"/><ref name="gpfansbio">{{cite web |last1=Scott |first1=Matthew |title=Lewis Hamilton Biography |url=https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/38415/lewis-hamilton-biography/ |website=gpfans.com |date=18 April 2019 |publisher=GP Fans |access-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105234227/https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/38415/lewis-hamilton-biography/ |archive-date=5 November 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>


====2017–2020: Four titles in a row====
In the {{F1 GP|2007|Brazilian}} he failed to finish in a championship-winning position, finishing the race in seventh after being as low as 18th place during the race, due to two incidents. In the first he was passed by Räikkönen away from the line before being boxed in by Massa and Räikkönen into the first corner, and 'wrong-footed' by Räikkönen mid-corner,<ref>{{cite news|title=Ferrari move up a gear to hand Räikkönen glory|publisher=The Guardian|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/oct/22/motorsports.sport1|date=22 July 2007|accessdate=22 July 2007|location=London|first=Alan|last=Henry}}</ref> Hamilton was passed by Alonso in Turn 3. Hamilton attempted to re-pass Alonso in turn four, but ran wide, dropping four places to eighth. The second problem started on lap 9 when Hamilton encountered a gearbox problem, which meant that he was stuck in neutral and could not select any gears.<ref>{{cite news|title=Q and A with Lewis Hamilton|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/63545|publisher=]|date=22 October 2007|accessdate=22 October 2007|quote=but I was downshifting into Turn 4 and the car just selected neutral. I coasted for some time.}}</ref> The gearbox became operational again after Hamilton switched settings on his steering wheel, but he lost 40 seconds while his car was coasting. For most of the race, Massa was leading with Räikkönen in second. If this had been the case come the ] with Hamilton in seventh place, Hamilton would have become world champion. After the second round of pit stops, Räikkönen stayed out a couple of laps longer than Massa and took the lead.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=41156|title=Massa happy to help Kimi to title|publisher=itv-f1.com|date=23 October 2007|accessdate=23 October 2007}}</ref> Once in front Räikkönen made no mistakes in the remaining laps and won the race to become the Formula One world champion.
Following Rosberg's retirement, Ferrari's Vettel became Hamilton's closest rival as the pair exchanged the championship lead throughout {{F1|2017}} in a tense title fight. Hamilton registered 11 pole positions that season as he took the record for the ], and his consistency (finishing every race in the points), as well as a lack of a serious challenge from his new team-mate ], saw him record nine race victories and secure his fourth World Drivers' title as he overturned a points deficit to Vettel in the first half of the season, ultimately wrapping the title up in ] with two races to spare.<ref name="halloffame"/>


]
On 21 October 2007 it was announced that the ] were investigating ] and ] for fuel irregularities, the BMW drivers had finished in fifth and sixth place, and if they were to be excluded Hamilton would be promoted to fifth and would win the 2007 Drivers World Championship by one point over Räikkönen. Ultimately no penalty whatsoever was given to any team as there was "sufficient doubt as to render it inappropriate to impose a penalty", though McLaren officially appealed this decision.<ref name="McLaren appeal">{{cite news|title=F1 teams escape fuel punishment|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7055644.stm|publisher=BBC|date=22 October 2007|accessdate=22 October 2007|quote=McLaren has said it plans to appeal to the FIA, the sport's governing body.}}</ref> Hamilton subsequently told the BBC he does not want to win an F1 title through the disqualifications of other drivers.<ref name="McLaren appeal-LH view">{{cite news|title=Hamilton keen to win 'fair' title|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7056308.stm|publisher=BBC|date=22 October 2007|accessdate=23 October 2007|quote="To have the world title taken away is a bit cruel and probably not good for the sport"}}</ref> A precedent had been set in 1995 when Michael Schumacher, then of Benetton-Renault, and ], then of Williams-Renault, were both found guilty of possessing illegal fuel in their cars and in that situation both drivers were initially docked drivers points, but for unspecified reasons it would transpire over a week later that constructor points would be docked instead.
The {{F1|2018}} season was the first time that two four-time World Champions, Hamilton and Vettel, would be competing for a fifth title and was billed as the "Fight for Five" by journalists and fans.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/20876/11515112/lewis-hamilton-this-is-my-best-season |title=Lewis Hamilton: This is my best season |work=skysports.com |publisher=Sky Sports|date=5 October 2018 |access-date=28 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028225958/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/20876/11515112/lewis-hamilton-this-is-my-best-season |archive-date=28 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Narwani|first=Deepti|date=6 April 2018|title=2018 Formula 1: The fight for five|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/formula1/837265/2018-formula-1-fight-five/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029030704/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/formula1/837265/2018-formula-1-fight-five/|archive-date=29 October 2018|access-date=28 October 2018|work=foxsportsasia.com|publisher=Fox Sport|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/two-four-time-champions-hamilton-and-vettel-has-turned-into-a-one-horse-race/articleshow/66125702.cms|title=Two four-time champions – Hamilton and Vettel – has turned into a one-horse race|work=economictimes.indiatimes.com |publisher=The Economic Times|date=8 October 2018 |access-date=28 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028231429/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/two-four-time-champions-hamilton-and-vettel-has-turned-into-a-one-horse-race/articleshow/66125702.cms |archive-date=28 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> As with the 2017 season, Ferrari and Vettel appeared to have the upper hand for much of the season, topping the standings until the half-way point; however, Vettel's season unravelled with a number of driver and mechanical errors, while Hamilton's run of six wins in seven in the latter half of the season saw Hamilton clinch the title at the ] for a second year running as he set a new record for the ] (408).<ref name="halloffame"/><ref name="gpfansbio"/> During the season, Hamilton signed a two-year contract with Mercedes, reported to be worth up to £40&nbsp;million per year, making him the best-paid Formula One driver in history.<ref name="Lewis Hamilton signs £40m-a-year Me">{{cite news |title=Lewis Hamilton signs £40m-a-year Mercedes contract to become best-paid driver in F1 history |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2018/07/19/lewis-hamilton-signs-40m-a-year-mercedes-contract-becomebest/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2018/07/19/lewis-hamilton-signs-40m-a-year-mercedes-contract-becomebest/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=20 July 2018 |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=19 July 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


Hamilton led the Drivers' Championship standings for the majority of the {{F1|2019}} season, fending off title challenges from team-mate Bottas, Red Bull's ] and Ferrari's recently promoted ], to clinch his sixth Drivers' crown at the ] with two races remaining.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hamilton crowned F1 world champion for sixth time as Bottas wins in Austin |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.united-states-grand-prix-2019-race-report-and-highlights.3mSPD2w9Q394Kr00cpmHQx.html |website=formula1.com |publisher=Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=3 November 2019 |date=3 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105044753/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.united-states-grand-prix-2019-race-report-and-highlights.3mSPD2w9Q394Kr00cpmHQx.html |archive-date=5 November 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/nov/03/lewis-hamilton-sixth-f1-world-title-us-grand-prix-bottas|title = Lewis Hamilton hails 'best and toughest season' after sixth F1 world title|date=3 November 2019|work=Guardian|access-date=5 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105040550/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/nov/03/lewis-hamilton-sixth-f1-world-title-us-grand-prix-bottas|archive-date=5 November 2019|url-status=live|first=Tom|last=Dart}}</ref> After scoring his sixth career grand slam at the ], the final race of the season, Hamilton ended the season with 11 wins (matching his previous best in 2014 and 2018) and 17 podiums (matching the all-time record for a fourth time) as well as achieving 5 pole positions.<ref>{{cite news |title=F1 2019 season guide: championship standings, grand prix winners, remaining races |url=https://www.theweek.co.uk/formula-1/98167/f1-2019-season-guide-standings-grand-prix-calendar-tv-coverage-drivers |access-date=29 November 2019 |work=theweek.com |publisher=The Week |date=6 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108100553/https://www.theweek.co.uk/formula-1/98167/f1-2019-season-guide-standings-grand-prix-calendar-tv-coverage-drivers |archive-date=8 November 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> His total of 413 points for the season was a new all-time record, seeing the Briton finish 87 points clear of second-placed Bottas.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hamilton rounds off title-winning season with dominant Abu Dhabi win |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.abu-dhabi-grand-prix-2019-race-report-highlights.3W60C6jaqAMKYqcblkhGqg.html |access-date=1 December 2019 |work=formula1.com |publisher=FIA Formula One World Championship Limited |date=1 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202061826/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.abu-dhabi-grand-prix-2019-race-report-highlights.3W60C6jaqAMKYqcblkhGqg.html |archive-date=2 December 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Ahead of the world championship finale, Hamilton answered a question about what it would mean to him to become the first ] champion, saying: "It will show that not only white people can do it, but also black people, Indians, Japanese and Chinese. It will be good to mean something."<ref name="hamiltonpretitleremarks">{{cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton fans 'racist'|publisher=F1Fanatic.co.uk|year=2007|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2007/10/17/lewis-hamilton-fans-racist/|accessdate=18 October 2007}}</ref> Having made few public remarks about his ethnicity since becoming an F1 driver, Hamilton added: "Outside of Formula One my heroes are foremost my father, then Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. Being black is not a negative. It's a positive, if anything, because I'm different. In the future it can open doors to different cultures and that is what motor sport is trying to do anyway".<ref name="hamiltonpretitleremarks"/>


Hamilton won his seventh Drivers' title in {{F1|2020}}, equalling the record set by Schumacher, in a season heavily impacted by the ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Baldwin |first1=Alan |title=Winners and losers of 2020 Formula One season |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-motor-f1-abudhabi-winners/winners-and-losers-of-2020-formula-one-season-idUSKBN28N0P3 |access-date=14 December 2020 |work=reuters.com |agency=Reuters |publisher=Reuters |date=13 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214083725/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-motor-f1-abudhabi-winners/winners-and-losers-of-2020-formula-one-season-idUSKBN28N0P3 |archive-date=14 December 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Benson |first1=Andrew |title=Lewis Hamilton wins seventh Formula 1 title - equalling Michael Schumacher |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/54950152 |access-date=15 November 2020 |work=bbc.co.uk |agency=BBC |publisher=BBC News |date=15 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116053855/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/54950152 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Over the shortened seventeen-race season, Hamilton took 11 wins (equalling his previous personal best, in fewer races) including one in ] to break Schumacher's record of 91 wins.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Richards|first=Giles|date=25 October 2020|title=Lewis Hamilton wins Portuguese GP to break Michael Schumacher's F1 record|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/oct/25/lewis-hamilton-wins-portuguese-gp-to-break-michael-schumachers-f1-record|access-date=25 October 2020|website=]|archive-date=4 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704104651/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/oct/25/lewis-hamilton-wins-portuguese-gp-to-break-michael-schumachers-f1-record|url-status=live}}</ref> He also took 14 podiums and 10 pole positions. Hamilton missed the ] after contracting ],<ref name="BBC55142428">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/55142428 |title=Lewis Hamilton to miss Sakhir GP after testing positive for coronavirus |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=1 December 2020 |archive-date=1 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201072928/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/55142428 |url-status=live }}</ref> his first race absence since his debut in 2007.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.trending-topics-hamiltons-absence-russells-big-opportunity-f1-debutants-and.6yeexpuWQ1fhPL55qFRmwR.html|title=TRENDING TOPICS: Hamilton's absence, Russell's big opportunity, F1 debutants and more talking points ahead of the Sakhir GP &#124; Formula 1®|website=formula1.com|access-date=5 December 2020|archive-date=3 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203181251/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.trending-topics-hamiltons-absence-russells-big-opportunity-f1-debutants-and.6yeexpuWQ1fhPL55qFRmwR.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In a race drawing parallels with Senna's win at the ],<ref name="Saward 2020">{{cite web |url=https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a34680426/lewis-hamiltons-f1-turkish-grand-prix-drive-is-one-for-the-ages/ |title=Lewis Hamilton's F1 Turkish Grand Prix Drive Is One for the Ages |last=Saward |first=Joe |author-link=Joe Saward |date=15 November 2020 |website=] |access-date=9 May 2021 |archive-date=9 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509103040/https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a34680426/lewis-hamiltons-f1-turkish-grand-prix-drive-is-one-for-the-ages/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Hamilton clinched the title at the ] with three rounds to spare and ended the season 124 points clear of his team-mate, Bottas, who finished second in the standings.<ref>{{cite web |title=2020 Driver Standings |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2020/drivers.html |website=formula1.com |publisher=FIA Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=11 October 2020 |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128035850/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2020/drivers.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Amid Formula One's '']'' campaign and growing global support for the ] movement, Hamilton ] ahead of every race he entered and wore t-shirts bearing the Black Lives Matter slogan.<ref name="BLM">{{cite news |title=Hamilton set for knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II – reports |url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/30371159/hamilton-set-knighthood-queen-elizabeth-ii-reports |access-date=14 December 2020 |work=espn.com |publisher=ESPN |date=23 November 2020 |archive-date=30 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130203252/https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/30371159/hamilton-set-knighthood-queen-elizabeth-ii-reports |url-status=live }}</ref> Hamilton and Bottas' ] cars also sported a black livery as a statement of Mercedes's commitment to diversity.<ref name="blacklivery">{{cite news |last1=Media |first1=PA |title=Mercedes to race in black F1 livery in message against racism |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/jun/29/mercedes-lewis-hamilton-unveil-new-black-f1-livery-in-message-against-racism |access-date=14 December 2020 |work=theguardian.com |agency=The Guardian |date=29 June 2020 |archive-date=23 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223132855/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/jun/29/mercedes-lewis-hamilton-unveil-new-black-f1-livery-in-message-against-racism |url-status=live }}</ref>
====Team tensions====
]. He is flanked by team-mate ] (left) and ] (right).]]
AADASASAS
Hamilton'sa relationship with McLaren team boss Ron Dennis dates back to 1995,<ref>{{cite web|title=Hamilton 2007 Pre-season interview|url=http://www.sportinglife.com/formula1/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=formula1/07/03/05/AUTO_Formula_One_Hamilton.html|publisher=Sporting Life|date=30 August 2007|accessdate=30 August 2007}}</ref> with the first indication that Hamilton was unhappy with his team appearing after he finished second at ] in 2007. After post-race comments made by Hamilton which suggested he had been forced into a supporting role, the FIA initiated an inquiry to determine whether McLaren had broken rules by enforcing team orders.<ref name="inquiry">{{cite news|title=The FIA's McLaren-Monaco statement in full|publisher=Formula1.com|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/5/6178.html|date=30 May 2007|accessdate=5 June 2007}}</ref> McLaren denied favouring double world champion ], and the FIA subsequently vindicated the team, stating that: "McLaren were able to pursue an optimum team strategy because they had a substantial advantage over all other cars. They did nothing which could be described as interfering with the race result".<ref name="inquiry"/>


====2021: Title battle vs. Verstappen====
The tensions within the team surfaced again at the ]. During the final qualifying session for the race Hamilton was delayed in the pits by Alonso and thus unable to set a final lap time before the end of the session. McLaren pointed out that Hamilton had disobeyed an earlier instruction to let Alonso pass in qualifying, for fear of losing his own position.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dennis: Hold up is Hamilton's fault|work=gpupdate.net|publisher=GPUpdate|url=http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/162323/dennis-hold-up-is-hamilton-s-fault/|date=4 August 2007|accessdate=17 August 2010}}</ref> Alonso was relegated to sixth place on the starting grid, thus elevating Hamilton (who had originally qualified second) to first, while McLaren were docked constructors championship points. Hamilton said he thought Alonso's penalty was "quite light if anything" and only regretted the loss of constructors' points.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Chequered Flag (podcast)|network=BBC|station=BBC Radio Five Live|minutes=5:56}}</ref> Hamilton was reported to have sworn at Dennis on the team radio following the incident.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hamilton handed pole after Alonso punished|publisher=timesonline.co.uk|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article2199765.ece|date=5 August 2007|accessdate=7 August 2007|location=London|first=Alan|last=Baldwin}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=LEWIS F-WORD STORM|publisher=sundaymirror.co.uk|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/more-sport/2007/08/05/lewis-f-word-storm-98487-19574046/|date=5 August 2007|accessdate =7 August 2007}}</ref> British motorsport journal '']'' claimed that this " Dennis to throw his headphones on the pit wall in disgust (a gesture that was misinterpreted by many to be in reaction to Alonso's pole)".<ref>{{cite news|title=Hamilton apologises to McLaren|publisher=autosport.com|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/61385|date=5 August 2007|accessdate=7 August 2007}}</ref> However McLaren later issued a statement on behalf of Hamilton which denied the use of any profanity.<ref>{{cite news|title=McLaren: Lewis didn't swear at Dennis|url=http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=40329|work=itv-f1.com|publisher=ITV Network|date=9 August 2007|accessdate=9 August 2007}}</ref> As a result of these events, the relationship between Hamilton and Alonso temporarily collapsed, with the pair not on speaking terms for a short period.<ref name="Hamilton calls for truce"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Alonso is ignoring me – Hamilton|publisher=]|work=]|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6932653.stm|date=6 August 2007| accessdate=17 August 2010}}</ref> In the aftermath it was reported that Hamilton had been targeted by ] regarding a ] drive for {{F1|2008}}.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Cooper|first=Steve|year=2007 |month=August|title=McLaren dream team turns into nightmare|journal=Autosport|volume=189|issue=6|pages=6–8}}</ref>
]
Regulation changes for the {{F1|2021}} season saw Red Bull make relative performance gains on Mercedes, winning five consecutive races and acquiring the championship lead,<ref>{{cite news |title=Analysis: Did Hamilton or Verstappen have the quickest car for their title fight? |url=https://www.racefans.net/2022/01/17/analysis-did-hamilton-or-verstappen-have-the-quickest-car-for-their-title-fight/ |access-date=20 December 2024 |publisher=Race Fans |date=17 January 2022 |archive-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117132245/https://www.racefans.net/2022/01/17/analysis-did-hamilton-or-verstappen-have-the-quickest-car-for-their-title-fight/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hughes |first1=Mark |title=Mark Hughes: How F1 rule changes have hurt low-rake Mercedes |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-how-f1-rule-changes-have-hurt-low-rake-mercedes/ |access-date=25 September 2024 |publisher=The Race |date=6 April 2021 |archive-date=6 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406082410/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-how-f1-rule-changes-have-hurt-low-rake-mercedes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Red Bull's Verstappen and Hamilton emerged as title favourites early on in the season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brundle |first1=Martin |title=Martin Brundle: Assessing the state of F1's title battle after Max Verstappen's supreme Styria win |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24096/12344411/martin-brundle-assessing-the-state-of-f1s-title-battle-after-max-verstappens-supreme-styria-win |access-date=13 December 2021 |agency=Sky |publisher=Sky Sports |date=29 June 2021 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213144154/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24096/12344411/martin-brundle-assessing-the-state-of-f1s-title-battle-after-max-verstappens-supreme-styria-win |url-status=live }}</ref> The pair engaged in several on-track battles—including controversial collisions in ], ] and ]—and ] at 14 of 22 Grands Prix.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/hamilton-vs-verstappen-why-their-rivalry-has-the-potential-to-be-the.71aeZ3mOLHeW4BbHGGKY2H|title=HAMILTON VS VERSTAPPEN: Why their rivalry has the potential to be the greatest in F1 history|date=29 December 2021|access-date=4 December 2024|first=Edd|last=Straw|website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Holding |first1=Joe |title=Hamilton vs Verstappen: how F1's greatest title battle went down to the wire |url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/motorsport/hamilton-vs-verstappen-how-f1s-greatest-title-battle-went-down-wire |access-date=27 November 2024 |publisher=Top Gear |date=13 December 2021 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213175654/https://www.topgear.com/car-news/motorsport/hamilton-vs-verstappen-how-f1s-greatest-title-battle-went-down-wire |url-status=live }}</ref> Hamilton achieved his 100th pole position and race win at the ] and ] Grands Prix, respectively, becoming the first driver to achieve either feat.<ref name="theguardian100pole">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/08/lewis-hamilton-claims-100th-f1-pole-at-spanish-gp-verstappen-starts-second|title=Lewis Hamilton makes history by claiming 100th F1 pole at Spanish GP|first=Giles|last=Richards|work=]|date=9 May 2021|access-date=9 May 2021|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509001204/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/08/lewis-hamilton-claims-100th-f1-pole-at-spanish-gp-verstappen-starts-second|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Pickman|first=Ben|date=26 September 2021|title=Lewis Hamilton Becomes First F1 Driver in History to Record 100 Victories|url=https://www.si.com/racing/2021/09/26/lewis-hamilton-russian-grand-prix-win-history|access-date=26 September 2021|magazine=]|archive-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926135634/https://www.si.com/racing/2021/09/26/lewis-hamilton-russian-grand-prix-win-history|url-status=live}}</ref> Winning three of the last four races, including a recovery drive at the {{F1GP|2021|São Paulo}}—which was acclaimed as one of his greatest performances—saw Hamilton eliminate a 19-point deficit to Verstappen,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Barretto |first1=Lawrence |title=No title, fewer wins and poles – but here's why 2021 was Lewis Hamilton's best season yet |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/no-title-fewer-wins-and-poles-but-heres-why-2021-was-lewis-hamiltons-best.3YznGTJlmMyVkW4coxH0CM |access-date=25 September 2024 |publisher=Formula 1 |date=16 December 2021 |archive-date=24 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424132247/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/no-title-fewer-wins-and-poles-but-heres-why-2021-was-lewis-hamiltons-best.3YznGTJlmMyVkW4coxH0CM |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/ranked-lewis-hamilton-10-best-f1-victories|title=Ranked: Lewis Hamilton's 10 best F1 victories over his staggering career (so far)|website=PlanetF1|date=7 January 2024|access-date=26 November 2024|first=Thomas|last=Maher}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/hamiltons-best-performances-for-mercedes-ranked/10680742/ |title=Hamilton's best performances for Mercedes ranked |last=Hunt |first=Ben |date=8 December 2024 |website=] |access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> entering the season-ending {{F1GP|2021|Abu Dhabi}} level on points.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-saudi-arabian-gp-hamilton-beats-verstappen-to-go-level-on-points-in-chaotic-race/6854329/ |title=F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Hamilton beats Verstappen to go level on points in chaotic race |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=5 December 2021 |website=] |access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> In Abu Dhabi, having led the majority of the race, Hamilton was denied the championship by a last-lap overtake from Verstappen following a late safety car.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59628024|title=Max Verstappen wins title after last-lap overtake of Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes protests rejected|work=]|date=12 December 2021|access-date=26 November 2024|first=Andrew|last=Benson}}</ref>


The season finale was marred by controversy over race director ]'s decision to instruct the lapped cars separating Verstappen and Hamilton to un-lap themselves under the safety car, which closed the gap between the pair and allowed Verstappen, who opted to pit for soft tyres, to enter the final lap immediately behind Hamilton, who remained on worn hard tyres.<ref name="benson2021">{{cite news|last1=Benson|first1=Andrew|date=12 December 2021|title=Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: 'Max Verstappen's win decided by a questionable call'|publisher=BBC Sport|agency=BBC|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59631665|access-date=13 December 2021|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217082719/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59631665|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Benson |first1=Andrew |title=Mercedes protests rejected by Formula 1 stewards as title goes to Max Verstappen |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59631659 |access-date=13 December 2021 |agency=BBC |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 December 2021 |archive-date=20 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220054136/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59631659 |url-status=live }}</ref> Four days after the race, the FIA announced that it would conduct an internal investigation into the incident.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Benson |first1=Andrew |title=Mercedes will not pursue appeal against F1 title-deciding Abu Dhabi result |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59681314 |access-date=17 December 2021 |agency=BBC |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 December 2021 |archive-date=17 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117061420/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59681314 |url-status=live }}</ref> Masi was subsequently removed from his role as race director,<ref>{{Cite web|date=17 February 2022|title=FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem opens the way for a new step forward in Formula 1 refereeing|url=https://www.fia.com/news/fia-president-mohammed-ben-sulayem-opens-way-new-step-forward-formula-1-refereeing|access-date=17 February 2022|website=Federation Internationale de l'Automobile|archive-date=9 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309165307/https://www.fia.com/news/fia-president-mohammed-ben-sulayem-opens-way-new-step-forward-formula-1-refereeing|url-status=live}}</ref> with the ] report finding that "human error" resulted in the failure to follow Formula One Sporting Regulations concerning the withdrawal of the safety car, adding that the final standings are "valid, final and cannot now be changed".<ref>{{cite news |title=FIA ANNOUNCES WORLD MOTOR SPORT COUNCIL DECISIONS |url=https://www.fia.com/news/fia-announces-world-motor-sport-council-decisions-25 |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=Federation Internationale de l'Automobile |date=19 March 2022 |archive-date=9 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409133122/https://www.fia.com/news/fia-announces-world-motor-sport-council-decisions-25 |url-status=live }}</ref> Notwithstanding the controversy in Abu Dhabi, '']'''s Andrew Benson described the season as "one of the most intense, hard-fought battles in sporting history", with Hamilton and Verstappen having "been head and shoulders—and a lot more—clear of every other driver on the grid".<ref name="benson2021"/>
Following the stewards' investigation into the incident at the ], Alonso stated: "I'm not thinking of this championship anymore, it's been decided off the track. The drivers' briefing has no purpose. You go there to hear what ] and the other officials say. Twenty one drivers have an opinion, Charlie and the officials another, and so it's like talking to a wall".<ref name="f1falonsohamiltonattack">{{cite web|title=Alonso continues attacks on McLaren & Hamilton|publisher=F1Fanatic.co.uk|year=2007|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2007/10/06/alonso-continues-attacks-on-mclaren-hamilton/|accessdate =6 October 2007}}</ref>


====2022–2024: Mercedes' struggles and departure====
The rivalry between Hamilton and teammate Alonso led to speculation that one of the pair would leave McLaren at the end of the 2007 season<ref>{{cite news|title=The future of Fernando Alonso|publisher=grandprix.com|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns19511.html|date=6 August 2007|accessdate=12 September 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Alonso cool on future at McLaren|publisher=news.bbc.co.uk|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6932307.stm|date=5 August 2007|accessdate=13 September 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Million dollar babies|first=Eddie|last=Irvine|authorlink=Eddie Irvine|publisher=]|work=]|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/sport/motorsport/formula1/features/eddie-irvine-12.php|date=8 August 2007|accessdate=17 August 2010}}</ref> and Alonso and McLaren subsequently terminated their contract by mutual consent on 2 November 2007.<ref>{{cite news|title=Alonso secures exit from McLaren|publisher=news.bbc.co.uk|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7074737.stm|date=2 November 2007|accessdate=2 November 2007 | first=Andrew | last=Benson}}</ref>
{{quote box |width=30% |align=right |author={{mdash}} Hamilton on team radio after the ], his final race with Mercedes.<ref name="YhS24">{{Cite web |title=Lewis Hamilton Parts Ways With Mercedes; Most Successful Driver-Team Partnership In F1 History
|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/lewis-hamilton-parts-ways-mercedes-213047043.html |date=9 December 2024|access-date=9 December 2024|website=Yahoo! Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209030518/https://sports.yahoo.com/lewis-hamilton-parts-ways-mercedes-213047043.html|archive-date=9 December 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
|quote= We dreamed alone, but together we believed. Thank you for all the courage, the determination, the passion, and for seeing me and supporting me. What started out as a leap of faith turned into a journey into the history books. We did everything together and I’m so so grateful to everyone.}}
Partnered by ] in place of the departing Bottas,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Benson |first1=Andrew |title=George Russell: Mercedes sign British F1 driver to partner Lewis Hamilton from 2022 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/58474646 |website=bbc.co.uk |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=7 September 2021 |archive-date=20 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120134152/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/58474646 |url-status=live }}</ref> the {{F1|2022}} season marked the first time in Hamilton's Formula One career where he failed to secure at least a race win or a pole position. The season saw significant changes in technical regulations which utilised ]. The innovative and radically different ], suffered with severe ] early in the season,<ref>{{Cite news|date=19 March 2022|last=Maher|first=Thomas|title=Hill taken aback by 'ridiculous' porpoising on Hamilton's car|url=https://racingnews365.com/hill-taken-aback-by-ridiculous-porpoising-on-hamiltons-car|access-date=3 August 2022|website=RacingNews365|archive-date=6 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606090243/https://racingnews365.com/hill-taken-aback-by-ridiculous-porpoising-on-hamiltons-car|url-status=live}}</ref> leading Hamilton to deem it "undrivable" on multiple occasions,<ref>{{Cite web|title='We've got a lot work to do' says Hamilton after scraping solitary point in Saudi Arabian Grand Prix|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.weve-got-a-lot-work-to-do-says-hamilton-after-scraping-solitary-point-in.2PfO2JJOLr4IHWde7qCYnC.html|access-date=3 August 2022|website=formula1.com|archive-date=19 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419140000/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.weve-got-a-lot-work-to-do-says-hamilton-after-scraping-solitary-point-in.2PfO2JJOLr4IHWde7qCYnC.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and causing him to sustain back injuries in ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Azerbaijan GP: Lewis Hamilton reveals back pain caused by bouncing Mercedes left him 'praying for race to end' |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12632603/azerbaijan-gp-lewis-hamilton-reveals-back-pain-caused-by-bouncing-mercedes-left-him-praying-for-race-to-end |date=13 June 2022 |work=Sky Sports |access-date=19 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612192856/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12632603/azerbaijan-gp-lewis-hamilton-reveals-back-pain-caused-by-bouncing-mercedes-left-him-praying-for-race-to-end|archive-date=12 June 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton frequently experimented with car setups to aid the W13's development, and find performance during the opening stages of the season to little success.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wolff praises Hamilton for 'really admirable' approach to 2022 setbacks – and makes Schumacher comparison |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/wolff-praises-hamilton-for-really-admirable-approach-to-2022-setbacks-and.3j6tp71hPk7NVKLYXUl2D0 |date=24 December 2022 |work=Formula 1 |access-date=22 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622162523/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/wolff-praises-hamilton-for-really-admirable-approach-to-2022-setbacks-and.3j6tp71hPk7NVKLYXUl2D0|archive-date=22 June 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TheRace22"/> Following major mid-season car upgrades, he achieved several podium finishes, including five consecutively from ] to ].<ref name="TheRace22">{{Cite web |date=24 October 2022 |title=What a winless Hamilton season won't tell you about his 2022 |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-a-winless-hamilton-season-wont-tell-you-about-his-2022/ |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=The Race |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326200252/https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-a-winless-hamilton-season-wont-tell-you-about-his-2022/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/6-winners-and-5-losers-from-the-hungarian-grand-prix-who-finished-the-first.4NsQcStW8WfsaFcAoSeGm1|title=6 Winners and 5 Losers from the Hungarian Grand Prix – Who finished the first half of the season on a high?|website=]|date=1 August 2022|access-date=26 November 2024|first=Lawrence|last=Barretto}}</ref> Hamilton set several driver records across his sixteenth season, including most consecutive seasons with a podium finish, and a lap led.<ref>{{Cite news |title=All the Records Lewis Hamilton Set in 2022 Despite Difficult Season |newspaper=F1 Briefings: Formula 1 News, Rumors, Standings and More |date=5 December 2022 |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/racing/f1briefings/news/f1-news-all-the-records-lewis-hamilton-set-in-2022-despite-difficult-season-lm22 |access-date=27 March 2023 |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326200248/https://www.si.com/fannation/racing/f1briefings/news/f1-news-all-the-records-lewis-hamilton-set-in-2022-despite-difficult-season-lm22 |url-status=live}}</ref> The season also marked Hamilton finishing behind his teammate in the standings for the first time since 2016, finishing sixth, 35 points behind Russell in fourth.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-ends-2022-zero-wins/ | title=Lewis Hamilton's brutal assessment as he finishes F1 2022 with zero wins | date=20 November 2022 | access-date=20 November 2022 | archive-date=29 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329105628/https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-ends-2022-zero-wins/ | url-status=live}}</ref>


Mercedes once again faced concerns over their car's competitiveness ahead of the {{F1|2023}} season.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Hamilton resigned to difficult start to F1 season |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/64828539 |access-date=22 July 2023 |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722160737/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/64828539 |url-status=live }}</ref> Hamilton endured another winless campaign amidst Red Bull's record-breaking dominance, securing several podium finishes throughout. Hamilton took pole position at the {{F1GP|2023|Hungarian}}—his first since 2021, and his record ninth at the ]—surpassing Senna and Schumacher for the most pole positions at a single circuit.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Hamilton beats Verstappen to first pole since 2021 |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/66278958 |access-date=22 July 2023 |archive-date=27 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727103245/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/66278958 |url-status=live }}</ref> Prior to the {{F1GP|2023|Italian}}, Hamilton signed a two-year contract extension worth over £100 million to remain with Mercedes through the 2025 season.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Hamilton signs new two-year Mercedes deal to end speculation over F1 future |work=formula1.com |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-hamilton-signs-new-two-year-mercedes-deal-to-end-speculation-over.34mqHxiSRGnkFhPdWrOdW5.html |access-date=1 September 2023 |archive-date=21 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921102313/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-hamilton-signs-new-two-year-mercedes-deal-to-end-speculation-over.34mqHxiSRGnkFhPdWrOdW5.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-2023-italian-grand-prix-news-lewis-hamilton-signs-new-mercedes-contract-value-worth-salary-george-russell/news-story/1803025636f2c6a866019e1a84e767b6|title='Story isn't finished': Lewis Hamilton locks in F1 future with staggering new $196m deal
===2008 season===
|work=Fox Sports|date=1 September 2023|access-date=16 February 2024|last=Lamonato|first=Michael|archive-date=3 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903081526/https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-2023-italian-grand-prix-news-lewis-hamilton-signs-new-mercedes-contract-value-worth-salary-george-russell/news-story/1803025636f2c6a866019e1a84e767b6|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton finished third in the standings, and was voted the second-best driver across the season by the rest of the drivers, as well as fifth-best by the team principals.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.exclusive-the-top-10-f1-drivers-of-2023-as-chosen-by-the-drivers.12ArGhZ4kc992A9TIc8j7B.html |title=Exclusive: The Top 10 F1 drivers of 2023 – as chosen by the drivers |website=] |publisher=] |date=28 December 2023 |access-date=16 February 2024 |last=Barretto |first=Lawrence |archive-date=30 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230185237/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.exclusive-the-top-10-f1-drivers-of-2023-as-chosen-by-the-drivers.12ArGhZ4kc992A9TIc8j7B.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/revealed-the-f1-team-bosses-choose-their-top-10-drivers-of-2023.2bTFcy4xt21OFJQSZoiL3e |title=Revealed: The F1 team bosses choose their top 10 drivers of 2023 |website=] |publisher=] |date=29 December 2023 |access-date=23 December 2024 |last=Barretto |first=Lawrence |archive-date=2 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802075557/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/revealed-the-f1-team-bosses-choose-their-top-10-drivers-of-2023.2bTFcy4xt21OFJQSZoiL3e |url-status=live}}</ref>
].]]
]]]


], his first race victory since 2021.]]
On 14 December 2007, it was confirmed that ] who drove for Renault in 2007 would drive the second car for McLaren-Mercedes for the 2008 Formula One season alongside Hamilton.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2007/12/14/mclaren-set-to-confirm-heikki-kovalainen-for-2008/|title=McLaren confirm Heikki Kovalainen for 2008 (updated)|publisher=f1fanatic.co.uk|author=Collantine, Keith|date=14 December 2007|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref> In January 2008, Hamilton signed a new five-year multi-million pound contract to stay with McLaren-Mercedes until the end of the 2012 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7196436.stm|title=Hamilton signs new McLaren deal|publisher=]|work=]|date=18 January 2008|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref>
Prior to the start of the {{F1|2024}} season, Hamilton triggered an exit-clause in his Mercedes contract, allowing him to leave the team at the end of his campaign, a year before his contract was due to expire.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13061245/lewis-hamilton-to-join-ferrari-for-2025-formula-1-season|title=Lewis Hamilton to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari for 2025 Formula 1 season|website=]|date=2 February 2024|access-date=26 November 2024|first1=Nigel|last1=Chiu|first2=Craig|last2=Slater}}</ref> Hamilton explained the decision was one of his hardest to make, adding that he needed a new challenge and a different work environment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and Lewis Hamilton to part ways |url=https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/news/mercedes-amg-f1-lewis-to-part-ways |access-date=1 February 2024 |website=Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team |archive-date=1 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201190122/https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/news/mercedes-amg-f1-lewis-to-part-ways |url-status=live }}</ref> Mercedes' inconsistent form, coupled with Hamilton's qualifying difficulties, resulted in another challenging season in 2024,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/why-mercedes-winning-f1-2024-form-vanished/#|title=Why Mercedes' winning F1 form has vanished|date=27 November 2024|access-date=17 September 2024|website=The Race|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917170056/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/why-mercedes-winning-f1-2024-form-vanished/|archive-date=17 September 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| last= Cerasoli|first= Julianne |url=https://www.uol.com.br/esporte/colunas/pole-position/2024/10/14/por-que-o-recordista-de-poles-hamilton-anda-sofrendo-nas-classificacoes.htm|title=Por que o recordista de poles Hamilton anda sofrendo nas classificações?… |trans-title=Why is pole record holder Hamilton struggling in qualifying?…|language=pt |date=14 October 2024|access-date=27 November 2024|website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127035806/https://www.uol.com.br/esporte/colunas/pole-position/2024/10/14/por-que-o-recordista-de-poles-hamilton-anda-sofrendo-nas-classificacoes.htm|archive-date=27 November 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13210932/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-drivers-f1-qualifying-struggles-analysed-ahead-of-key-azerbaijan-and-singapore-challenges |title=Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes driver's F1 qualifying struggles analysed ahead of key Azerbaijan and Singapore challenges |date=12 September 2024 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=16 December 2024 |archive-date=11 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911171055/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13210932/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-drivers-f1-qualifying-struggles-analysed-ahead-of-key-azerbaijan-and-singapore-challenges |url-status=live}}</ref> with Hamilton admitting he was "looking forward to the end ".<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 July 2024 |title=I've still got it, says Hamilton after poor Qatar qualifying|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cn8l8z0z37do |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=BBC Sport |archive-date=3 December 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241203193745/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cn8l8z0z37do |url-status=live}}</ref> Mercedes' short-lived resurgence during the European rounds enabled Hamilton to deliver his ninth {{F1GP|2024|British}} victory,<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 July 2024 |title=Lewis Hamilton wins British Grand Prix and says he thought it was never going to happen again |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cl5ywv730ezo |access-date=8 July 2024 |website=BBC Sport |archive-date=7 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707232133/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cl5ywv730ezo |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/mercedes-andrew-shovlin-enjoyment-w15-correlation-issues-addressed |title=Mercedes W15 correlation breakthrough with ‘a route back’ plotted |last=Maher |first=Thomas |date=19 August 2024 |website=PlanetF1 |access-date=17 December 2024 |archive-date=19 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819103848/https://www.planetf1.com/news/mercedes-andrew-shovlin-enjoyment-w15-correlation-issues-addressed |url-status=live}}</ref> which ended his 31-month winless drought; he broke the record for ] and became the first driver to win beyond their 300th start.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/facts-and-stats-a-record-17-years-since-his-first-evergreen-hamilton-takes.RsS0aWwhowZv6EyyWMLCO |title=Facts and Stats: A record 17 years since his first, evergreen Hamilton takes his 104th F1 win |last=Kelly |first=Sean |date=7 July 2024 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=16 December 2024}}</ref> Hamilton secured his 200th podium finish in ],<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 July 2024|title=Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix 2024 – Race Result|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2024/races/1241/hungary/race-result.html|access-date=21 July 2024|website=Formula 1 |archive-date=21 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721205203/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2024/races/1241/hungary/race-result.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and another victory at the {{F1GP|2024|Belgian}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Russell disqualified from Belgian Grand Prix |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/breaking-russell-disqualified-from-belgian-grand-prix-for-underweight-car-as.2NIuo4cHgOl1LgplIkGG5D |date=28 July 2024|access-date=28 July 2024|website=Formula 1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728171206/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/breaking-russell-disqualified-from-belgian-grand-prix-for-underweight-car-as.2NIuo4cHgOl1LgplIkGG5D|archive-date=28 July 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> After a series of races with fluctuating results, Hamilton ended the season a career-lowest seventh in the championship—22 points behind teammate Russell—marking the end of his Mercedes career,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/cq8qkkzq2lgo |title=Hamilton 'finished on a high' with Mercedes |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=8 December 2024 |website=] |access-date=9 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209170059/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cq8qkkzq2lgo|archive-date=9 December 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5974648/2024/12/06/lewis-hamilton-final-mercedes-race-f1-ferrari/ |title=Lewis Hamilton’s final F1 lap with Mercedes: A year of challenges, a decade of triumphs |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=6 December 2024 |website=] |access-date=18 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213033438/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5974648/2024/12/06/lewis-hamilton-final-mercedes-race-f1-ferrari/|archive-date=13 December 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> which was the most successful driver-constructor partnership in Formula One history by several metrics.{{efn-num|Including the most ] (246), ] (84), pole positions (78), podium finishes (153), and ] (6).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/ranking-lewis-hamiltons-12-f1-seasons-with-mercedes/10429276/ |title=Ranking Lewis Hamilton's 12 F1 seasons with Mercedes |last=Turner |first=Kevin |date=8 December 2024 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=16 December 2024 |issn=0269-946X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2024/12/08/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-six-world-titles/ |title=Six world titles and 84 race wins – so much for Lewis Hamilton's 'awful mistake' joining Mercedes |last=Cary |first=Tom |date=8 December 2024 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=16 December 2024}}</ref>}}


===Ferrari (2025)===
Hamilton won the first race of the 2008 season, the {{F1 GP|2008|Australian}}, having qualified on pole position. In ], he finished fifth after duels with ] and ]. He had been demoted to ninth on the grid, from fourth, for impeding ]'s flying lap. In ], Hamilton destroyed his car during a practice crash. He continued with a spare chassis and took third place in qualifying. In the race, after a bad start, he crashed into the back of Alonso's Renault finishing 13th. This led to him being overtaken in the Drivers' Championship by Kimi Räikkönen and Nick Heidfeld. He was back on the podium in ] finishing third from fifth on the grid.<ref name="F1Fanatic 2008 Spanish Grand Prix review">{{cite news|last=Collantine|first=Keith|title=Raikkonen leads crushing Ferrari 1–2|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2008/04/27/2008-spanish-grand-prix-review-raikkonen-leads-crushing-ferrari-1-2/|date=27 April 2008|accessdate=27 April 2007}}</ref> Hamilton finished second in ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grandprix.com/race/r790racenotes.html|title=Massa wins Turkish GP for third straight year|publisher=grandprix.com|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref> and won the {{F1 GP|2008|Monaco}} a fortnight later, putting him in the lead of the championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2008/05/25/2008-monaco-grand-prix-review-ferrari-mistakes-let-lewis-hamilton-in-for-win/|title=2008 Monaco Grand Prix review: Ferrari mistakes let Lewis Hamilton in for win|publisher=f1fanatic.co.uk|author=Collantine, Keith|date=28 May 2008|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref>
Following the announcement of Hamilton's departure from Mercedes, ] announced they had reached a multi-year agreement with Hamilton to join the team in {{F1|2025}}, on a contract reportedly worth around {{currency|41|GBP}} million per year, replacing ] to partner ].<ref name="Athletic1Feb"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Team Statement|date=1 February 2024|access-date=1 February 2024|publisher=]|url=https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/articles/scuderia-ferrari-press-release-01-feb-2024|archive-date=2 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202001954/https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/articles/scuderia-ferrari-press-release-01-feb-2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BBC24"/> Hamilton stated it was a "childhood dream" to drive for Ferrari.<ref>{{Cite web |title='The hardest decision I've ever had to make' – Hamilton opens up on 'childhood dream' Ferrari switch |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-hardest-decision-ive-ever-had-to-make-hamilton-opens-up-on-childhood.53BBbL49tddWcXr6HGExo4 |access-date=3 February 2024 |website=Formula 1 |archive-date=10 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510175452/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-hardest-decision-ive-ever-had-to-make-hamilton-opens-up-on-childhood.53BBbL49tddWcXr6HGExo4 |url-status=live }}</ref> Luke Smith of '']'' described the move as "one of the biggest driver transfer shocks the sport has known", recalling his similar shock move from McLaren to Mercedes back in 2013.<ref name="Athletic1Feb">{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Luke |title=Hamilton to join Ferrari in shock switch from Mercedes |url=https://theathletic.com/5243409/2024/02/01/lewis-hamilton-ferrari-mercedes/ |access-date=6 February 2024 |work=The Athletic |date=1 February 2024 |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206201050/https://theathletic.com/5243409/2024/02/01/lewis-hamilton-ferrari-mercedes/ |url-status=live}}</ref> This transition marks the first time in his Formula One career that Hamilton will not drive for a Mercedes-powered team.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 February 2024 |title=Hamilton agrees shock Ferrari F1 move for 2025 |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/hamilton-agrees-to-shock-ferrari-f1-move-for-2025/ |access-date=1 February 2024 |website=The Race |archive-date=2 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202001843/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/hamilton-agrees-to-shock-ferrari-f1-move-for-2025/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Driver profile==
He achieved his eighth career pole position in ] but he crashed into the back of Räikkönen during the race, after failing to see that the Finn was waiting at a red light at the end of the pit lane. Both cars were forced to retire and Hamilton was given a 10 position grid penalty for the next race, the {{F1 GP|2008|French}}, as a result of this incident. At that race, Hamilton overtook ] at the chicane on lap 1 but missed the apex and was given a drive through penalty which he served on lap 13, finishing the race in 13th. Despite an error in qualifying that saw him start fourth on the grid, Hamilton went on to win the {{F1 GP|2008|British}} in difficult, wet conditions. His performance was stated as being one of his best drives to date.<ref name="BBC News British Grand Prix">{{cite news|last=Benson|first=Andrew|title=BBC Sport at Silverstone|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7492145.stm|date=6 July 2008|accessdate=6 June 2008|work=BBC News}}</ref> Hamilton himself said in the post race press conference that it was his most difficult and most meaningful win.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/jul/06/lewishamilton.formulaone|title=Hamilton reigns in the rain at Silverstone|publisher=The Guardian|author=Ashdown, John|date=6 July 2008|accessdate=31 August 2010 | location=London}}</ref>
===Driving style===
] at the ].]]
Hamilton is regarded as one of the most complete drivers on the grid,<ref name="f1 debate"/> excelling across a wide range of areas.<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/championship/drivers/lewis-hamilton/Biography.html|title=Lewis Hamilton|date=26 November 2014|work=Sky News|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-date=27 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627011343/https://www.formula1.com/en/championship/drivers/lewis-hamilton/Biography.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He has been described as having an aggressive driving style,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12430/9559490|title=Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: A subtle difference in driving style|work=Formula One|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-date=10 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810013855/http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12430/9559490|url-status=live}}</ref> with a natural aptitude for identifying the limits of the car; Mark Hughes, writing for the official Formula One website, described how Hamilton is "super-hard on the brakes ... but has a fantastic ability to match how quickly the downforce is bleeding off with his modulation of the pressure so that there's no wasted grip but no locked wheels either."<ref name="f1 evolution">{{cite web |last1=Hughes |first1=Mark |title=LONG READ: The constant evolution behind Hamilton's greatness |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.long-read-the-constant-evolution-behind-hamiltons-greatness.6CptiTarBKWmhjKBVCPZ5o.html |website=formula1.com |publisher=FIA Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=1 January 2020 |archive-date=21 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221122451/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.long-read-the-constant-evolution-behind-hamiltons-greatness.6CptiTarBKWmhjKBVCPZ5o.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-real-differences-hamilton-vs-senna-vs-schumacher-vs-alonso/|title=The real differences: Hamilton vs Senna vs Schumacher vs Alonso|date=9 September 2015|work=motorsport.com|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-date=11 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911040313/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-real-differences-hamilton-vs-senna-vs-schumacher-vs-alonso/|url-status=live}}</ref> ], previously the engineering director for McLaren, described how Hamilton is comfortable with levels of rear instability that most other drivers would find intolerable.<ref name="f1 evolution"/> This aggressive driving style struggled to mesh with the characteristics of Formula One's current ground effect cars, primarily causing rear-end instability, hindered his qualifying performances during this period.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/lewis-hamilton-f1-ground-effect-cars-driving-style-clash/|title=What Hamilton hates about driving F1's current cars|date=16 August 2024|work=The Race|access-date=7 December 2024|archive-date=16 August 2024|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240816130815/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/lewis-hamilton-f1-ground-effect-cars-driving-style-clash/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BBC24">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/crk4gnzgv3no|title=A bittersweet ending but the achievements remain indelible|date=4 December 2024|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 December 2024|archive-date=4 December 2024|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241204180029/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/crk4gnzgv3no|url-status=live}}</ref>


Hamilton has also been praised for his ability to adapt to variances in the car set-up and changing track conditions; throughout his career, he has typically used less fuel than his teammates as a result of his ability to carry momentum through corners.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12430/9559490/|title=Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: A subtle difference in driving style|work=Formula One|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-date=10 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810013855/http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12430/9559490|url-status=live}}</ref> ], a former test driver for McLaren who worked with Hamilton and Alonso, rated the pair as the best he had seen first hand, stating that they shared a strength in terms of "how much speed they can run into the apex and still have a decent exit speed", highlighting in particular their ability to maintain this speed when their rear tyres have lost grip during a longer stint.<ref name="benson" />
In the next race at ], Hamilton started from pole position, building up an 11 second lead over second-placed Felipe Massa early in the race. After stopping and re-emerging in the lead, McLaren then decided to keep Hamilton out on-track when the safety car was deployed mid-way through the race. When Hamilton finally pitted, he came out in fifth place, jumping to third after his team-mate let him by and Nick Heidfeld pitted. He then overtook Massa and ] for the lead, eventually winning by 9 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2008/07/20/lewis-hamilton-wins-despite-strategy-blunder-2008-german-gp-review/|title=Lewis Hamilton wins despite strategy blunder (2008 German GP review)|publisher=f1fanatic.co.uk|author=Collantine, Keith|date=20 July 2008|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref>


Hamilton has been praised for his consistency, especially in his time at Mercedes. From 2017 to 2018, he finished 33 consecutive races in point-scoring positions, a run brought to an end as a result of mechanical issues.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lewis Hamilton fulfills 'dream' after becoming five-time F1 champion |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11533337/lewis-hamilton-fulfills-dream-after-becoming-five-time-f1-champion |website=skysports.com |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=28 October 2018 |archive-date=29 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029030942/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11533337/lewis-hamilton-fulfills-dream-after-becoming-five-time-f1-champion |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title="The Lewis we have seen in the past two seasons here is flawless." –James Allison |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46131677 |website=bbc.co.uk |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=14 November 2018 |archive-date=8 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108155007/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46131677 |url-status=live }}</ref> ] wrote that "over the course of , Hamilton hardly put a foot wrong, winning not only the races he should have, but also some where the opposition was stronger, and that is the true mark of a champion."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ross-brawn-reflects-on-%27intense%27-2018-season.ngbLtCMaaGwyQKw4mKSWC.html|title=Ross Brawn reflects on 'intense' 2018 season|last=Brawn|first=Ross|date=30 November 2018|work=Formula One Official website|access-date=3 December 2018|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705221459/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ross-brawn-reflects-on-%27intense%27-2018-season.ngbLtCMaaGwyQKw4mKSWC.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Ahead of the {{F1|2021}} season, ], commentating for Sky Sports, said "I think what has stood out about Lewis over the years is how few mistakes he makes, how complete he is and clean ... he just never makes a mistake wheel-to-wheel combat in qualifying ... He just doesn't fade, mentally or physically."<ref>{{cite news |title=Hamilton could bow out with 150 race wins |url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-150-grand-prix-wins/ |access-date=2 January 2021 |work=planetf1.com |agency=Planet F1 |date=2 January 2021 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102125718/https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-150-grand-prix-wins/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
] for passing ] after cutting the previous corner. The stewards judged that he gained an illegal advantage, and the penalty dropped him from first to third position.]]


] in torrential rain, and compared the conditions to his victory at the ].]]
Hamilton won the {{F1 GP|2008|Belgian}} on the road, however he was later judged to have gained an unfair advantage by cutting a chicane when he used a tarmac run off area to avoid hitting ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70405|title=autosport.com&nbsp;– F1 News: Post-race press conference&nbsp;– Belgium |publisher=Autosport.com|accessdate=4 November 2008}}</ref> McLaren said that their telemetry showed Hamilton backed off to let Räikkönen past<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70404|title=autosport.com&nbsp;– F1 News: McLaren: No choice but to appeal|publisher=Autosport.com|accessdate=4 November 2008}}</ref> but Hamilton was given a 25 second penalty, thereby dropping him to third. As a result his main title rival Massa inherited the win. Hamilton's lead in the drivers' championship was cut to two points, and a subsequent appeal by McLaren to the ] was rejected on the grounds that the case was inadmissible.<ref>{{cite news|title=No big surprises in Paris|publisher=grandprix.com|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns20794.html|date=23 September 2008|accessdate=29 September 2008}}</ref> The ] was won by ] in the ]. Both Massa and Hamilton failed to capitalise on the weather and each other's poor grid positions finishing sixth and seventh respectively. This result cut Hamilton's lead in the Championship to one point.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grandprix.com/race/r799racereport.html|title=Italian GP – Sunday – Race Report: Vettel blows them away|publisher=grandprix.com|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref> Hamilton finished third at the next race in ], while Massa failed to score any points, allowing Hamilton to increase his championship lead to seven points.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/sep/28/formulaone.lewishamilton1|title=Alonso back on form with Singapore win as Hamilton boosts title hopes|publisher=]|author=Briggs, Gemma|date=28 September 2008|accessdate=31 August 2010 | location=London}}</ref>


Hamilton is regarded as one of the best wet-weather drivers in the sport, with some of his best performances occurring in those conditions. In the ], Hamilton bested second-place ] by over a minute, the largest margin of victory recorded since the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bailiwickexpress.com/jsy/life/sport-xtra/lewis-hamiltons-9-most-memorable-races-ever-he-wins-his-third-f1-championship-title/|title=Lewis Hamilton most memorable races|date=2016|work=Bailiwick Express|access-date=9 August 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810012036/https://www.bailiwickexpress.com/jsy/life/sport-xtra/lewis-hamiltons-9-most-memorable-races-ever-he-wins-his-third-f1-championship-title/|archive-date=10 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.grandprix.com/race/r794racereport.html|title=Lewis shows his class|date=2008|work=grandprix.com|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401223304/http://www.grandprix.com/race/r794racereport.html|archive-date=1 April 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> During the turbo-hybrid era, Hamilton remained unbeaten in every race affected by wet weather from the ] up to the ], where his almost five-year streak was broken by ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Horton |first1=Phillip |title=FORMULA 1 Remember when ... Lewis Hamilton last missed a wet weather F1 win |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/21255 |website=motorsportweek.com |publisher=Motorsport Week |access-date=4 August 2019 |archive-date=4 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804221058/https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/21255 |url-status=dead }}</ref> His wet weather drive at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix where he clinched his seventh world title was widely acclaimed, with ] describing it as "one of his greatest performances".<ref name="Saward 2020"/> Qualifying sixth for the race after Mercedes struggled with tyre temperatures and a track that lacked grip after being recently resurfaced, during the race he gambled on a one-stop strategy in mixed conditions whilst his rivals chose to change their tyres for a second time, enabling him to take the lead and win by over 30 seconds. His performance was contrasted with that of his team-mate Bottas, who spun four times and finished a lap down in 14th place.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/nov/15/lewis-hamilton-wins-turkish-gp-to-clinch-record-equalling-seventh-f1-world-title-michael-schumacher |title=Lewis Hamilton wins Turkish GP to clinch record-equalling seventh F1 title |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=15 November 2020 |website=] |access-date=9 May 2021 |archive-date=15 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115120238/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/nov/15/lewis-hamilton-wins-turkish-gp-to-clinch-record-equalling-seventh-f1-world-title-michael-schumacher/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/lewis-hamilton-turkish-grand-prix-result-f1-b1723200.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/lewis-hamilton-turkish-grand-prix-result-f1-b1723200.html |archive-date=14 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Turkish Grand Prix result: Lewis Hamilton wins seventh F1 world title |last=Duncan |first=Philip |date=15 November 2020 |website=]|access-date=9 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/formula-one/lewis-hamilton-f1-champion-turkey-gp-2020-standout-moment-b458265.html |title=My sporting moment of 2020: Lewis Hamilton's Turkish GP triumph was the mark of a true champion |last=Majendie |first=Matt |date=30 December 2020 |website=] |access-date=9 May 2021 |archive-date=9 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509104533/https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/formula-one/lewis-hamilton-f1-champion-turkey-gp-2020-standout-moment-b458265.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Hamilton cited the race as his "stand-out" performance of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-turkish-gp-my-stand-out-performance-of-f1-2020/4932498/ |title=Hamilton: Turkish GP my 'stand-out performance' of F1 2020 |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=29 December 2020 |website=] |access-date=9 May 2021 |archive-date=9 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509103026/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-turkish-gp-my-stand-out-performance-of-f1-2020/4932498/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
At ], Hamilton took pole in qualifying. His closest rival for the Championship title, ], could only manage to qualify fifth.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7664875.stm|title=Japanese Grand Prix|publisher=]|work=]|accessdate=11 October 2008 | date=11 October 2008}}</ref> As the race began Kimi Räikkönen made a good start from second position, getting ahead of pole-sitter Hamilton. Hamilton moved down the inside before the first corner, out-braking himself and running wide. This forced some of the drivers behind him to go off the track, including the cars of Räikkönen and Heikki Kovalainen, for which Hamilton was given a drive-through penalty. A second incident followed soon afterwards, on the second lap, when Hamilton attempted to pass Massa into the chicane at turn 10. Hamilton pulled alongside the Ferrari and as Massa ran wide into the corner, Hamilton made a move to pass him. Massa then ran up inside Hamilton and the cars collided at the second bend of the chicane, pushing the McLaren into a spin. Massa was later given a drive-through penalty for this move. Hamilton, who had been in sixth place behind Massa, dropped down to last place but managed to regain some places and managed to finish the race in 12th position. However Massa finished seventh after being given an extra point after a penalty was given to Toro Rosso's ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2008/10/12/alonso-wins-as-hamilton-and-massa-stumble-2008-japanese-grand-prix/|title=Alonso wins as Hamilton and Massa stumble (2008 Japanese Grand Prix)|work=F1 Fanatic|publisher=Keith Collantine|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=12 October 2008|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref> This meant that with just two races to go Hamilton led the World Championship by five points from Massa.


].]]
At the penultimate race of the season, the {{F1 GP|2008|Chinese}}, Hamilton was much faster than all the other cars in the practice sessions, and qualified on pole position.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chinese Grand Prix|publisher=BBC|work=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7677490.stm|date=18 October 2008|accessdate=18 October 2008}}</ref> He went on to win the race from Felipe Massa and Kimi Räikkönen, taking a 7 point lead in the World Championship into the last race of the season. Speaking afterwards, Hamilton said "All weekend we have had God on our side as always, and the team did a phenomenal job in preparing the car, which has been a dream to drive."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/3227133/Lewis-Hamilton-savours-show-of-family-unity-as-he-moves-closer-to-world-title.html|title=Hamilton savours show of family unity|publisher=]|location=London|first=John|last=Bingham|date=19 October 2008|accessdate=7 May 2010}}</ref>
] was a major influence on Hamilton's driving style, recalling: "I think it's partly because I watched when I was young and I thought 'this is how I want to drive when I get the opportunity' and I went out there and tried it on the kart track. My whole approach to racing has developed from there."<ref name="auto6">{{Cite web|url=http://www.lewishamilton.com/post/senna-hero/#QjmYrMIcoYJOA1pb.97|title=Senna – The genuine hero|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-date=17 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817163231/http://www.lewishamilton.com/post/senna-hero/#QjmYrMIcoYJOA1pb.97|url-status=dead}}</ref> He has been compared to Senna in raw speed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/130130|title=Lewis Hamilton has Ayrton Senna's speed but not ruthlessness|date=14 June 2017|work=Autosport|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-date=10 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810050831/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/130130|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2010, Hamilton drove Senna's original title-winning ] as part of a tribute documentary by the BBC motoring show '']''. In the documentary, along with fellow racing drivers, he named Senna as the number one driver ever.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1695114/plotsummary?ref_=tt_ov_pl|title=Top Gear: Episode #15.5 (2010) Summary|website=]|access-date=21 May 2018|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170919/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1695114/plotsummary?ref_=tt_ov_pl|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/motorsport/here-are-f1-legend-ayrton-sennas-top-ten-defining-moments#1|title=Ayrton Senna's top ten defining moments|access-date=21 May 2018|archive-date=22 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522041636/https://www.topgear.com/car-news/motorsport/here-are-f1-legend-ayrton-sennas-top-ten-defining-moments#1|url-status=dead}}</ref>
]
Hamilton needed to finish at least fifth in the {{F1 GP|2008|Brazilian}} to secure the World Championship. After a hard fought race Hamilton was in fifth but, after rain, and in the closing laps of the race, Sebastian Vettel of Scuderia Toro Rosso took the fifth position away from Hamilton. Had the race ended then, this would have given the driver's title to Massa.


Earlier in his career, Hamilton was criticised for being hot-headed at times, as demonstrated when he was disqualified in Imola in the ] for overtaking the safety car, something he went on to repeat four years later in Formula One at the ] in Valencia.<ref name="auto7">{{Cite news|url=http://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/lewis-hamilton-racer-mercedes-comfortable-in-own-fame-will-buxton/|title=The Complete Driver|work=NBC Sports|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-date=10 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810012647/http://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/lewis-hamilton-racer-mercedes-comfortable-in-own-fame-will-buxton/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following his move to Mercedes, Hamilton was credited with demonstrating greater maturity, while maintaining his ruthlessness and aggression. The official Formula One website describes him as "invariably a fierce but fair fighter".<ref name="halloffame"/>
On the final lap of the race first Vettel and then Hamilton managed to pass ] of ], after Glock (unlike Hamilton) had risked staying on the track with dry-weather tyres, despite the rain.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/11/8635.html|title=The Official Formula 1 Website|publisher=Formula1.com|date=|accessdate=26 November 2008}}</ref> This moved Hamilton back up to fifth, ensuring that he finished one point ahead of Massa overall and winning the 2008 title. Hamilton's overtaking move happened after Massa had crossed the line to win.
This meant that Hamilton had clinched the 2008 Formula One World Championship, becoming the youngest driver to win the title, as well as the first black driver.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/3367873/Lewis-Hamilton-crowned-youngest-world-champion-at-Brazil-Grand-Prix-Formula-One.html|title=Lewis Hamilton keeps cool to become youngest ever world champion in rainy Brazil|publisher=]|location=London|first=Kevin|last=Garside|date=2 November 2008|accessdate=7 May 2010}}</ref> He is also the first British driver to win the World Championship since ] triumphed in 1996.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7705310.stm|title=2008 Brazilian Grand Prix|publisher=]|work=]|date=2 November 2008|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref>


====Racial abuse==== ===Reception===
{{quote box|quote=As a driver he is absolutely outstanding – as good as there's ever been. Apart from the talent, he's a good guy, he gets out on the street and supports and promotes Formula One. He is box office, 100 per cent.|source=—], speaking of Hamilton in 2015<ref>{{cite web |last1=Medland |first1=Chris |title=Hamilton '100% box office' – Ecclestone |url=http://f1i.com/news/8176-hamilton-100-box-office-ecclestone.html |website=f1i.com |date=29 March 2015 |access-date=21 November 2018 |archive-date=21 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121072757/http://f1i.com/news/8176-hamilton-100-box-office-ecclestone.html |url-status=live }}</ref>|width=29%|align=left}}
On 4 February 2008, Hamilton was ] and otherwise ] during pre-season testing at the ] in ] by several Spanish spectators who wore black face paint and black wigs, as well as shirts bearing the words "Hamilton's {{sic|famil|ly}}".<ref name="times20080204">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article3305228.ece|title=Lewis Hamilton 'saddened' by racist abuse|date=4 February 2008|accessdate=27 July 2009|work=The Times|location=London}}</ref> Hamilton became widely unpopular in Spain because of his rivalry with Spanish former team-mate ]. The ] have warned Spanish authorities about the repetition of such behaviour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7225523.stm|title=Hamilton saddened by racist abuse|publisher=]|work=]|accessdate=4 February 2008}}</ref> In reaction to this behaviour, the FIA announced on 13 February 2008 that it will launch a "Race Against Racism" campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/2/7355.html|title=The Official Formula 1 Website |publisher=Formula1.com|accessdate=4 November 2008}}</ref>
Hamilton has been described as the best driver of his generation,<ref name="Coulthard 2015"/><ref name="Gregory 2016"/><ref name="Saward 2020"/> and one of the greatest Formula One drivers<ref name="BBC 2018"/><ref name="Maltby 2018"/><ref name="Comfortably">{{cite news |last=Nicholls |first=Jack |date=3 November 2018|title=Lewis Hamilton is comfortably one of the greatest racing drivers the world has ever seen |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/formula1/46076323 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=14 November 2018 |archive-date=12 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112061628/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/formula1/46076323 |url-status=live }}</ref> including by ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lewin|first=Andrew|date=6 November 2019|title=Hamilton 'one of the greatest of all time', declares Brundle|url=https://f1i.com/news/361058-hamilton-one-of-the-greatest-of-all-time-declares-brundle.html|access-date=15 January 2021|website=F1i.com|archive-date=6 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306180550/https://f1i.com/news/361058-hamilton-one-of-the-greatest-of-all-time-declares-brundle.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=20 December 2019|title=Carey: Drivers are our heroes, Lewis among the greatest|url=https://www.grandprix247.com/2019/12/20/carey-drivers-are-our-heroes-lewis-among-the-greatest/|access-date=14 January 2021|website=GRAND PRIX 247|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121043202/https://www.grandprix247.com/2019/12/20/carey-drivers-are-our-heroes-lewis-among-the-greatest/|url-status=live}}</ref> Several Formula One drivers and experts have described Hamilton as the greatest Formula One driver of all time.{{efn-num|These include former Jordan team boss ],<ref>{{Cite web|last=McCague|first=Niall|date=27 November 2019|title=Lewis Hamilton has already surpassed Michael Schumacher as greatest of all time, says Eddie Jordan|url=https://sport360.com/article/motorsport/339306/lewis-hamilton-has-already-surpassed-michael-schumacher-as-greatest-of-all-time-says-eddie-jordan|access-date=14 January 2021|website=sport360.com|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121054156/https://sport360.com/article/motorsport/339306/lewis-hamilton-has-already-surpassed-michael-schumacher-as-greatest-of-all-time-says-eddie-jordan|url-status=live}}</ref> ex-drivers ],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=Frontstretch|date=30 November 2019|title='Lewis Hamilton's the Best Racer That's Ever Been:' Eddie Irvine Speaks Out|url=https://www.frontstretch.com/2019/11/30/lewis-hamiltons-the-best-racer-thats-ever-been-eddie-irvine-speaks-out/|access-date=14 January 2021|website=Frontstretch|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120230731/https://www.frontstretch.com/2019/11/30/lewis-hamiltons-the-best-racer-thats-ever-been-eddie-irvine-speaks-out/|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref name="auto2" /> ],<ref>{{Cite web|date=15 November 2020|title=Damon Hill hails 'best of all time' Lewis Hamilton|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/damon-hill-hails-best-time-145937687.html|access-date=14 January 2021|website=uk.news.yahoo.com|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121034522/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/damon-hill-hails-best-time-145937687.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Adedokun|first=Naomi|date=30 November 2020|title=Lewis Hamilton is 'the greatest' because he 'doesn't have Schumacher's ruthlessness!'|url=https://todaynewspost.com/sports-news/lewis-hamilton-is-the-greatest-because-he-doesnt-have-schumachers-ruthlessness/|access-date=15 January 2021|website=Express.co.uk|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120134124/https://todaynewspost.com/sports-news/lewis-hamilton-is-the-greatest-because-he-doesnt-have-schumachers-ruthlessness/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and ],<ref name="watsonj"/> rivals ],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rosberg: 'Talent-wise, Hamilton the best of all-time'
|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/nico-rosberg-lewis-hamilton-best-f1-talent|website=planetf1.com|date=18 October 2021 |archive-date=18 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018133719/https://www.planetf1.com/news/nico-rosberg-lewis-hamilton-best-f1-talent/|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vettel names his GOAT after stating Hamilton and Verstappen as 'incomparable'|url=https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1003826/sebastian-vettel-f1-lewis-hamilton-max-verstappen-goat-sky-sports-interview/|access-date=18 February 2024|website=gpfans.com|date=16 September 2023 |archive-date=18 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218172715/https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1003826/sebastian-vettel-f1-lewis-hamilton-max-verstappen-goat-sky-sports-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ],<ref>{{Cite AV media|title=CarNext presents: Keeping Up with the Verstappens, ft. David Coulthard – The Day After in Abu Dhabi
|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0AQf_eJ8ug|archive-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223121946/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0AQf_eJ8ug|url-status=live}}</ref> Formula E driver ],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pringle|first=Ben|date=22 November 2019|title=Lewis Hamilton 'greatest ever' F1 driver ahead of Michael Schumacher – Sam Bird|url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1206398/Lewis-Hamilton-Sam-Bird-Mercedes-greatest-ever-F1-driver-Michael-Schumacher|access-date=14 January 2021|website=Express.co.uk|archive-date=13 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113045924/https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1206398/Lewis-Hamilton-Sam-Bird-Mercedes-greatest-ever-F1-driver-Michael-Schumacher|url-status=live}}</ref> and ex-commentator ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smart|first=Ryan|date=6 August 2020|title='Lewis Hamilton is the greatest F1 driver in history because he's a clean racer' Murray Walker|url=https://www.givemesport.com/1589452-lewis-hamilton-is-the-greatest-formula-1-driver-of-all-time-says-murray-walker|access-date=14 January 2021|website=GiveMeSport|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120234612/https://www.givemesport.com/1589452-lewis-hamilton-is-the-greatest-formula-1-driver-of-all-time-says-murray-walker|url-status=live}}</ref>}} Writing in ], Jim Holden suggested Hamilton might not only be among the greatest British drivers in Formula One but one of the greatest British sportsmen.<ref name="autocarjim"/> Amongst receiving plaudits from experts and fans in and out of the sport, Hamilton has been a divisive figure in the eyes of the general public, with some journalists arguing his exploits on the track have been underappreciated.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nicholls |first=Jack |date=3 November 2018 |title='Hamilton just has the best car, doesn't he?' |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/formula1/46076323 |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=BBC Sport |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217121830/https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/formula1/46076323 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="totobest" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Grez |first1=Matias |title=Lewis Hamilton 'could go on until he's 40,' says dad Anthony |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/04/motorsport/lewis-hamilton-sixth-formula-one-title-greatest-ever-spt-intl/index.html |access-date=5 November 2019 |work=edition.cnn.com |agency=CNN |publisher=CNN Sport |date=4 November 2019 |archive-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105034304/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/04/motorsport/lewis-hamilton-sixth-formula-one-title-greatest-ever-spt-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Holden has suggested that racial bias may have contributed towards Hamilton's perceived lack of popularity relative to his achievements, with Hamilton's race and physical appearance – being mixed-race and often seen sporting earrings, ] and designer clothing – alienating some of the sport's traditional white, elderly male fanbase.<ref name="autocarjim">{{cite news |last1=Holder |first1=Jim |title=Is Lewis Hamilton the greatest British sportsman of all time? |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/opinion/motorsport/lewis-hamilton-greatest-british-sportsman-all-time |access-date=5 November 2019 |work=autocar.co.uk |publisher=Autocar |date=4 November 2019 |archive-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105195555/https://www.autocar.co.uk/opinion/motorsport/lewis-hamilton-greatest-british-sportsman-all-time |url-status=live }}</ref> Others have attributed his lack of appreciation to the perceived predictability of results during the turbo-hybrid era, likening his period of dominance to that of Schumacher in the early 2000s, and to tennis players ] and ], all of whom became more appreciated in the latter part of their careers.<ref name="autocarjim" /><ref name="powellchampion" />


{{quote box|quote=What strikes me now about him now is his maturity ... recognises he is a role model and the influence he has and the responsibilities that come with it. He is far broader than purely a driver in . He has opinions about the environment, young people, fashion and music. That is part of the greater appeal of Lewis today.|source=—], chairman of Motorsport UK, speaking of Hamilton in 2019<ref>{{cite web |last1=Richard |first1=Giles |title=Lewis Hamilton is not only a peerless champion, he is the face of F1 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/nov/29/lewis-hamilton-champion-formula-one-mercedes |website=theguardian.com |date=29 November 2019 |access-date=5 December 2019 |archive-date=5 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205163916/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/nov/29/lewis-hamilton-champion-formula-one-mercedes |url-status=live }}</ref>|width=29%|align=right}}
Shortly before the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, a website owned by the Spanish branch of the New York-based advertising agency TBWA and named "pinchalaruedadeHamilton" (burst Hamilton's tyre) was featured in the British media. The website contained an animated image of ] that allowed users to leave nails and porcupines on the track for Hamilton's car to run over. Among thousands of anti-Hamilton comments left since 2007, some included racial ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/nov/01/hamilton-racism-formula-one-spain|title=Website used to abuse Lewis Hamilton owned by global ad agency|publisher=]|location=London|first=Giles|last=Tremlett|date=1 November 2008|accessdate=7 May 2010}}</ref> His rival Fernando Alonso condemned the racist supporters.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.barcelonareporter.com/index.php?/news/comments/spains_f1_alonso_condemns_racism_aimed_at_hamilton/|title=The Barcelona Reporter|publisher=barcelonareporter.com|accessdate=11 July 2010}}</ref>


Hamilton's jet-set lifestyle and interests outside Formula One have been scrutinised.<ref name="fittipaldi"/> He has been praised for disregarding convention and public opinion and has been described as one of the last superstar drivers.<ref name="powellchampion">{{cite news |last1=Powell |first1=Nick |title=Formula One: Lewis Hamilton very likely to become motor racing's greatest champion |url=https://news.sky.com/story/formula-one-lewis-hamilton-very-likely-to-become-motor-racings-greatest-champion-11852031 |access-date=5 November 2019 |work=news.sky.com |agency=Sky |publisher=Sky News |date=3 November 2019 |archive-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105075805/https://news.sky.com/story/formula-one-lewis-hamilton-very-likely-to-become-motor-racings-greatest-champion-11852031 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Renesis 2019">{{cite web |last=Renesis |first=Alessandro |title=Let's open up the debate: Is Lewis Hamilton the GOAT? |url=https://drivetribe.com/p/lets-open-up-the-debate-is-lewis-euCAvzx-Q2mdss7L5Q02bw?iid=ZtoSMB_HRyaodrJNUWaSNQ |website=DriveTribe |date=17 April 2019 |access-date=5 November 2019 |archive-date=7 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707031908/https://drivetribe.com/p/lets-open-up-the-debate-is-lewis-euCAvzx-Q2mdss7L5Q02bw?iid=ZtoSMB_HRyaodrJNUWaSNQ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Between race weekends Hamilton has on several occasions travelled around the world to explore a variety of interests, such as in 2018 where, after winning the ], Hamilton flew to Shanghai and New York where he released his own designer clothing line with ], before flying immediately back to, and winning, the ].<ref name="Renesis 2019"/> His Mercedes team-boss ] has been vocal in his support for Hamilton's off-track pursuits, explaining how freedom allows Hamilton to function at his best.<ref name="totobest">{{cite news |last1=Mitchell |first1=Scott |title=Hamilton may be 'best driver that has ever existed' – Wolff |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-best-driver-existed-wolff/4482417/ |access-date=5 November 2019 |work=motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport |date=26 June 2019 |ref=wolff2019 |archive-date=26 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626081900/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-best-driver-existed-wolff/4482417/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===2009 season===
]]]


Figures in the sport, such as ] and ], have voiced their support for Hamilton's ability to connect with fans, while ] frequently commented on his admiration of Hamilton's ability to promote the sport, observing how he is happy to engage with fans, unlike some of his peers.<ref name="fittipaldi">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/30/lewis-hamilton-formula-one-emerson-fittipaldi|title=Lewis Hamilton is a great example for the other F1 drivers, says Emerson Fittipaldi|work=The Guardian|date=30 October 2016|access-date=9 April 2017|archive-date=28 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328181217/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/30/lewis-hamilton-formula-one-emerson-fittipaldi|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, '']'' sports journalist Luke Slater went as far as to argue that "here have been few better representatives of the sport than Hamilton ... on and off the track."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Slater |first1=Luke |title=After a sixth world title, should Lewis Hamilton be considered greater than seven-time winner Michael Schumacher? |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2019/11/05/sixth-world-title-should-lewis-hamilton-considered-greater-seven/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2019/11/05/sixth-world-title-should-lewis-hamilton-considered-greater-seven/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |website=telegraph.co.uk |publisher=The Telegraph |access-date=9 November 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Following Hamilton's knighthood in 2020,<ref>{{cite news |title=Speedy Sir: Lewis Hamilton knighted in year-end royal honours |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/speedy-sir-lewis-hamilton-knighted-in-year-end-royal-honours/story-4TnbLvNEXtfRkfOCJjgGCN.html |access-date=6 January 2021 |work=Hindustan Times |date=31 December 2020 |archive-date=5 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105223439/https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/speedy-sir-lewis-hamilton-knighted-in-year-end-royal-honours/story-4TnbLvNEXtfRkfOCJjgGCN.html |url-status=live }}</ref> newly appointed Formula One CEO ] said that Hamilton is "a true giant of our sport" and that "his influence is huge both in and out of a car".<ref>{{cite web |title=Arise Sir Lewis! Hamilton to be awarded knighthood after historic seventh world title |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.arise-sir-lewis-hamilton-to-be-awarded-knighthood-after-historic-seventh.2oKynH8fOmJytSk8mOo0o9.html |website=formula1.com |publisher=FIA Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=2 January 2021 |date=30 December 2020 |archive-date=30 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230233848/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.arise-sir-lewis-hamilton-to-be-awarded-knighthood-after-historic-seventh.2oKynH8fOmJytSk8mOo0o9.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
A year after winning the ] from pole position, Hamilton started the {{F1|2009}} season-opening {{F1 GP|2009|Australian}} from 18th place on the grid after the McLaren team incurred a penalty for changing his malfunctioning gearbox during qualifying.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/5065001/Lewis-Hamilton-trailing-as-Jenson-Button-takes-pole-for-F1-Australian-Grand-Prix.html|title=Lewis Hamilton trailing as Jenson Button takes pole for F1 Australian Grand Prix|first=Tom|last=Cary|work=]|publisher=Telegraph Media Group|date=28 March 2009|accessdate=17 August 2010|location=London}}</ref> Hamilton benefited from a late crash between Red Bull's ] and BMW Sauber's ] to move into fourth place by the end of the race. He was then promoted to third after ] was penalised for overtaking him under safety-car conditions. During a post-race stewards' hearing, Hamilton and McLaren officials told stewards they had not purposely let Trulli pass, but it was revealed by release of the McLaren race radio communication that this was not true.<ref>
{{cite web|url=http://makformula1.blogspot.com/2009/04/transcript-of-mclaren-radio.html|title=FORMULA 1: Transcript of McLaren radio transmission + AUDIO|publisher=makformula1.blogspot.com|accessdate=3 April 2009}}</ref> Hamilton was then disqualified from the race for providing "misleading evidence" during the stewards' hearing.<ref>{{cite news|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/74146|title=Hamilton disqualified from Australian GP|work=autosport.com|publisher=]|date=2 April 2009|accessdate=2 April 2009}}</ref> He later privately apologised to FIA race director ] for having lied to the stewards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/74394|title=Hamilton apologised to FIA's Whiting|work=autosport.com|publisher=]|date=10 April 2009|author=Cooper, Adam; Noble, Jonathan|accessdate=11 April 2009}}</ref>


{{quote box|quote=He was able to win with a dominant car, with a good car like 2010 or 2012, or with bad cars like 2009 and 2011. Not all the champions can say that.|source=—], speaking of Hamilton in 2017<ref name="BBC 2017">{{cite news|title=Lewis Hamilton: Why the all-time F1 great shines above the numbers|publisher=BBC|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/41797613|date=30 October 2017|access-date=5 November 2017|archive-date=5 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105004133/http://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/41797613|url-status=live}}</ref>|width=27%|align=left}}
]]]


A prodigious talent as a teenager, Hamilton established himself as one of the world's best drivers following his record-breaking rookie year. Paddy Lowe has suggested that "he turned out to be the best rookie there has ever been" and that "his first half-season is just the most extraordinary in history."<ref name=benson /> After his first world title a year later, many people considered Hamilton the best driver of his generation.<ref name="observer" /> Following ] and ]'s four-year dominance of the sport, Hamilton's resolve was tested both professionally and personally as he did not finish higher than fourth in the Drivers' Championship from 2009 to 2013, leading some to question his status as the best driver in the sport.<ref name="auto10">{{cite news|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2294844-where-does-lewis-hamilton-rank-on-list-of-f1s-greatest-drivers|title=Where Does Lewis Hamilton Rank on List of F1's Greatest Drivers?|last=Walthert|first=Matthew|date=10 December 2014|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-date=10 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810051352/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2294844-where-does-lewis-hamilton-rank-on-list-of-f1s-greatest-drivers|url-status=live}}</ref> In spite of this, Hamilton's less successful years with McLaren have also been cited as a demonstration of driving ability as Hamilton has won ],<ref name="Maltby 2018"/> attracting high praise from experts and fellow drivers for extracting race-winning performances from cars that were not dominant.<ref name="BBC 2017"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Nicholls |first1=Jack |title=Hamilton just has the best car, doesn't he? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/formula1/46076323 |website=bbc.co.uk/sport |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=14 November 2018 |archive-date=12 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112061628/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/formula1/46076323 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Over the next six races, Hamilton qualified outside the top ten three more times, twice qualifying as high as fifth. He scored minor points at the ], ] and ]. A chance for points, and even hopes for a podium finish came at the ] when he again qualified fifth, but a puncture on the first lap caused by a collision with Mark Webber sent him down to 19th as the McLaren limped back to the pits damaging the floor and undertray. With the car's aerodynamics damaged he finished 18th, last and the only driver in the race lapped.{{Citation needed|date=August 2010}}


]]]
Hamilton's fortunes were reversed at the ], the tenth round of the season. A ]-assisted start from fourth place saw him take second place by the first corner, before losing it to Mark Webber at the next turn. Hamilton repassed Webber on lap five and following Alonso's retirement on lap 13, he led the remainder of the race to finish 11.529 seconds clear of Räikkönen and take his 10th career win and the first for a KERS-equipped car.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/5103.html|title=KERS, ex-F1 champs and South Korea|accessdate=27 August 2010|last=Lynch|first=Steven|date=15 December 2009|work=en.espnf1.com|publisher=ESPN EMEA Ltd.}}</ref> McLaren's return to form continued in ], where Hamilton qualified on pole position for the first time in the season, heading a McLaren one-two with team-mate ]. In the race a poor pit stop by the mechanics lost Hamilton first place but he finished a steady second behind Rubens Barrichello's Brawn.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/aug/23/lewis-hamilton-robbed-grand-prix-victory-valencia-barrichello|title=Lewis Hamilton robbed of victory by pit-lane fiasco|accessdate=27 August 2010|last=Hamilton|first=Maurice|date=23 August 2009|work=guardian.co.uk|publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited | location=London}}</ref>
After Hamilton clinched his second and third World Championship titles with Mercedes in 2014 and 2015, ] declared Hamilton the best driver of his generation, calling him "the Ayrton Senna of his era".<ref name="Coulthard 2015"/> As Hamilton became more widely considered the best driver of his era, public and expert debate moved from his status in modern Formula One to his status among the greatest drivers in history.<ref name="auto10"/> The next few seasons saw Hamilton eclipse a number of records, including achieving the most all-time pole positions ahead of ], leading him to be regarded by some as the greatest qualifier in history.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Barretto|first1=Tremayne|last2=Lawrence|first2=David |title=THE DEBATE: Should Hamilton now be considered the greatest of all time? |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-debate-should-hamilton-now-be-considered-the-greatest-of-all-time.6P9M9FINCEqYOSEumUqqIS.html |website=formula1.com |publisher=Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091810/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-debate-should-hamilton-now-be-considered-the-greatest-of-all-time.6P9M9FINCEqYOSEumUqqIS.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=12 October 2017|title=The reason why Hamilton is the best qualifier in F1 history|url=https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/10/12/the-reason-why-hamilton-is-the-best-qualifier-in-f1-history/|access-date=14 January 2021|website=GRAND PRIX 247|archive-date=16 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116110007/https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/10/12/the-reason-why-hamilton-is-the-best-qualifier-in-f1-history/|url-status=live}}</ref> After winning his fourth and fifth world titles, Hamilton's place among the greats of the sport became firmly established in the opinions of experts, rivals, and teammates alike,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Richards|first=Giles|date=29 October 2017|title=Why Lewis Hamilton has secured his place among the greatest F1 drivers {{!}} Giles Richards|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2017/oct/29/lewis-hamilton-greatest-f1-drivers-damon-hill|access-date=14 January 2021|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=15 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115205621/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2017/oct/29/lewis-hamilton-greatest-f1-drivers-damon-hill|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Hamilton is champion once more and will now rightly be considered one of the greatest drivers of all time. |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-crowned-2018-world-champion-in-mexico.5dcaVjEZK0m2IEqW666GE4.html |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=28 October 2018 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116193535/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-crowned-2018-world-champion-in-mexico.5dcaVjEZK0m2IEqW666GE4.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Horton |first=Phillip |title=Champion Hamilton proves his greatness |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/20506 |website=Motorsport Week |access-date=28 October 2018 |archive-date=29 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029030948/https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/20506 |url-status=dead }}</ref> including among others ], ],<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 October 2018|title=Hamilton among F1's greatest drivers – Carlos Sainz|url=https://www.news24.com/wheels/FormulaOne/hamilton-among-f1s-greatest-drivers-carlos-sainz-20181019|access-date=14 January 2021|website=Wheels|archive-date=15 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115213901/https://www.news24.com/wheels/FormulaOne/hamilton-among-f1s-greatest-drivers-carlos-sainz-20181019|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 November 2017|title=Hamilton just as good as Senna, Schumacher – Massa|url=https://www.news24.com/wheels/FormulaOne/hamilton-just-as-good-as-senna-schumacher-massa-20171109|access-date=14 January 2021|website=Wheels|archive-date=17 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117183116/https://www.news24.com/wheels/FormulaOne/hamilton-just-as-good-as-senna-schumacher-massa-20171109|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=24 April 2019|title=Hamilton the only F1 driver to reach same level as Senna – Berger|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142910/hamilton-the-only-driver-on-senna-level--berger|access-date=14 January 2021|website=Autosport.com|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121041429/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142910/hamilton-the-only-driver-on-senna-level--berger|url-status=live}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Thorn|first=Dan|date=3 November 2017|title=Lewis Hamilton Is One of the All-Time Great F1 Drivers According To Ross Brawn|url=https://wtf1.com/post/lewis-hamilton-is-one-of-the-all-time-great-f1-drivers-according-to-ross-brawn/|access-date=15 January 2021|website=WTF1|archive-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307005725/https://wtf1.com/post/lewis-hamilton-is-one-of-the-all-time-great-f1-drivers-according-to-ross-brawn/|url-status=live}}</ref> Some journalists and pundits also consider the possibility of Hamilton being the greatest Formula One driver of all time.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Barretto|first1=Lawrence|last2=Tremayne|first2=David|title=THE DEBATE: Should Hamilton now be considered the greatest of all time?|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-debate-should-hamilton-now-be-considered-the-greatest-of-all-time.6P9M9FINCEqYOSEumUqqIS.html|website=formula1.com|publisher=Formula One World Championship Limited|access-date=3 November 2018|archive-date=3 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091810/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-debate-should-hamilton-now-be-considered-the-greatest-of-all-time.6P9M9FINCEqYOSEumUqqIS.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Edmondson |first1=Laurence |title=Is Lewis Hamilton F1's G.O.A.T.? |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/25117730/is-lewis-hamilton-f1-goat |website=Espn.co.uk |date=29 October 2018 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091918/http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/25117730/is-lewis-hamilton-f1-goat |url-status=live }}</ref>


Following Hamilton clinching a sixth World Drivers' Championship title in 2019, ex-Formula One driver and pundit ] acclaimed Hamilton as the greatest driver ever,<ref name="auto2">{{cite news |last1=Herbert |first1=Johnny |title=Six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton is the best driver I have seen |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2019/nov/03/lewis-hamilton-f1-world-championship-michael-schumacher |access-date=5 November 2019 |work=] |date=3 November 2019 |archive-date=4 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104170850/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2019/nov/03/lewis-hamilton-f1-world-championship-michael-schumacher |url-status=live }}</ref> while Formula One staff writer Greg Stuart described Hamilton as "arguably the most complete Formula driver ever".<ref name="f1 debate">{{cite web |title=THE DEBATE: How much better can Lewis Hamilton get? |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.big-debate-how-much-better-can-lewis-hamilton-get.4L8xtYTmsyvJZgLfR9oosd.html |website=formula1.com |publisher=FIA Formula One World Championship Ltd |access-date=9 November 2019 |date=8 November 2019 |archive-date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108193549/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.big-debate-how-much-better-can-lewis-hamilton-get.4L8xtYTmsyvJZgLfR9oosd.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After Hamilton won his seventh title in 2020, ] stated that Hamilton "is, by a million miles, the greatest driver of his generation and you can argue he will go on to be the greatest Formula One driver of all time", and highlighted his fearlessness as being key to his success, as evidenced by his performance against double world champion team-mate Alonso in his rookie season and his decision to leave McLaren for Mercedes.<ref name="watsonj">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/nov/16/lewis-hamilton-bravery-aged-10-extraordinary-f1-background |title=Lewis Hamilton's bravery stood out at 10 – what he has done since is extraordinary |last=Watson |first=John |author-link=John Watson (racing driver) |date=16 November 2020 |website=] |access-date=16 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116131150/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/nov/16/lewis-hamilton-bravery-aged-10-extraordinary-f1-background |url-status=live }}</ref>
Hamilton crashed out of the next two races, the ] and ], going out of third place on the last lap of the Italian race when chasing Jenson Button for second. This mathematically eliminated his chances of defending his title.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen out of 2009 Formula 1 title race|url=http://www.f1sa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17204:f1--lewis-hamilton-and-kimi-raikkonen-out-of-2009-formula-1-title-race&catid=1:f1&Itemid=157|work=F1SA|publisher=Formula One Supporters Association|date=13 September 2009|accessdate=17 August 2010}}</ref> In September, at the {{F1 GP|2009|Singapore}}, Hamilton took his second win of the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8277277.stm|title=Boost for Button as Hamilton wins |date=27 September 2009|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=28 September 2009 | first=Ollie | last=Williams}}</ref> He finished third at the next two races, the ] and ], starting the latter event from 17th on the grid. In the inaugural {{F1 GP|2009|Abu Dhabi}}, Hamilton was quick throughout the practice sessions and qualified on pole, six tenths of a second quicker than Sebastian Vettel who was second on the grid. Hamilton led the race, but retired on lap 20 due to a rear brake problem, his first technical-related retirement in Formula One.{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}}


===2010 season=== ===Helmet===
] at the ], where he finished in sixth position, having started 20th]] ]
From a young age, Hamilton's helmet throughout his karting years was predominantly yellow with blue, green and red ribbons. In later years, a white ring was added and the ribbons were moved forward to make room for logos and advertisement space.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hamilton's helmet|work=AsiaOne|date=23 July 2007|url=http://www.asiaone.com/Multimedia/Story/A1Multimedia20070723-844.html|access-date=2 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024084323/http://www.asiaone.com/Multimedia/Story/A1Multimedia20070723-844.html|archive-date=24 October 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Hamilton continued to run a yellow design throughout the early stages of his Formula One career, but in 2014 decided to switch to a white design with three red ribbons on the side.<ref name="petronashelmet">{{cite news |last1=Horton |first1=Phillip |title=Remember when ... Hamilton's Petronas helmet was banned |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/21147 |access-date=29 November 2019 |work=motorsportweek.com |publisher=Motorsport Week |date=16 January 2019 |archive-date=6 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706163037/https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/21147 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2016, Hamilton added three stars beneath the ribbons, representing each of his World Drivers' Championships. Hamilton selected his helmet design from fan submissions in 2017;<ref>{{cite news|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|url=http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-asks-fans-to-design-2017-f1-helmet-868803/|title=Hamilton asks fans to design 2017 F1 helmet|work=motorsport.com|access-date=27 January 2017|archive-date=27 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127115031/http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-asks-fans-to-design-2017-f1-helmet-868803/|url-status=dead}}</ref> the winning design used a white and yellow base colour with red and orange details.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/128210/hamilton-reveals-winning-2017-helmet-design|title=Lewis Hamilton reveals F1 2017 helmet competition design winner|work=Autosport|last=Mitchell|first=Scott|access-date=22 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107004746/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/128210/hamilton-reveals-winning-2017-helmet-design|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Over the following seasons, Hamilton began a tradition of adding more stars to his helmet upon winning each title.<ref name="Grand Prix 24/7">{{cite web |title=HAMILTON TO USE GOLD HELMET FOR ABU DHABI SEASON FINALE |url=https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/11/23/hamilton-reveals-gold-helmet-for-abu-dhabi-season-finale/ |website=grandprix247.com |date=23 November 2018 |publisher=Grand Prix 24/7 |access-date=19 December 2018 |archive-date=23 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123143111/https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/11/23/hamilton-reveals-gold-helmet-for-abu-dhabi-season-finale/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Having switched back to a 2014-inspired white-and-red design in 2018,<ref>{{cite web |title=Hamilton reveals he spent hours editing car livery; adds on Apple docu |url=https://formularapida.net/en/hamilton-reveals-he-spent-hours-editing-helmet-livery-adds-on-apple-docu/|date=22 March 2024 |publisher=Formula Rapida |access-date=7 December 2024 |archive-date=7 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207105710/https://formularapida.net/en/hamilton-reveals-he-spent-hours-editing-helmet-livery-adds-on-apple-docu/|url-status=live }}</ref> Hamilton opted a different colour palette in 2020, which used matte black as base colour with purple details; he later added a ] emblem to the lid, in support of the movement.<ref>{{Citation |title=Revealed! Lewis' 2020 F1 Helmet! | date=2 July 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrKLqCMSklc |access-date=26 March 2023 |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326183003/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrKLqCMSklc |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2022, Hamilton moved to a fluorescent yellow design, retaining the purple details and championship stars.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Walsh |first1=Fergal |title=Hamilton returns to yellow helmet design for 2022 F1 season |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/03/18/hamilton-returns-to-yellow-helmet-design-for-2022-f1-season/ |website=motorsportweek.com |publisher=Motorsport Week |access-date=19 March 2022 |date=17 March 2022 |archive-date=18 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318115222/https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/03/18/hamilton-returns-to-yellow-helmet-design-for-2022-f1-season/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
After a difficult 2009 season Hamilton was set out to challenge for the title hoping for a better season for him and McLaren. For the new season Hamilton would drive alongside new teammate, ], while ] moved to ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8411249.stm|title=Lotus F1 sign Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen|publisher=]|work=]|accessdate=2 September 2010 | date=14 December 2009}}</ref>


]
Hamilton finished third in ],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/mar/14/fernando-alonso-bahrain-f1|title=Ferrari's Fernando Alonso wins Bahrain grand prix|publisher=]|date=14 March 2010|accessdate=2 September 2010 | location=London}}</ref> having qualified fourth on the grid.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/redbull/7435148/Bahrain-Grand-Prix-Red-Bulls-Sebastian-Vettel-claims-pole-Lewis-Hamilton-fourth.html|title=Bahrain Grand Prix: Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel claims pole, Lewis Hamilton fourth|publisher=]|date=13 March 2010|accessdate=2 September 2010 | location=London}}</ref> In ], Hamilton failed to make the top ten in qualifying, starting the race from eleventh place on the grid. He ran as high as third, before ending the race in sixth, after a late-race collision with ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grandprix.com/race/r822racereport.html|title=Australian GP – Sunday – Race Report: Button calls the shots in Australia|publisher=grandprix.com|accessdate=2 September 2010}}</ref> The ] saw him in the top three positions in all practice sessions,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/motorsport-news/2010/04/02/malaysian-grand-prix-lewis-hamilton-on-top-in-sepang-practice-session-86908-22156890/|title=Malaysian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton on top in Sepang practice session|publisher=]|date=2 April 2010|accessdate=2 September 2010}}</ref> but a misjudgement on the weather by his team in qualifying, left him on tyres that were unfavourable for the wet conditions. This restricted him to 20th on the grid for the race, before he came through to finish sixth.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-1263437/MALAYSIAN-GRAND-PRIX-2010-LIVE-Lap-lap-coverage-F1-drama-unfolds-Sepang.html|title=MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX 2010 LIVE: Lap-by-lap coverage as the F1 drama unfolds in Sepang|publisher=]|author=Duncan, Philip|date=4 April 2010|accessdate=2 September 2010 | location=London}}</ref> He was given a warning during the race, after he weaved four times over a straight trying to break the tow that ] was receiving and was not intending to block him.<ref name="driving tactics"/> After the race the rules were clarified by stewards to only allow a driver to weave once even if they are only trying to break a tow.
Hamilton has used several one-off helmet designs across his 18-year career. Hamilton sported gold helmets for season finales three times in his career. After winning his fourth title in 2017, he entered the ] in a gold helmet with four stars adorning the top of the helmet with the words "World Champion".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/883807/Lewis-Hamilton-Formula-One-world-champion-Abu-Dhabi-Grand-Prix-helmet|title=Lewis Hamilton: Formula One world champion unveils GOLD helmet for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix|work=The Express|access-date=11 May 2018|archive-date=12 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512044307/https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/883807/Lewis-Hamilton-Formula-One-world-champion-Abu-Dhabi-Grand-Prix-helmet|url-status=live}}</ref> He used similar designs in ] and ] with five and six stars, respectively.<ref name="Grand Prix 24/7"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Benson |first1=Andrew |title=Lewis Hamilton takes dominant Abu Dhabi pole position |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/50614929 |access-date=1 December 2019 |work=bbc.co.uk |agency=BBC |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 November 2019 |archive-date=30 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130195113/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/50614929 |url-status=live }}</ref> This practice altered in ], when Hamilton wore his base helmet with gold outlines and accents, instead of a full gold design.


], used for the ].|right]]
Hamilton qualified in sixth position in ], making up four places in the race and achieving a second place finish, behind teammate Jenson Button. This completed the team's first 1–2 finish since the ]. The race saw multiple brief periods of rain, and two safety car periods, which upset the order and resulted in many overtaking manoeuvres. Hamilton was involved in a pit lane incident with ] driver ], for which both later received a reprimand from race stewards, Hamilton for his second consecutive race after the Petrov incident in Malaysia. Hamilton qualified third for the {{F1 GP|2010|Spanish}}, and by the end of the race he was running in second behind Mark Webber and set the fastest lap of the race on the third last lap. The next lap, he speared off into the gravel trap and came in contact with the wall, destroying the left front suspension and putting him out of the race. It appeared that his front left tyre received a puncture and blew out but it was later confirmed by McLaren that the wheel rim had failed and destroyed the tyre, sending Hamilton into the barrier. Despite running in the top three for most of the race, he was classified outside the points.
Hamilton has also used one-off helmet designs to pay tribute to influential figures in his career. He has continuously brought special helmet designs to ], in tribute to ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uk.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/hamilton-proud-of-senna-helmet-design/|date=25 November 2011|access-date=5 December 2011|work=Autoblog|publisher=]|first=Stephan|last=Heublein|title=Hamilton proud of Senna Helmet Design|archive-date=23 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123021950/http://uk.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/hamilton-proud-of-senna-helmet-design|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bradley |first1=Charles |title=Hamilton reveals latest Senna tribute helmet |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-reveals-senna-tribute-helmet/4597494/ |website=motorsport.com |access-date=21 November 2020 |date=15 November 2019 |archive-date=29 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129030830/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-reveals-senna-tribute-helmet/4597494/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=All the new F1 driver helmet designs for the Brazilian GP
|url=https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-new-driver-helmet-designs-brazilian-gp-2023/ |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=total-motorsport.com |date=2 November 2023 |archive-date=4 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204105313/https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-new-driver-helmet-designs-brazilian-gp-2023/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the ], Hamilton wore a special helmet design to pay tribute to Mercedes co-owner ], who died that week, featuring Lauda's classic red-and-white palette with his name printed on the back.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mitchell |first1=Scott |title=Hamilton's Monaco GP Lauda tribute helmet made last-minute |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/143715/hamilton-lauda-tribute-helmet-made-lastminute |access-date=31 May 2019 |work=Autosport |publisher=autosport.com |date=28 May 2019 |archive-date=28 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528150353/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/143715/hamilton-lauda-tribute-helmet-made-lastminute |url-status=live }}</ref> Other notable special designs include his ] helmet designs—used during the ], ] and ] Grands Prix of 2021—in support of ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton praised after wearing rainbow helmet in Qatar GP practice|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/nov/19/lewis-hamilton-rainbow-helmet-qatar-grand-prix-formula-one|website=theguardian.com|access-date= 21 November 2021|date= 19 November 2021|archive-date = 12 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230912052414/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/nov/19/lewis-hamilton-rainbow-helmet-qatar-grand-prix-formula-one|url-status= live}}</ref> Hamilton used unique designs for the ] in ] and ], designed by Japanese artists ] and ], respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GALLERY: Check out the Japanese GP special helmets – including home favourite Tsunoda's design {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.gallery-check-out-the-japanese-gp-special-helmets-including-home-favourite.4nQ5zZwBDVJo3V9S9dPbEv.html |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=Formula1.com |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326184718/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.gallery-check-out-the-japanese-gp-special-helmets-including-home-favourite.4nQ5zZwBDVJo3V9S9dPbEv.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lewis Hamilton unveils unusual light-up lid for Japanese Grand Prix |url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-special-light-up-lid-japan |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=planetf1.com |date=21 September 2023 |archive-date=23 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923092351/https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-special-light-up-lid-japan |url-status=live }}</ref>


===Rivalries===
The next weekend at ] Hamilton qualified and finished 5th. For the {{F1 GP|2010|Turkish}}, Hamilton qualified a season's best 2nd, behind Mark Webber. He was overtaken by 3rd placed ], but managed to reclaim the place soon after. Hamilton was then promoted to 1st after Vettel and Webber collided with each other on Lap 40. Hamilton's teammate, ] was then in 2nd behind him and later overtook Hamilton, but Hamilton retook the lead in the first corner after a few near collisions. Both drivers held back then and cruised to a the finish, with Hamilton taking his first victory of the 2010 season, promoting him to 3rd in the Drivers Championship.
====Fernando Alonso====
]]]
Hamilton's debut season saw him partner two-time and defending World Champion ]. In their time as teammates, tensions arose between the two drivers and McLaren as a result of several incidents. The first tensions surfaced after Hamilton finished second behind Alonso at ] in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hamilton 2007 Pre-season interview |url=http://www.sportinglife.com/formula1/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=formula1/07/03/05/AUTO_Formula_One_Hamilton.html |work=Sporting Life |date=30 August 2007 |access-date=30 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930055238/http://www.sportinglife.com/formula1/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=formula1%2F07%2F03%2F05%2FAUTO_Formula_One_Hamilton.html |archive-date=30 September 2007 }}</ref> After post-race comments made by Hamilton which suggested he had been forced into a supporting role, the FIA investigated whether McLaren had broken rules by enforcing team orders.<ref name="inquiry">{{cite news|title=The FIA's McLaren-Monaco statement in full |publisher=Formula One |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/5/6178.html |date=30 May 2007 |access-date=5 June 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709064139/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/5/6178.html |archive-date=9 July 2008 }}</ref> McLaren denied favouring Alonso, and the FIA subsequently vindicated the team, stating that "McLaren were able to pursue an optimum team strategy because they had a substantial advantage over all other cars ... nothing which could be described as interfering with the race result."<ref name="inquiry"/>


Tensions surfaced again at the ], where during the final qualifying session Hamilton went out on track ahead of Alonso and ignored requests from the team to let him through: the two drivers had been taking turns on a race-by-race basis to lead during qualifying, which gave the leading driver an edge due to the fuel load regulations then in place, and Alonso was due to lead in Hungary.<ref name=benson /> Hamilton was then delayed in the pits by Alonso and thus unable to set a final lap time before the end of the session.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dennis: Hold up is Hamilton's fault|publisher=GPUpdate|url=http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/162323/dennis-hold-up-is-hamilton-s-fault/|date=4 August 2007|access-date=17 August 2010|archive-date=15 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015145937/http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/162323/dennis-hold-up-is-hamilton-s-fault/|url-status=live}}</ref> Alonso was relegated to sixth place on the starting grid thus promoting Hamilton, who had qualified second, to first, while McLaren was docked Constructors' Championship points. Hamilton said he thought the penalty was "quite light if anything" and only regretted the loss of points.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chequered Flag (podcast)|work=BBC Radio Five Live|minutes=5:56}}</ref> Hamilton was reported to have sworn at Dennis on the team radio following the incident.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hamilton handed pole after Alonso punished|work=The Times|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article2199765.ece|date=5 August 2007|access-date=7 August 2007|location=London|first=Alan|last=Baldwin|archive-date=4 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204081757/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article2199765.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref> British motorsport journal '']'' claimed that this " Dennis to throw his headphones on the pit wall in disgust: a gesture that was misinterpreted by many to be in reaction to Alonso's pole";<ref>{{cite news|title=Hamilton apologises to McLaren|work=Autosport|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/61385|date=5 August 2007|access-date=7 August 2007|archive-date=30 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930224326/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/61385|url-status=live}}</ref> however, McLaren later issued a statement on behalf of Hamilton that denied the use of any profanity.<ref>{{cite news|title=McLaren: Lewis didn't swear at Dennis|url=http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=40329|publisher=itv-f1.com|date=9 August 2007|access-date=9 August 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929103031/http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=40329|archive-date=29 September 2007}}</ref>
Prior to the Turkish Grand Prix in 2010, Hamilton evidently had both of his ears pierced, as he was sporting black studs in each ear on the grid before the race, however despite FIA policy prohibiting the wearing of earrings and jewellery at grand prix, the FIA stated that they had no issue with Hamilton's freshly pierced ears.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=370177&FS=F1|work=motorsport.com|publisher=GMM|date=28 May 2010|accessdate=29 July 2010|title=FIA has 'no concerns' with Hamilton's ear studs}}</ref> Hamilton qualified on pole for the {{F1 GP|2010|Canadian}}, continuing a 100% pole record at ]. After setting his pole lap, Hamilton received instructions from his team to stop on circuit due to a lack of fuel in the car which would not be equivalent to the level necessary for a sample to be taken by the FIA. Hamilton was reprimanded after failing to complete his in-lap in a sufficient time, while his team received a $10,000 fine.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/6/10901.html|title=Hamilton storms to Montreal pole|work=formula1.com|publisher=]|date=12 June 2010|accessdate=13 June 2010}}</ref> This fine did not appear to affect Hamilton who won the race and promoted him to lead the Drivers Championship. A day after the Grand Prix Hamilton flew back into the UK and drove ]'s championship winning MP4/4. Hamilton had been denied the chance to drive it in 2009 when the car had a gearbox problem the day before he drove it at the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?id=46285&PO=46285|work=]|publisher=]|date=5 July 2009|accessdate=29 July 2010|title=Lewis loses chance to try Senna's car
}}</ref> Hamilton was clearly excited and overcome with emotion and described it as 'one of the best days of his life'. He also stated that he had 'ticked off one of his dreams' by driving the car.<ref>{{cite video|date=25 July 2010|title=Top Gear: Series 15, Episode 5|publisher=]|location=], ]|accessdate=29 July 2010|time=00:57:30–01:01:00}}</ref>


As a result of the events over the 2007 season, the relationship between Hamilton and Alonso reportedly collapsed, with the pair not on speaking terms for a short period.<ref name="Hamilton calls for truce">{{cite news|title=Hamilton calls for truce and targets the bigger battles ahead|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/aug/25/motorsports.sport|work=The Guardian|date=25 August 2007|access-date=25 August 2007|location=London|first=Richard|last=Williams|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022070930/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/aug/25/motorsports.sport|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Alonso is ignoring me&nbsp;– Hamilton|work=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6932653.stm|date=6 August 2007|access-date=17 August 2010|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309164431/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6932653.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> In the aftermath it was reported that Hamilton had been targeted by ] regarding a ] drive for {{F1|2008}}.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Cooper|first=Steve|date=August 2007|title=McLaren dream team turns into nightmare|magazine=Autosport|volume=189|issue=6|pages=6–8}}</ref> The rivalry between the pair led to speculation that either Hamilton or Alonso would leave McLaren at the end of the season;<ref>{{cite news|title=The future of Fernando Alonso|publisher=grandprix.com|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns19511.html|date=6 August 2007|access-date=12 September 2007|archive-date=30 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430210153/http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns19511.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Alonso cool on future at McLaren|publisher=BBC|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6932307.stm|date=5 August 2007|access-date=13 September 2007|archive-date=26 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026194316/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6932307.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Million dollar babies|first=Eddie|last=Irvine|author-link=Eddie Irvine|work=]|publisher=]|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/sport/motorsport/formula1/features/eddie-irvine-12.php|date=8 August 2007|access-date=17 August 2010|archive-date=1 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901133511/http://www.virginmedia.com/sport/motorsport/formula1/features/eddie-irvine-12.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Alonso and McLaren terminated their contract by mutual consent in November that year, ending his and Hamilton's time as teammates.<ref name="ALO07"/> In subsequent years, tensions between the pair dissipated, and the mutual respect has grown,<ref>{{cite web |title=Hamilton 'grateful' for congratulatory text message from old foe Alonso |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-grateful-for-congratulatory-text-message-from-old-foe-alonso.720QjqnoDl3rxVUslApjb4.html |website=formula1.com |publisher=FIA Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=15 November 2019 |archive-date=14 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114204436/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-grateful-for-congratulatory-text-message-from-old-foe-alonso.720QjqnoDl3rxVUslApjb4.html |url-status=live }}</ref> with Alonso praising Hamilton in 2017 saying " was able to win with a dominant car, with a good car like 2010 or 2012, or with bad cars like 2009 and 2011. Not all the champions can say that."<ref name="BBC 2017"/> Alonso later described Hamilton as one of the top five greatest drivers of all time.<ref name="BBC 2018"/> On the cool-down lap after Alonso's final race before his two-year hiatus in 2018, Hamilton joined Sebastian Vettel in paying tribute to Alonso by driving, each on one side, in a formation to the start-finish straight where all three executed donuts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://formulaspy.com/formula-1/alonso-grateful-for-hamilton-vettel-gesture-57716|title=Alonso "grateful" for Hamilton & Vettel gesture|date=25 November 2018|website=formulaspy.com|access-date=3 December 2018|archive-date=2 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202202727/https://formulaspy.com/formula-1/alonso-grateful-for-hamilton-vettel-gesture-57716|url-status=live}}</ref>
Hamilton qualified third in ] and passed Mark Webber at the start of the race. He went up the inside of Vettel into the second corner but was run out of room by Vettel, jumped over the kerbs and made slight contact which resulted in some damage to his McLaren. When the safety car was deployed after Webber's 300&nbsp;km/h flying crash, Vettel and Hamilton were on the pit straight. Vettel passed the second safety car line before the safety car exited the pits while Hamilton just missed making the line by about 0.5s. Hamilton passed the safety car after the second safety car line instead of decelerating to follow the safety car. Fernando Alonso was a second behind Hamilton and was disadvantaged by having to remain behind the safety car. Alonso complained on the radio to his team which led to the stewards investigating the incident and penalising Hamilton with a drive through penalty. The stewards announced the penalty 20 minutes after the incident which allowed Hamilton to make a gap before serving the penalty and kept him in second place. This angered Alonso and the Ferrari team as the penalty did not alter the results,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8766250.stm|title=Sebastian Vettel beats Lewis Hamilton in European GP|work=]|publisher=]|date=27 June 2010|accessdate=17 August 2010}}</ref> leading Hamilton to accuse Alonso of "sour grapes", although the pair reconciled before the next race.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.crash.net/f1/news/161344/1/hamilton_everythings_cool_with_alonso_now.html|title=Hamilton: 'Everything's cool' with Alonso now|work=crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|date=7 July 2010|accessdate=8 July 2010}}</ref>


Whilst teammates, Hamilton and Alonso won eight of 17 races held. Both drivers achieved four victories and 12 podium finishes, whilst Hamilton outqualified Alonso 10 of 17 times. At the end of their season as teammates, the pair were tied on 109 points, with Hamilton placing second and Alonso third in the World Drivers' Championship by virtue of Hamilton having more second-place finishes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Teammate – Fernando ALONSO |url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/lewis-hamilton/coequipier-detail.aspx?p1=1484&p2=757 |website=statsf1.com |publisher=Stats F1 |access-date=31 July 2019 |archive-date=13 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613113708/https://www.statsf1.com/en/lewis-hamilton/coequipier-detail.aspx?p1=1484&p2=757 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Hamilton finished second behind Vettel and retained his lead in the drivers championship. He finished second at ] and fourth at ], while in ], Hamilton qualified fifth but retired during the race due to gearbox problems, losing the championship lead to Webber. Despite running into the gravel at ], Hamilton won his third race of the season and reclaimed the championship lead.


====Nico Rosberg====
Hamilton crashed out of the ] in a racing incident with Mark Webber on lap 35. Webber had overtaken Hamilton during his pitstop, then Hamilton attempted to overtake Webber whilst Webber was lapping ]'s ]. The resulting collision ended Hamilton's race while Webber went on to finish third.
{{main|Hamilton–Rosberg rivalry}}
]]]
When Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013, he was paired alongside old karting teammate and friend ]. Over their four seasons as teammates, a period of Mercedes dominance in Formula One, the pair's relationship became strained and, at times, led to volatile confrontations on and off the track.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/16758147/a-line-lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg-rivalry|title=Lewis Hamilton-Nico Rosberg rivalry: A timeline|last=Saunders|first=Nate|date=5 July 2016|work=ESPN|access-date=10 August 2017|archive-date=5 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705132511/http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/16758147/a-line-lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg-rivalry|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton and Rosberg were first teammates in 2000, when they were in karting.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Oliver |date=30 November 2016 |title=Nico Rosberg: Taking title from Lewis Hamilton is a phenomenal feeling |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2016/11/27/nico-rosberg-hope-dont-experience-time-soon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623124054/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2016/11/27/nico-rosberg-hope-dont-experience-time-soon/ |archive-date=23 June 2023 |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=The Telegraph |issn=0307-1235 }}</ref> They raced for Mercedes Benz McLaren in Formula A, where Hamilton became European champion, with Rosberg not far behind. ], who raced with them before Formula One, recalled how they were competitive both on and off the track, saying that "they would even have races to eat pizza, always eating two at a time."<ref name="auto11">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/25/lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg-friendship-rivalries#img-1|title=Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: how friendship turned to fiercest of rivalries|last=Weaver|first=Paul|date=25 November 2016|work=The Guardian|access-date=10 August 2017|archive-date=26 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126090616/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/25/lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg-friendship-rivalries#img-1|url-status=live}}</ref> Sports journalist Paul Weaver contrasts their upbringings;<ref name="auto11"/> Rosberg was born in Germany and raised in Monaco as the son of {{F1|1982}} World Drivers' Champion ], whereas Hamilton was raised on a ] in Stevenage to a father who worked multiple jobs to fund his son's early karting career.<ref name=observer/>


Pundit and commentator ] compared the character and driving styles of the pair, labelling Hamilton as the faster driver with more natural ability, as well as an intellect to match Rosberg's.<ref name="auto7"/> Buxton wrote:
===2011 season===
{{blockquote|Man to man against Rosberg, I can't recall a single race this year where in the same machinery Hamilton's fuel usage has been higher. He has made his tires last. He has had to fight from the back of the field time and again (think Germany, think Hungary) and yet he hasn't overworked his tires, he hasn't used too much fuel. He has learned how to drive these new cars, and to extract the most from them using the least ... Far from the unintelligent chancer many paint Hamilton to be, he is proving to be the intellectual match of his teammate and, the better racer to boot.<ref name="auto7"/>}}
Hamilton began the season finishing second in the {{F1 GP|2011|Australian}} behind winner Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull, despite having to deal with a damaged floor on his ]. In the {{F1 GP|2011|Malaysian}}, he qualified second and finished seventh on-the-road, struggling partly due to tyre wear and being tagged by Ferrari's Fernando Alonso in the closing stages. Both Hamilton and Alonso received 20-second time penalties post-race, which dropped Hamilton to eighth place behind Kamui Kobayashi, while Alonso remained sixth. He took his first win of the season in ], overtaking race leader Vettel with just a few laps remaining.


Their old karting boss, Dino Chiesa, said Hamilton was the faster driver whereas Rosberg, who once said to Chiesa "everything relates to physics and maths", was always more analytical.<ref name=observer/> This led some to believe that Rosberg would achieve greater success in Formula One, the highest level of open-wheel racing, due to the intellectual capacity required to manage brakes, energy harvesting, tyre management, and moderate fuel usage.<ref name="auto7"/> Hamilton's tyre management has frequently allowed him to push on for longer, often enabling optimum race strategies, and his fuel usage has regularly been better than almost anyone on the grid. Sky Sport's Mark Hughes, commented: "Rosberg has a more scientific methodology, looks to fine-tune more specifically than Hamilton who typically tends just to find a balance he can work with, then adapt his driving around it."<ref name="auto5"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hughes |first1=Mark |title=Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: A subtle difference in driving style as well as set-up |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12430/9559490 |access-date=12 January 2019 |work=skysports.com |publisher=Sky Sports |date=12 January 2019 |archive-date=18 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318042943/http://www1.skysports.com/f1/news/12430/9559490 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Records===
<!-- Please do NOT speculate on records that Hamilton is able to achieve, as this would constitute trivia and speculation.-->
Hamilton has matched or set the following ] in Formula One:
* Most consecutive podiums from debut race: 9&nbsp;– ]&nbsp;– ] (previous record was 2 by ]&nbsp;– ]&nbsp;– ])<ref>{{cite news|last=Gorman|first=Edward|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article2013334.ece|title=Silverstone awaits its new hero as Hamilton homes in on title|work=The Times|date=2 July 2007|accessdate=5 July 2007|location=London}}</ref>
* Most consecutive podiums for a British driver: 9&nbsp;– ]&nbsp;– ] (tied with ]&nbsp;– ]&nbsp;– ])<ref>{{cite news|last=Tremayne|first=David|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/hamilton-vows-to-cap-ninth-podium-record-456641.html|title=Hamilton vows to cap ninth podium record|work=]|date=10 August 2007|accessdate=17 July 2007|location=London}}</ref>
* Youngest driver to lead the World Championship: 22 years, 4 months, 6 days&nbsp;– at the ] (previous record was 23 years, 7 months, 22 days by ] at the ])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/statistics/2007-formula-1-season-statistics/|title=2007 Formula 1 season statistics|work=F1 Fanatic|publisher=Keith Collantine|accessdate=17 August 2010}}</ref>
* Most wins in a debut season: 4&nbsp;– ], ], ] and ] GPs (equalling ], 1996 ], ], ] and ] GPs)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/26454.html |title=Rindt's low points|accessdate=28 August 2010|last=Lynch |first=Steven|date=27 August 2010|work=en.espnf1.com|publisher=ESPN EMEA Ltd.}}</ref>
* Most pole positions in a debut season: 6&nbsp;– ], ], ], ], ] and ] GPs (previous record was 3 held jointly by ] ({{F1|1996}}) and ] ({{F1|2001}}))<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/aug/23/lewis-hamilton-interview|title=Back on track|work=]|publisher=]|last=Lewis|first=Tim|date=23 August 2009|accessdate=31 August 2010 | location=London}}</ref>
* Most points in a debut season: 109<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2008/11/8641.html|title=Lewis Hamilton's 2008 season – a legend in the making|date=4 November 2008|work=formula1.com|publisher=]|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref>
* Highest average points per race: 7.34<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.statsf1.com/en/lewis-hamilton.aspx|title=Lewis Hamilton|date=26 September 2010|work=statsf1.com|publisher=|accessdate=26 September 2010}}</ref>
<!--Please cite all records-->


In their time together as teammates, Hamilton and Rosberg won 54 of 78 races over four seasons. Hamilton had 32 victories, 55 podium finishes, and qualified ahead of Rosberg 42 times, while Rosberg had 22 victories, 50 podium finishes, and qualified ahead of Hamilton 36 times. During this period, Hamilton won two World Championship titles to Rosberg's one, and scored more points in three out of their four seasons together.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dailyautosport.com/f1/2016/12/lewis-hamilton-vs-nico-rosberg-statistics-of-the-confrontation-between-teammates-at-mercedes/|title=Lewis Hamilton vs Nico Rosberg: Statistics of the Confrontation Between Teammates at Mercedes|work=Daily Auto Sport|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811055158/http://dailyautosport.com/f1/2016/12/lewis-hamilton-vs-nico-rosberg-statistics-of-the-confrontation-between-teammates-at-mercedes/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In his debut season, Hamilton took the record of Youngest World Drivers' Championship runner-up, at 22 years and 288 days, previously held by Kimi Räikkönen at 23 years and 360 days. In 2009, this record was taken by ], who was 22 years and 122 days when he secured runner-up position in the championship.


====Sebastian Vettel====
Hamilton is the first driver of black heritage to compete in Formula One (although ] tested an F1 car in 1986)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/autoracing/story.html?id=10a34879-fc5f-4626-84c8-38a41df06500|title=Hamilton in fast lane to success|last=Phillips|first=Randy|work=Montreal Gazette/Canada.com|publisher=CanWest News Service|date=7 June 2007|accessdate=5 July 2007}}</ref> and the first driver of black heritage to win a major race at ] in any discipline. In addition, he is the third youngest driver to achieve an F1 pole position, and the fourteenth F1 driver to achieve a podium finish on his debut.<ref name="Super Wheels"/>
]]]
<!-- Use of the description "black" is only used because of the cited reference. Further discussion of ethnicity is inappropriate. -->


Hamilton describes his rivalry with ] as his favourite, believing their battles helped bring them closer together.<ref>{{cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=15 April 2021|title=Why Vettel rivalry is the favourite of Hamilton's F1 career - so far|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/975047/1/why-vettel-rivalry-favourite-hamilton-s-f1-career-so-far|access-date=17 May 2021|website=Crash|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517003114/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/975047/1/why-vettel-rivalry-favourite-hamilton-s-f1-career-so-far|url-status=live}}</ref> After three years of Mercedes's dominance from 2014 to 2016, Ferrari produced a car that was capable of fighting for the championship in 2017 and 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ferrari Year by Year - F1 Grand Prix Wins and Highlights|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/teams/Ferrari/Year_by_Year.html|access-date=25 January 2022|website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website|archive-date=7 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015738/https://www.formula1.com/en/teams/Ferrari/Year_by_Year.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=6 August 2018|title=2018 F1 car performance: Are Mercedes or Ferrari quickest?|url=https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/06/2018-f1-car-performance-mercedes-ferrari-quickest/|access-date=17 May 2021|website=RaceFans|archive-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004042101/https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/06/2018-f1-car-performance-mercedes-ferrari-quickest/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Gill|first=Pete|date=10 April 2017|title=Who's fastest in F1 2017: Mercedes or Ferrari, Vettel or Hamilton?|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10832006/whos-fastest-in-f1-2017-mercedes-or-ferrari-vettel-or-hamilton|access-date=17 May 2021|website=Sky Sports|archive-date=10 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410233146/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10832006/whos-fastest-in-f1-2017-mercedes-or-ferrari-vettel-or-hamilton|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=29 August 2017|title=Vettel: I believe we have the best car|url=https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/29/vettel-i-believe-we-have-the-best-car/|access-date=17 May 2021|website=GRAND PRIX 247|archive-date=29 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829134257/https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/29/vettel-i-believe-we-have-the-best-car/|url-status=live}}</ref> Vettel, who was then driving for ], enjoyed an early lead on points, but Mercedes and Hamilton fought back and ultimately won the championships in both seasons. While there were some on-track flash points, most notably the ], when Vettel accused Hamilton of ]ing and drove into Hamilton in retaliation, earning a penalty,<ref>{{cite web|last=Wood|first=Will|date=25 June 2017|title=Vettel handed three penalty points for Hamilton clash|url=https://www.racefans.net/2017/06/25/vettel-handed-three-penalty-points-hamilton-clash/|access-date=2 June 2021|website=RaceFans|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215955/https://www.racefans.net/2017/06/25/vettel-handed-three-penalty-points-hamilton-clash/|url-status=live}}</ref> the pair developed a strong mutual respect in a hard but fairly contested fight.<ref>{{cite web|last=Galloway|first=James|date=4 December 2018|title=Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton: F1's respectful rivals|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24181/11529040/sebastian-vettel-and-lewis-hamilton-f1s-respectful-rivals|access-date=2 June 2021|website=Sky Sports|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214627/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24181/11529040/sebastian-vettel-and-lewis-hamilton-f1s-respectful-rivals|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=20 October 2018|title=Vettel acknowledges 'mutual respect' in Hamilton rivalry|url=https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsport/vettel-acknowledges-mutual-respect-in-hamilton-rivalry-20181020|access-date=2 June 2021|website=News24 Sport|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602220155/https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsport/vettel-acknowledges-mutual-respect-in-hamilton-rivalry-20181020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Galloway|first=James|date=11 December 2018|title=Lewis Hamilton: Sebastian Vettel respect higher since Baku 2017|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11347348/lewis-hamilton-sebastian-vettel-respect-higher-since-baku-2017|access-date=2 June 2021|website=Sky Sports|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602221220/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11347348/lewis-hamilton-sebastian-vettel-respect-higher-since-baku-2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, Hamilton recalled:
During the ] at the ], Hamilton became the first driver to have his car recovered by a crane and put back on the track during an F1 race, although several drivers have been pushed back onto the circuit by the marshals without mechanical aids when judged to be in a dangerous position, such as ] during the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.f1wolf.com/2007/07/european-gp-rule-book-confusion.html|title=European GP – Rule Book Confusion|work=F1 Wolf|publisher=]|date=23 July 2007|accessdate=17 August 2010}}</ref> Since then, the FIA have now banned the use of mechanical assistance to help move a car back onto the track, meaning that Hamilton became the first and the last driver to have his car recovered by crane back onto the track.
{{blockquote|Mine and Seb's battle were my favourite so far. It's knowing I was racing against an incredible driver, not only that but a great man in Seb who is a four-time world champion and we were racing against another team, he was at Ferrari who were very strong at the time. It took a lot out of both of us in that period of time, to remain focused to deliver weekend in, weekend out. That was a difficult period for us and it brought us closer, because the respect we have between us is huge.<ref>{{cite web|last=Richards|first=Giles|date=15 April 2021|title=Lewis Hamilton describes F1 title rivalry with Vettel as greatest in his career|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/apr/15/lewis-hamilton-f1-rivalry-sebastian-vettel|access-date=17 May 2021|website=The Guardian|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415164804/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/apr/15/lewis-hamilton-f1-rivalry-sebastian-vettel|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
<!-- Again, please do NOT comment on records that Hamilton is potentially able to achieve. This would be mere speculation. -->


===Public image and influence===
Lewis Hamilton's contract for the McLaren driver development program made him the youngest ever driver to secure a contract which later resulted in an F1 drive.<ref name="BBC_07-06-19"/>
====Racist treatment====
]
The first and as of 2024 the only black driver to race in Formula One, Hamilton has been subject to racist abuse throughout his career. In 2007, Hamilton suffered racist abuse from Spanish Formula One supporters at the ].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Baldwin|first=Alan|date=10 February 2008|title=Hamilton also suffered abuse in China, says Mosley|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-31860420080210|access-date=16 April 2021|archive-date=16 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416215921/https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-31860420080210|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008, Hamilton was heckled and otherwise abused during pre-season testing at the ] by several Spanish spectators who wore ] and black wigs, as well as shirts bearing the words "Hamilton's {{sic|famil|ly}}".<ref name="times20080204">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article3305228.ece|title=Lewis Hamilton 'saddened' by racist abuse|date=4 February 2008|access-date=27 July 2009|work=The Times|location=London|first=Sadie|last=Gray|archive-date=2 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202090658/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article3305228.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref> The ] warned Spanish authorities about the repetition of such behaviour,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7225523.stm|title=Hamilton saddened by racist abuse|work=BBC Sport|access-date=4 February 2008|date=4 February 2008|archive-date=1 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301185240/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7225523.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> and launched a "Race Against Racism" campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/2/7355.html |title=FIA to launch anti-racism initiative |publisher=Formula1.com |access-date=4 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708212218/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/2/7355.html |archive-date=8 July 2008 }}</ref> Shortly before the ], a website owned by the Spanish branch of the New York-based advertising agency ] and named ''pinchalaruedadeHamilton'', which translates into English as "burst Hamilton's tyre", was featured in the British media. The site contained an image of ] that allowed users to leave nails and porcupines on the track for Hamilton's car to run over. Among thousands of comments left since 2007, some included racial insults.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/nov/01/hamilton-racism-formula-one-spain|title=Website used to abuse Lewis Hamilton owned by global ad agency|work=The Guardian|location=London|first=Giles|last=Tremlett|date=1 November 2008|access-date=7 May 2010|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126203000/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/nov/01/hamilton-racism-formula-one-spain|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, Hamilton was subjected to online racist abuse following a controversial win at the ]. ], Formula One, and the ] issued a joint statement condemning the abuse and called for those responsible to be held accountable.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 July 2021|title=Hamilton subjected to racist abuse online after British GP|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/hamilton-subjected-racist-abuse-online-after-british-gp-reports-2021-07-19/|access-date=30 July 2021|website=Reuters|archive-date=23 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723043317/https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/hamilton-subjected-racist-abuse-online-after-british-gp-reports-2021-07-19/|url-status=live}}</ref>


Hamilton's treatment by the media and critics has, at times, been criticised as being racist. In 2014, '']'' journalist Joseph Harker highlighted double-standards in Hamilton's treatment compared to other British drivers by British newspapers, suggesting that his skin colour has played a factor in a perceived lack of acceptance among the British public.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harker |first1=Joseph |title=Lewis Hamilton's lack of popularity: is it cos he is black? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/nov/24/lewis-hamilton-lack-popularity-black-formula-1-champion |access-date=5 August 2019 |work=] |date=24 November 2014 |archive-date=5 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805215212/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/nov/24/lewis-hamilton-lack-popularity-black-formula-1-champion |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2019, footballer ] described media scrutiny of Hamilton as having "racist undertones" and contrasted Hamilton's treatment to that of fellow British driver ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Ferdinand points to 'racist' element in criticism of Lewis Hamilton |url=https://jerseyeveningpost.com/sport/uk-sport/2019/07/14/ferdinand-points-to-racist-element-in-criticism-of-lewis-hamilton/ |access-date=14 July 2019 |work=jerseyeveningpost.com |publisher=Jersey Evening Post |date=14 July 2019 |archive-date=14 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714212341/https://jerseyeveningpost.com/sport/uk-sport/2019/07/14/ferdinand-points-to-racist-element-in-criticism-of-lewis-hamilton/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the start of his Formula One career, Hamilton said that he "tried to ignore the fact was the first black guy ever to race in the sport" but later stated that he had since grown to "appreciate the implications",<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mitchell |first1=Scott |title=Mercedes F1's Lewis Hamilton: Racism won't change for a long time |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142385/hamilton-racism-wont-change-for-a-long-time |access-date=14 July 2019 |work=autosport.com |publisher=Autosport |date=28 March 2019 |archive-date=29 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329041419/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142385/hamilton-racism-wont-change-for-a-long-time |url-status=live }}</ref> and changed his approach to promote equality within the sport.<ref>{{cite news |last1=de Menezes |first1=Jack |title=Bahrain Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton says racism remains 'all around the world' after England players abused |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/bahrain-grand-prix-lewis-hamilton-racism-abuse-all-around-the-world-england-players-sterling-rose-a8844171.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/bahrain-grand-prix-lewis-hamilton-racism-abuse-all-around-the-world-england-players-sterling-rose-a8844171.html |archive-date=14 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=14 July 2019 |work=independent.co.uk |publisher=The Independent |date=28 March 2019}}</ref> In 2019, ], Hamilton's team boss at Mercedes, described how Hamilton was "scarred for life" by racist abuse inflicted during his childhood.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/25/f1-lewis-hamilton-scarred-for-life-childhood-racist-abuse|title='Lewis Hamilton scarred for life by childhood racist abuse,' says Wolff|last=Media|first=PA|date=25 October 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=7 November 2019|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=7 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107234932/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/25/f1-lewis-hamilton-scarred-for-life-childhood-racist-abuse|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Driving style==
Hamilton is known for his aggressive and interesting driving style. He commonly uses ] to control the car's direction change.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itv-f1.com/Feature.aspx?Type=Martin_Brundle&id=41531|title=Lewis Hamilton&nbsp;— The Real Deal|last=Brundle|first=Martin|authorlink=Martin Brundle|date=31 December 2007|publisher=ITV-F1.com|accessdate=23 June 2010}}</ref> Confidence in car control allows Hamilton to excel in wet conditions as demonstrated in his performance at the ]. Confidence is also demonstrated when overtaking, as reflected in his 32 overtakes in 4 races during {{f1|2010}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-1273060/Lewis-Hamilton-Ive-unqualified-failure-far-needs-change--fast.html|title=I've been an unqualified failure so far and that needs to change&nbsp;— fast|date=6 May 2010|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate=23 June 2010 |location=London}}</ref>


====Media reception====
His aggressive style often attracts the attention of critics. For example, critics argued that Hamilton's defensive weaving during the ] in attempt to break the ] of ]'s chasing Renault was potentially dangerous. Hamilton was quick to defend himself to these accusations,<ref name="driving tactics">{{cite news|url=http://www.planetf1.com/news/3213/6139568/Hamilton-defends-driving-tactics|date=7 May 2010|publisher=planetf1.com|title=Hamilton defends driving tactics|accessdate=23 June 2010}}</ref> but race director ] clarified after the race that such weaving would favour a penalty in the future.
In December 2018, ]-born Hamilton caused controversy at the ] where he said on live television, "It really was a dream for us all as a family to do something different. For us to get out of the slums" before immediately correcting himself, saying, "Well, not the slums, but to get out of somewhere and do something. We all set our goals very, very high but we did it as a team." While Hamilton immediately sought to correct his remarks, the leader of ] described the comments as "disappointing" and observed that people felt "very offended".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Britton |first1=Alexander |title=Lewis Hamilton 'chose the wrong words' about Stevenage during BBC Sports Personality of the Year |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/lewis-hamilton-spoty-stevenage-instagram-story-video-comments-bbc-sports-personality-a8690351.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/lewis-hamilton-spoty-stevenage-instagram-story-video-comments-bbc-sports-personality-a8690351.html |archive-date=14 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=20 December 2018 |work=independent.co.uk |publisher=The Independent |date=19 December 2018}}</ref> Hamilton posted a video on ] in which he apologised for his comments, saying: "I'm super proud of where I come from and I hope you know that I represent in the best way I can always ... Particularly when you are up in front of a crowd, trying to find the right words to express the long journey you've had in life, I chose the wrong words."<ref>{{cite news |title=Hamilton's lukewarm apology for home town Stevenage slur |url=https://news.sky.com/story/hamiltons-lukewarm-apology-for-home-town-stevenage-slur-11585546 |access-date=20 December 2018 |work=news.sky.com |publisher=Sky News |date=19 December 2018}}</ref> The town mayor subsequently accepted his "gracious apology".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Younge |first1=Gary |title=Lewis Hamilton misspoke on Stevenage's 'slums'. In fact, this town can teach us a lot |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/dec/20/lewis-hamilton-stevenage-slums |website=] |date=20 December 2018 |access-date=20 December 2018}}</ref>


], London]]
==Helmet==
Hamilton's contribution and influence has been recognised regularly in the '']'', an annual list of the most influential Black Britons, in which he has ranked in the top 10 in 2016 and 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tom Ilube named the most powerful man in Britain {{!}} The Voice Online |url=https://archive.voice-online.co.uk/article/tom-ilube-named-most-powerful-man-britain |website=archive.voice-online.co.uk |access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=HuffPost |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/11/23/ken-olisa-most-influential-black-briton-powerlist-2016 |website=consent.yahoo.com |access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref> In 2021, Hamilton was named the most influential Black Briton in the ], for his sporting success and his advocacy in the ] movement.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Siddique |first1=Haroon |title=Lewis Hamilton named most influential black person in UK |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/17/lewis-hamilton-named-most-influential-black-person-in-uk |website=The Guardian |access-date=19 January 2021 |date=17 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220022425/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/17/lewis-hamilton-named-most-influential-black-person-in-uk |archive-date=20 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020|title=The Powerlist 2020 {{!}} Powerful Media|url=https://www.powerful-media.co.uk/powerlist|access-date=8 January 2021|website=Powerful-media.co.uk}}</ref> In 2020, he was listed as one of ] magazine's ], and was ] in the ] for services to motorsports.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Lewis Hamilton: The 100 Most Influential People of 2020|url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2020/5888433/lewis-hamilton/|access-date=23 September 2020|magazine=Time}}</ref><ref name="knight">{{cite news |title=New Year Honours: Lewis Hamilton knighted as Rob Burrow becomes MBE |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/55475887 |access-date=30 December 2020 |work=bbc.co.uk |agency=BBC |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=63218|supp=y|page=N2|date=31 December 2020}}</ref>
Due to the fact that Hamilton has said in the past that ] was his hero, some people assumed that his helmet is yellow in honour of him.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sippel|first=Egmont|title=That yellow helmet|work=wheels24.co.za|date=4 April 2007|url=http://www.wheels24.co.za/Columnists/Egmont_Sippel/That-yellow-helmet-20070404|accessdate=2 November 2008}}</ref> In actuality it was made yellow so that his father could tell which kart his son was driving back in his karting days. Hamilton chose the colours blue, green and red and they were originally in a ribbon design; however, Hamilton later felt that the design was "a bit old hat" so it was changed. In later years a white ring was added and the ribbons moved forward to make room for adverts and logos.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hamilton's helmet|work=asiaone.com|publisher=Singapore Press Holdings|date=23 July 2007|url=http://www.asiaone.com/Multimedia/Story/A1Multimedia20070723-844.html|accessdate=2 November 2008}}</ref>


Hamilton was one of several figures whose tax arrangements were singled out in a report by the charity ] in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tax-evasion-costs-lives-of-56m-children-826252.html |title=Tax evasion 'costs lives of 5.6m children' |work=The Independent |location=London |first=Sean |last=O'grady |date=12 May 2008 |access-date=7 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100508051933/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tax-evasion-costs-lives-of-56m-children-826252.html |archive-date= 8 May 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/may/23/lewis-hamilton-content-monaco|title=Lewis Hamilton feels content in Monaco after getting rid of baggage|first=Paul|last=Weaver|work=]|date=23 May 2012|access-date=23 May 2012|location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17615784|title= Monaco profile|date= 14 May 2014 |work=BBC News | access-date=23 November 2014}}</ref> That year, Hamilton received criticism from UK members of parliament for avoiding UK taxes.<ref name="AFP">{{cite news|title=Ecclestone urges more recognition for F1 champ Hamilton |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jGS3IaJsftaH5JHip7T_TwrcBUMg |date=6 November 2008 |access-date=6 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117064100/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jGS3IaJsftaH5JHip7T_TwrcBUMg |archive-date=17 January 2010 }}</ref> Following the leak of the ] in November 2017, it was reported that Hamilton had avoided paying £3.3&nbsp;million of ] (VAT) on his private jet, worth £16.5&nbsp;million.<ref name="auto13">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41886607|title=Paradise Papers: F1 champion Lewis Hamilton 'dodged' VAT on £16.5m private jet|first=Paradise Papers reporting team|last=BBC Panorama|publisher=BBC|date=6 November 2017|access-date=7 January 2018}}</ref> According to ], the leasing deal set up by his advisers appeared to be "artificial" and "did not comply with an EU and UK ban on VAT refunds for private use". The BBC also said that Hamilton's Instagram account provided evidence that the jet was used for personal trips.<ref name="auto13"/> The jet was sold in September 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/50061569|title=Lewis Hamilton: Social media post says he feels 'like giving up on everything'|date=15 October 2019|work=]|access-date=21 November 2019}}</ref> Whilst not residing in the UK, ] data published in 2019 puts Hamilton among the top 5,000 highest UK tax payers. Hamilton told '']'' in 2014: "What people don't realise is that I pay tax here , but I don't earn all my money here. I race in 19 different countries, so I earn my money in 20 different places and I pay tax in several different places, and I pay a lot here as well. I am contributing to the country."<ref>{{cite web|last=Dunan|first=Philip|date=31 December 2020|title=UK should be 'very proud' of 'champion and ambassador' Lewis Hamilton, says Toto Wolff|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/lewis-hamilton-knighthood-toto-wolff-honours-list-b1780786.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/lewis-hamilton-knighthood-toto-wolff-honours-list-b1780786.html |archive-date=14 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=14 December 2014|title=Hamilton: I pay a lot of tax in UK|work=Belfast Telegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/hamilton-i-pay-a-lot-of-tax-in-uk-30834368.html|access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>
During the ], Hamilton had an altered helmet design with the addition of a roulette wheel image on the top. Hamilton had said, "...I'll also be wearing a specially-painted helmet for the occasion. When you see it, you'll know why I'll be hoping for it to swing the odds in my favour."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://f1chronicles.com/2010/05/13/mclarens-lewis-hamilton-looks-to-repeat-monaco-2008-with-new-helmet/|title=McLaren's Lewis Hamilton looks to repeat Monaco 2008 with new Helmet|work=f1chronicles.com|publisher=F1 Chronicles|date=13 May 2010|accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref>


==Racing results== ==Other ventures==
===Career summary=== ===Activism and philanthropy===
====Diversity and anti-racism====
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%; text-align:center"
{{quote box|quote=People come up to me from different ethnic backgrounds saying, "My kid wants to be you one day", and I can assure you that when I started racing, there weren't people from those . I take great pride in that.|source=—Hamilton in 2017 commenting on his influence on minority representation in motorsport<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Oliver |title=Lewis Hamilton criticises lack of diversity in F1: 'Nothing has changed in 11 years I've been here' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2018/03/22/lewis-hamilton-criticises-lack-diversity-f1-nothing-has-changed/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2018/03/22/lewis-hamilton-criticises-lack-diversity-f1-nothing-has-changed/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=5 August 2019 |work=telegraph.co.uk |publisher=The Telegraph |date=22 March 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref>|width=27%|align=right}}
Hamilton is a prominent advocate against racism and for increased diversity in motorsport.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Garside |first1=Kein |title=Spare us the carping over Lewis Hamilton's tax exile, the F1 champion is as deserving of a knighthood as any |url=https://inews.co.uk/sport/formula-one/lewis-hamilton-knighthood-monaco-tax-status-exile-jackie-stewart-f1-812358 |access-date=31 December 2020 |work=inews.co.uk |publisher=i newspaper |date=30 December 2020 |archive-date=30 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230193809/https://inews.co.uk/sport/formula-one/lewis-hamilton-knighthood-monaco-tax-status-exile-jackie-stewart-f1-812358 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="fiaaction"/> In 2011—after being summoned to the stewards in five of the opening six rounds—Hamilton quipped, "maybe it's because I'm black, that's what ] says."<ref name="BBC Sport">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/formula_one/13588664.stm|title=Lewis Hamilton launches attack on Monaco stewards|work=BBC Sport|date=30 May 2011|access-date=7 August 2011|archive-date=26 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026194313/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/13588664|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, Hamilton criticised the lack of diversity in Formula One, stating "nothing's changed" in the 11 years since his debut.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Archer |first1=Bruce |title=Lewis Hamilton launches racial attack on F1 in social media post before Australian GP |url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/935433/Lewis-Hamilton-F1-news-racial-diversity-attack-Australian-Grand-Prix |access-date=14 July 2019 |work=express.co.uk |publisher=The Express |date=22 March 2018 |archive-date=14 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714212339/https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/935433/Lewis-Hamilton-F1-news-racial-diversity-attack-Australian-Grand-Prix |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Lewis Hamilton calls for greater diversity in Formula One, says 'nothing has changed' |url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/22868088/lewis-hamilton-calls-greater-diversity-formula-one-says-changed |access-date=5 August 2019 |publisher=ESPN |date=22 March 2018 |archive-date=5 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805215212/https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/22868088/lewis-hamilton-calls-greater-diversity-formula-one-says-changed |url-status=live }}</ref>

As part of the ], Hamilton ] before every Grand Prix he entered in 2020, in support of ], and wore t-shirts promoting racial justice.<ref name="BLM"/> Following the ] in May 2020, Hamilton criticised prominent figures in Formula One for their silence on the issue, writing on Instagram:
{{blockquote|I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest of stars{{sic}} yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice. Not a sign from anybody in my industry which of course is a white dominated sport. I'm one of the only people of colour there yet I stand alone. I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can't stand alongside us. Just know I know who you are and I see you. We are not born with racism and hate in our hearts, it is taught by those we look up to.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Hamilton 'overcome with rage' at US events|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/52898140|access-date=13 June 2020|archive-date=14 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614214349/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/52898140|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=George|last=Ramsay|title=Lewis Hamilton 'completely overcome with rage' following George Floyd's death|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/03/sport/lewis-hamilton-hamilton-george-floyd-protests-f1-spt-intl-gbr/index.html|access-date=13 June 2020|website=CNN|date=3 June 2020|archive-date=13 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613051123/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/03/sport/lewis-hamilton-hamilton-george-floyd-protests-f1-spt-intl-gbr/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton hits out at F1 for 'silence' over George Floyd death|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11998373/lewis-hamilton-hits-out-at-f1-for-silence-over-george-floyd-death|access-date=13 June 2020|website=Sky Sports|archive-date=13 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613051120/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11998373/lewis-hamilton-hits-out-at-f1-for-silence-over-george-floyd-death|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

Following Hamilton's comments, several drivers and team executives reciprocated his views.<ref>{{cite web|title=F1 news: Lewis Hamilton calls out silence on racial protests|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-industry-silence-racial-injustice/4799713/|access-date=13 June 2020|website=Motorsport.com|date=31 May 2020|archive-date=10 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610103711/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-industry-silence-racial-injustice/4799713/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Barretto |first1=Lawrence |title=Toto Wolff on reverse grids, aero sliding scale, cost cap and diversity |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.toto-wolff-on-reverse-grids-aero-sliding-scale-cost-cap-and-diversity.3WkkCK3jN0c5K4kyBcdMY.html |access-date=16 June 2020 |work=formula1.com |publisher=Formula One |date=6 June 2020 |archive-date=17 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617002912/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.toto-wolff-on-reverse-grids-aero-sliding-scale-cost-cap-and-diversity.3WkkCK3jN0c5K4kyBcdMY.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ], managing director for Formula One, stated that the organisation "supports totally", describing Hamilton as "a great ambassador for the sport".<ref>{{cite web |title='We support Hamilton completely', says Brawn as he explains how F1 is trying to broaden diversity |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.we-support-hamilton-completely-says-brawn-as-he-explains-how-f1-is-trying-to.3uNp7fDpHIXOc5O6eVJVpW.html |website=formula1.com |publisher=Formula One |access-date=16 June 2020 |date=8 June 2020 |archive-date=16 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616201929/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.we-support-hamilton-completely-says-brawn-as-he-explains-how-f1-is-trying-to.3uNp7fDpHIXOc5O6eVJVpW.html |url-status=live }}</ref> During the ] weekend, including on the podium, Hamilton wore a t-shirt stating "arrest the cops who ]". Following an investigation, the FIA barred drivers from wearing unofficial attire on the podium and in media interviews.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/fia-bans-acts-like-hamiltons-breonna-taylor-top-on-podium/|title=FIA bans acts like Hamilton's Breonna Taylor top on podium|date=27 September 2020|access-date=2 January 2021|archive-date=17 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017153944/https://the-race.com/formula-1/fia-bans-acts-like-hamiltons-breonna-taylor-top-on-podium/|url-status=live}}</ref> In anticipation of the FIA's decision, Hamilton said that he recognised that they have "certain limits that they feel that they have to work within", but he " regret a single moment of it" and appreciated the "really positive support from the fans".<ref name="fiaaction">{{Cite web|url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/hamilton-expects-fia-to-stop-action-like-breonna-taylor-shirt/|title=Hamilton expects FIA to stop action like Breonna Taylor shirt|date=24 September 2020|access-date=2 January 2021|archive-date=18 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018095026/https://the-race.com/formula-1/hamilton-expects-fia-to-stop-action-like-breonna-taylor-shirt/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2020, Hamilton established ''The Hamilton Commission'' with the ], tasked with finding ways for motorsport to engage more black people with ] subjects and increase employment in motorsport or other engineering sectors.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lewis-hamilton-i-wont-keep-quiet-about-the-unspoken-racism-in-this-country-0w53x30s3|title=Lewis Hamilton: I won't keep quiet about the unspoken racism in this country|access-date=20 June 2020|website=The Sunday Times|last1=Hamilton|first1=Lewis|archive-date=21 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621182913/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lewis-hamilton-i-wont-keep-quiet-about-the-unspoken-racism-in-this-country-0w53x30s3|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Hamilton Commission|url=https://www.hamiltoncommission.org/|access-date=8 March 2021|website=The Hamilton Commission|archive-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325144046/https://www.hamiltoncommission.org/|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2021, Hamilton became the inaugural recipient of the ].<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 May 2021|title=Lewis Hamilton awarded special Laureus prize for fight against racism {{!}} Formula 1®|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-awarded-special-laureus-prize-for-fight-against-racism.3qyzk8A1w6howcT3iMYJ2S.html|access-date=6 May 2021|website=Formula1.com|archive-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506193237/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-awarded-special-laureus-prize-for-fight-against-racism.3qyzk8A1w6howcT3iMYJ2S.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton founded ''Mission 44'' in July 2021, a charity designed to help young people from under-represented backgrounds achieve their ambitions in wider society. Hamilton pledged {{currency|20|GBP}} million to support the work of the charity.<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 July 2021|title=Sir Lewis Hamilton pledges £20 million to empower young people through Mission 44 initiative|url=https://www.voice-online.co.uk/sport/2021/07/28/sir-lewis-hamilton-pledges-20-million-to-empower-young-people-through-mission-44-initiative/|access-date=30 July 2021|website=Voice Online|archive-date=29 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729074627/https://www.voice-online.co.uk/sport/2021/07/28/sir-lewis-hamilton-pledges-20-million-to-empower-young-people-through-mission-44-initiative/|url-status=live}}</ref> Mission 44 collaborates with a joint foundation between Hamilton and Mercedes called ''Ignite'', which was also launched in July.<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 2021|title=Mercedes and Lewis Launch Joint Charitable Initiative, Ignite|url=https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/news/2021/07/mercdes-lewis-hamilton-launch-joint-charitable-initiative-ignite/|access-date=30 July 2021|website=mercedesamgf1.com|archive-date=30 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730220648/https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/news/2021/07/mercdes-lewis-hamilton-launch-joint-charitable-initiative-ignite/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ignite focuses on increasing diversity in motorsport by improving opportunities in education and offering financial support.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Johnathan|date=28 July 2021|title=Hamilton, Mercedes F1 launch charitable diversity initiative|url=https://uk.motor1.com/news/522932/hamilton-mercedes-charitable-diversity-initiative/|access-date=30 July 2021|website=Motor1.com|archive-date=30 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730220647/https://uk.motor1.com/news/522932/hamilton-mercedes-charitable-diversity-initiative/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Human rights====
In December 2020, Hamilton confronted ] and spoke out on allegations of ]. Hamilton said he "won't let it go unnoticed" after an 11-year-old boy wrote a letter to Hamilton asking him to save his father, who was facing the ] after making an alleged ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/boys-death-row-plea-drives-lewis-hamilton-to-make-human-rights-pledge-m9nrlt0rd|title=Boy's death row plea drives Lewis Hamilton to make human rights pledge|access-date=14 December 2020|website=The Times|last1=Rose|first1=David|archive-date=14 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214002401/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/boys-death-row-plea-drives-lewis-hamilton-to-make-human-rights-pledge-m9nrlt0rd|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton says Bahrain 'death-row' letter hit home|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/lewis-hamilton-formula-one-bahrain-death-row-letter-hit-home|access-date=14 December 2020|website=Middle East Eye|archive-date=12 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212193818/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/lewis-hamilton-formula-one-bahrain-death-row-letter-hit-home|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton discussed the case with human rights organisations and legal experts. as well as Bahraini officials. Hamilton stated that whilst he has no authority over where he competes, drivers should not " to these countries and just what is happening".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-motor-f1-bahrain-rights-idUSKBN2BH2YV|title=Hamilton spoke to Bahrain officials about human rights|access-date=25 March 2021|work=Reuters|archive-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325190111/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-motor-f1-bahrain-rights-idUSKBN2BH2YV|url-status=live}}</ref>

Hamilton is also a supporter of ], and strongly criticised the ] before the ] for their ].<ref>{{cite web|date=29 July 2021|title=Lewis Hamilton voices support for Hungary's LGBTQ+ community in Instagram post ahead of Hungarian Grand Prix|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24181/12367101/lewis-hamilton-voices-support-for-hungarys-lgbtq-community-in-instagram-post-ahead-of-hungarian-grand-prix|access-date=14 December 2021|website=Sky Sports}}</ref> He also called out ] before the inaugural {{F1GP|2021|Saudi Arabian}}, describing them as "terrifying".<ref>{{cite news|last=Richard|first=Giles|date=2 December 2021|title=Lewis Hamilton condemns 'terrifying' LGBTQ+ laws before Saudi Arabian GP|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/dec/02/lewis-hamilton-condemns-terrifying-lgbtq-laws-before-saudi-arabian-gp|access-date=14 December 2021|work=The Guardian}}</ref>

In May 2024, Hamilton called on Israel to halt its ], ], after an Israeli airstrike on the ] killed at least 45 civilians.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sports world showing support for Palestine |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/sports/sports-world-showing-support-for-palestine/3234483 |work=Anadolu Agency |date=29 May 2024}}</ref>

====Environmental and animal rights====
Hamilton has repeatedly discussed ] and ] at conferences, in interviews and in documentaries.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020|title=This Earth Day, Lewis Hamilton is fighting climate change|url=https://www.we.org/en-us/we-stories/we-day/this-earth-day-lewis-hamilton-is-fighting-climate-change|access-date=16 March 2021|website=WE|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801172817/https://www.we.org/en-us/we-stories/we-day/this-earth-day-lewis-hamilton-is-fighting-climate-change/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hope |first=Russell |date=7 August 2018 |title=F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton cleans up plastic littered beach |url=https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/f1-world-champion-lewis-hamilton-cleans-plastic-littered-192400932.html |access-date=9 March 2021 |website=ca.finance.yahoo.com |archive-date=1 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170920/https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/f1-world-champion-lewis-hamilton-cleans-plastic-littered-192400932.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He also uses his social media platforms to gather support for his initiatives,<ref>{{cite web|last=Priya|date=15 November 2020|title=7 Amazing Things 7-Time F1 Champ Lewis Hamilton Is Doing for Animals|url=https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/hamilton-animals/|access-date=9 March 2021|website=PETA UK|archive-date=5 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205093616/https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/hamilton-animals/|url-status=live}}</ref> which range from urging ] to reclassify dogs as pets instead of livestock,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gilliver|first=Liam|date=10 April 2020|title=Lewis Hamilton Urges Followers To Help China Reclassify Dogs As Pets Rather Than Livestock|url=https://plantbasednews.org/culture/lewis-hamilton-urges-followers-to-help-china-reclassify-dogs-as-pets/|access-date=9 March 2021|website=Plant Based News|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301124211/https://plantbasednews.org/culture/lewis-hamilton-urges-followers-to-help-china-reclassify-dogs-as-pets/|url-status=live}}</ref> and backing charities which fight the ],<ref>{{cite web|last=Ledger|first=Emma|date=27 November 2020|title=Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton draws on 21m followers to back our Art for Animals drive|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/stop-wildlife-trade/formula-one-lewis-hamilton-art-for-animals-b79513.html|access-date=9 March 2021|website=London Evening Standard|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013183806/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/stop-wildlife-trade/formula-one-lewis-hamilton-art-for-animals-b79513.html|url-status=live}}</ref> to calling for the protection of the Amazon rainforest.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Green|first=Alex|date=16 September 2020|title=Lewis Hamilton calls for protection of Amazon rainforest in WWF film|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/lewis-hamilton-calls-for-protection-of-amazon-rainforest-in-wwf-film-39538490.html|access-date=9 March 2021|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801172422/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/lewis-hamilton-calls-for-protection-of-amazon-rainforest-in-wwf-film-39538490.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2020, he donated US$500,000 (approximately £383,000) to a variety of causes relating to the ] in Australia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Australian fires: Lewis Hamilton pledges more than £380,000 to aid fight against disaster|work=BBC Sport|date=9 January 2020|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/51054445|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-date=24 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024142334/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/51054445|url-status=live}}</ref> The money went towards the fire services and animal welfare charities.<ref>{{cite web|last=Starostinetskaya|first=Anna|date=12 March 2020|title=Lewis Hamilton Goes to Australia to Help Baby Animals Devastated by Wildfires|url=https://vegnews.com/2020/3/lewis-hamilton-goes-to-australia-to-help-baby-animals-devastated-by-wildfires|access-date=9 March 2021|website=VegNews.com|archive-date=5 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305111246/https://vegnews.com/2020/3/lewis-hamilton-goes-to-australia-to-help-baby-animals-devastated-by-wildfires|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2019, Hamilton asked Mercedes-Benz to swap animal-derived leather in the company's models worldwide: "I am trying to push for sustainability with my team. I am trying to get&nbsp;more involved in Formula 1 and be more conscious''.'' Mercedes-Benz is a huge organisation. I have got a phone call with the CEO later today to discuss how we can work on getting rid of all the leather supplied to the cars. That is something I want to be involved in."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pritchet|first=Liam|date=12 December 2019|title=Mercedes to Ditch Leather for Vegan Interiors Thanks to Lewis Hamilton|url=https://www.livekindly.co/mercedes-ditching-leather-lewis-hamilton|access-date=9 March 2021|website=LIVEKINDLY|archive-date=10 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410183433/https://www.livekindly.co/mercedes-ditching-leather-lewis-hamilton/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=16 June 2020|title=Mercedes Responds to Lewis Hamilton's Pleas to Stop Leather, Other Luxury Automotive Brands Follow|url=https://vegconomist.com/environment/mercedes-responds-to-lewis-hamiltons-pleas-to-stop-leather-other-luxury-automotive-brands-follow/|access-date=9 March 2021|website=vegconomist – the vegan business magazine|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411122709/https://vegconomist.com/environment/mercedes-responds-to-lewis-hamiltons-pleas-to-stop-leather-other-luxury-automotive-brands-follow/|url-status=live}}</ref> The next year, he announced his aim of being carbon neutral by the end of the year, saying: "I don't allow anyone in my office, but also within my household, to buy any plastics. I want everything recyclable, down to deodorant, down to toothbrush, all these kinds of things ... I'm trying to make as much change as I can in my personal space. I sold my plane over a year ago. I fly a lot less now. I'm trying to fly less through the year."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Sam |title=Lewis Hamilton: Cultural icon, activist and musician |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/54478983 |access-date=3 January 2021 |work=bbc.co.uk |agency=BBC |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 October 2020 |archive-date=20 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220222445/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/54478983 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====UNICEF and #TOGETHERBAND====
In 2012, Hamilton began working with the ] (UNICEF). In March 2012, Hamilton travelled to the ] where he made a short film about ] ]. The film was shown on ] during ] and helped raise over £4.9 million for UNICEF.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 March 2012|title=Hamilton travels to Manila with UNICEF|url=http://www.pitpass.com/45933/Hamilton-travels-to-Manila-with-UNICEF|access-date=16 March 2021|website=Pitpass|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170926/https://www.pitpass.com/45933/Hamilton-travels-to-Manila-with-UNICEF|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=30 March 2012|title=Lewis Hamilton visits street children in The Philippines|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/201203307605/lewis-hamilton-unicef/|access-date=16 March 2021|website=HELLO!|archive-date=16 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116175323/https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/201203307605/lewis-hamilton-unicef/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Elks|first=Sonia|date=29 March 2012|title=Lewis Hamilton snubs F1 party to visit poverty-stricken children in Far East|url=https://metro.co.uk/2012/03/29/lewis-hamilton-snubs-f1-party-to-visit-poverty-stricken-children-in-far-east-370355/|access-date=16 March 2021|website=Metro|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170919/https://metro.co.uk/2012/03/29/lewis-hamilton-snubs-f1-party-to-visit-poverty-stricken-children-in-far-east-370355/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2012, while in ] for the ], Hamilton visited a UNICEF-funded newborn care unit and nutrition centre. Hamilton said: "As a sportsman in the public eye, I know I have a role to play in helping to tell the stories of the world's most vulnerable children and I jumped at the chance to be able to do that again after a visit to Manila."<ref>{{cite web|date=3 November 2012|title=Lewis Hamilton in India with UNICEF|url=https://grandprix20.com/2012/11/03/lewis-hamilton-in-india-with-unicef/|access-date=16 March 2021|website=GRANDPRIX20.COM|archive-date=3 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303141100/https://grandprix20.com/2012/11/03/lewis-hamilton-in-india-with-unicef/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=8 November 2012|title=Lewis Hamilton visits UNICEF nutrition centre in India – XIX Press Centre|url=https://www.xixentertainment.com/press/2012/08/11/lewis-hamilton-visits-unicef-nutrition-centre-in-india/|access-date=16 March 2021|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121183851/https://www.xixentertainment.com/press/2012/08/11/lewis-hamilton-visits-unicef-nutrition-centre-in-india/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Weaver|first=Paul|date=29 October 2012|title=Lewis Hamilton stays after India Grand Prix to help children left behind|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/oct/29/lewis-hamilton-india-grand-prix|access-date=16 March 2021|website=The Guardian|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112032532/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/oct/29/lewis-hamilton-india-grand-prix|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2014, Hamilton travelled to ] where he made a short film about child malnutrition. The film was shown on ITV1 during Soccer Aid, and helped raise over £6 million for UNICEF.<ref>{{cite news|date=17 May 2014|title=Lewis Hamilton visits underprivileged children in Haiti for UNICEF|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/lewis-hamilton-visits-underprivileged-children-in-haiti-for-unicef-114051700580_1.html|access-date=16 March 2021|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170919/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/lewis-hamilton-visits-underprivileged-children-in-haiti-for-unicef-114051700580_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Eason|first=Kevin|date=16 May 2014|title=Lewis Hamilton touched by plight of starving children in Haiti|website=The Times|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lewis-hamilton-touched-by-plight-of-starving-children-in-haiti-7ph22v5xvm8|access-date=16 March 2021|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703125921/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lewis-hamilton-touched-by-plight-of-starving-children-in-haiti-7ph22v5xvm8|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=20 May 2014|title=Lewis Hamilton Meets Children Suffering With Malnutrition in Haiti For Soccer Aid|url=https://www.wired-gov.net/wg/news.nsf/articles/UNICEF+Lewis+Hamilton+Meets+Children+Suffering+With+Malnutrition+In+Haiti+For+Soccer+Aid+20052014070500?open|access-date=16 March 2021|website=Wired-gov.net|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170921/https://www.wired-gov.net/wg/news.nsf/articles/UNICEF+Lewis+Hamilton+Meets+Children+Suffering+With+Malnutrition+In+Haiti+For+Soccer+Aid+20052014070500?open|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, Hamilton took part in an exhibition to highlight UNICEF's work and to celebrate&nbsp;its twenty-year partnership with ] Hotels.<ref>{{cite web|date=18 November 2015|title=Stars come together to exhibit 20 years of life changing work with children|url=https://www.wired-gov.net/wg/news.nsf/articles/Unicef+Stars+come+together+to+exhibit+20+years+of+life+changing+work+with+children+18112015094000?open|access-date=16 March 2021|website=Wired-gov.net|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170921/https://www.wired-gov.net/wg/news.nsf/articles/Unicef+Stars+come+together+to+exhibit+20+years+of+life+changing+work+with+children+18112015094000?open|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Pullam|first=Christina|date=18 November 2015|title=Unicef celebrity ambassadors exhibition|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/gallery/unicef-celebrity-ambassadors-exhibition-6855713|access-date=16 March 2021|website=The Daily Mirror|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170933/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/gallery/unicef-celebrity-ambassadors-exhibition-6855713|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2017, Hamilton joined the Super Dads initiative, a special UNICEF campaign that highlighted the critical role played by fathers in early childhood development.<ref>{{cite web|date=6 June 2017|title=Stars to join Super Dads campaign to highlight fathers' critical role in children's early develop|url=https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/mahershala-ali-david-beckham-all-blacks-daniel-cormier-novak-djokovic-lewis-hamilton|access-date=18 March 2021|website=Unicef|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170922/https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/mahershala-ali-david-beckham-all-blacks-daniel-cormier-novak-djokovic-lewis-hamilton|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=18 June 2017|title=Stars from the world of entertainment and sport joined UNICEF's Super Dads campaign to celebrate fatherhood|url=https://www.unicef.org/media/media_96489.html|access-date=16 March 2021|website=UNICEF|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225080105/https://www.unicef.org/media/media_96489.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=6 June 2017|title=Tendulkar, Beckham, Djokovic, Hamilton join UNICEF's 'Super Dads' campaign|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/in-other-news/060617/sachin-tendulkar-david-beckham-novak-djokovic-join-unicefs-super-dads-campaign.html|access-date=16 March 2021|website=Deccan Chronicle|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170919/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/in-other-news/060617/sachin-tendulkar-david-beckham-novak-djokovic-join-unicefs-super-dads-campaign.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2017, Hamilton visited ] with UNICEF to learn more about its first development programmes in ].<ref>{{cite web|date=21 August 2017|title=Lewis Hamilton visits Cuba as UN ambassador|url=https://havana-live.com/lewis-hamilton-visits-cuba-un-ambassador/|access-date=16 March 2021|website=News from Havana|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170921/https://havana-live.com/lewis-hamilton-visits-cuba-un-ambassador/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=21 August 2017|title=Formula One Lewis Hamilton visits Cuba as UNICEF ambassador|url=http://www.cubanews.acn.cu/sports/7248-formula-one-lewis-hamilton-visits-cuba-as-unicef-ambassador|access-date=16 March 2021|website=Agencia Cubana de Noticias|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170920/http://www.cubanews.acn.cu/sports/7248-formula-one-lewis-hamilton-visits-cuba-as-unicef-ambassador|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2020, Hamilton partnered with charity campaign #TOGETHERBAND to help promote the ]. As part of his campaign work, Hamilton visited ] in North West London to speak to the students about the importance of education. Hamilton is a ] Ambassador, focusing on the fight to provide quality education to all children.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rochell|first=Hannah|date=16 November 2020|title=Everyone Deserves an Education|url=https://togetherband.org/blogs/news/lewis-hamilton-togetherband|access-date=16 March 2021|website=#TOGETHERBAND|archive-date=5 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305102959/https://togetherband.org/blogs/news/lewis-hamilton-togetherband|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Other charities====
Over the past decade, Hamilton has made time for a variety of good causes, such as making donations and hospital visits to sick children.<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 March 2014|title=Formula One star visits sick kids at Royal Children's Hospital|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/formula-one-star-lewis-hamilton-visits-sick-kids-at-royal-childrens-hospital-21940245.html|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Au.news.yahoo.com|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170920/https://au.news.yahoo.com/formula-one-star-lewis-hamilton-visits-sick-kids-at-royal-childrens-hospital-21940245.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=23 October 2014|title=Celebrity donations boost sick children|url=https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/11555230.celebrity-donations-boost-sick-children/|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Gazette}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=6 July 2017|title=Lewis Hamilton treats young patients to an afternoon in the fast lane at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital|url=https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/about-us/news/news-archive/2017/lewis-hamilton-treats-young-patients-to-an-afternoon-in-the-fast-lane-at-chelsea-and-westminster-hospital|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Chelwest.nhs.uk|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170921/https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/about-us/news/news-archive/2017/lewis-hamilton-treats-young-patients-to-an-afternoon-in-the-fast-lane-at-chelsea-and-westminster-hospital|url-status=live}}</ref> He has invited fans, young people,<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 March 2018|title=Hospice makes patient's dream come true with Lewis Hamilton meeting|url=https://ehospice.com/uk_posts/hospice-makes-patients-dream-come-true-with-lewis-hamilton-meeting/|access-date=22 March 2021|website=Ehospice.com|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170922/https://ehospice.com/uk_posts/hospice-makes-patients-dream-come-true-with-lewis-hamilton-meeting/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Bagdi|first=Annabal|date=24 July 2019|title=Wolverhampton schoolgirl's dreams come true after meeting F1 ace Lewis Hamilton|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2019/07/24/wolverhampton-schoolgirls-dreams-come-true-after-meeting-lewis-hamilton/|access-date=22 March 2021|website=Expressandstar.com|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170920/https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2019/07/24/wolverhampton-schoolgirls-dreams-come-true-after-meeting-lewis-hamilton/|url-status=live}}</ref> and their families to join him at Grand Prix races and social events.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bunce|first=Alan|date=6 January 2011|title=Help us boost charity funds|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/music/help-us-boost-charity-funds-4217876|access-date=22 March 2021|website=BerkshireLive|archive-date=3 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203143035/https://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/music/help-us-boost-charity-funds-4217876|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=22 September 2017|title=Klaas Prinsloo (18) – Reach for A Dream|url=https://reachforadream.org.za/dt_portfolios/klaas-prinsloo/|access-date=22 March 2021|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411182700/https://reachforadream.org.za/dt_portfolios/klaas-prinsloo/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=15 July 2019|title=A HUGE congratulations|url=https://twitter.com/makeawishuk/status/1150720281150939137|access-date=22 March 2021|website=Make-A-Wish UK|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170919/https://twitter.com/makeawishuk/status/1150720281150939137|url-status=live|via=Twitter}}</ref> In 2013, he became the Global Education Ambassador for ], supporting and promoting its education campaigns.<ref>{{Cite web|date=29 March 2013|title=Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton signs up to our global education campaign|url=https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/blogs/2013/f1-superstar-lewis-hamilton-signs-up-to-our-global-education-campaign|access-date=18 March 2021|website=Save the Children|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120141903/https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/blogs/2013/f1-superstar-lewis-hamilton-signs-up-to-our-global-education-campaign|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Tahir|first=Tariq|date=30 October 2013|title=F1's Lewis Hamilton meets child labourers|url=https://metro.co.uk/2013/10/30/f1-star-lewis-hamilton-meets-child-labourers-in-india-4167767/|access-date=18 March 2021|website=Metro}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton named Save the Children ambassador|url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/lewis_hamilton_named_save_the_children_ambassador|access-date=18 March 2021|website=Sportspromedia.com|date=15 November 2013|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120134132/https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/lewis_hamilton_named_save_the_children_ambassador/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Two years later, Hamilton became the first ambassador for the ], supporting wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.<ref>{{cite web|date=26 June 2015|title=Lewis Hamilton Unveiled as First Ambassador for Invictus Games Foundation – Invictus Games Foundation|url=https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/lewis-hamilton-unveiled-as-first-ambassador-for-invictus-games-foundation/|access-date=10 March 2021|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031022450/https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/lewis-hamilton-unveiled-as-first-ambassador-for-invictus-games-foundation/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=3 July 2015|title=He's busy getting ready 4 #BritishGP but @lewishamilton spent time meeting #InvictusGames competitors @SilverstoneUK |website=Invictus Games Foundation|url=https://twitter.com/weareinvictus/status/616944871870492672|access-date=10 March 2021|via=Twitter}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=30 September 2015|title=Lewis Hamilton Inspires Veterans With Driving Masterclass|url=https://www.forces.net/services/tri-service/lewis-hamilton-inspires-veterans-driving-masterclass|access-date=10 March 2021|website=Forces Network}}</ref> During the ], Hamilton's Neat Burger restaurant donated free meals to frontline ] workers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton donates free vegan burgers to hospital workers – Be More Elephant|date=30 March 2020 |url=https://bemoreelephant.org/news/lewis-hamilton-donates-free-vegan-burgers-to-nhs-staff/|access-date=15 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=14 April 2020|title=Lewis Hamilton's vegan burger chain is giving free vegan meals to NHS workers|url=https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/lewis-hamiltons-vegan-burger-chain-is-giving-free-vegan-meals-to-nhs-workers/|access-date=15 March 2021|website=Vegan Food and Living}}</ref> Neat Burger also launched the "Kids Eat Free" scheme, serving free meals to school children during the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Abernethy|first=Laura|date=30 March 2020|title=Deliveroo gives 500,000 free meals to NHS workers fighting coronavirus|url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/30/deliveroo-12476809/|access-date=15 March 2021|website=Metro}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Pointing|first=Charlotte|date=30 October 2020<!--Modified 15 December 2020-->|title=Cheers to These Leaders Helping Kids Facing Food Insecurity|url=https://www.livekindly.co/vegan-businesses-feed-kids|access-date=15 March 2021|website=Live Kindly}}</ref>

Hamilton often donates personal and professional paraphernalia for ]s.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Miles|first=Tina|date=11 August 2008|title=Well-heeled stars in shoe sale|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/well-heeled-stars-in-shoe-sale-3478477|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Liverpool Echo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=9 October 2011|title=Stars on the ball for charity sale|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/uk-news/stars-ball-charity-sale-1658728|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Scotsman.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Goolistan|first=Cooper|date=24 January 2016|title=Olympic & F1 heroes, rock Gods & a Python give hats for St Mungo charity auction<!--https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/olympic-gold-medallist-f1-champ-10775079-->|url=http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/west-london-news/olympic-gold-medallist-f1-champ-10775079|access-date=25 March 2021|website=MyLondon}}</ref> He auctioned a racing kart and raised over £42,000 for ] baby charity.<ref name="BBC_07-06-19"/> He raised £6,411 for the Small Steps Project in 2018, and £6,000 in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About Celebrity Shoes|url=http://www.smallstepsproject.org/celebrity-shoes/about-celebrity-shoes/|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Small Steps Project|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801183935/http://www.smallstepsproject.org/celebrity-shoes/about-celebrity-shoes/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2020, he raised another £4,000 for the Small Steps Project, while a donated race suit reportedly raised €20,000 for vulnerable children.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 November 2020|title=2020 celebrity leaderboard|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CH-F2vnn5pM/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/smallstepsproject/2449420999551064652_2449420996145178800 |archive-date=23 December 2021 |url-access=subscription|access-date=27 March 2021|website=Instagram.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Hamilton also frequently attends charitable functions,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012|title=2012|url=https://www.bgcpartners.com/charity-day/charity-day-2012/|access-date=22 March 2021|website=BGC Partners}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=5 January 2013|title=Lewis Hamilton with Samuel L. Jackson at a charity event|url=https://grandprix20.com/2013/01/05/lewis-hamilton-with-samuel-l-jackson-at-a-charity-event/|access-date=22 March 2021|website=GrandPrix20.COM}}</ref> including the ] gala in New York,<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 May 2014|title=Oh what a night: the A-list party set leave Cannes and grace the amfAR|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/oh-what-a-night-the-alist-party-set-leave-cannes-and-grace-the-amfar-gala-9423329.html|access-date=22 March 2021|website=standard.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Simpson|first=Menelik|date=12 February 2015|title=Lewis Hamilton steps out at the amfAR NY Gala|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/gallery/lewis-hamilton-steps-out-amfar-5151326|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Mirror}}</ref> and has supported projects and charities such as the ],<ref>{{Cite web|title=I wish to meet Lewis Hamilton {{!}} Make-A-Wish|url=https://www.makeawish.ie/our-wishes/story/i-wish-to-meet-lewis-hamilton|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Makeawish.ie}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton {{!}} Comic Relief|url=https://www.comicrelief.com/lewis|access-date=22 March 2021|website=Comicrelief.com|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127112218/https://www.comicrelief.com/lewis/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Rays of Sunshine,<ref>{{Cite web|date=31 July 2019|title=Lewis Hamilton is a ray of sunshine for six seriously ill children|url=https://raysofsunshine.org.uk/lewis-hamilton-is-a-ray-of-sunshine-for-six-seriously-ill-children/|access-date=22 March 2021|website=Rays of Sunshine}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite news|date=13 November 2015|title=Lewis Hamilton among celebrities in Star Wars sketch for Children in Need|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/lewis-hamilton-among-celebrities-in-star-wars-sketch-for-children-in-need-34196473.html|access-date=22 March 2021}}</ref> and ]'s ], among others.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 March 2010|title=Charity of Stevenage-born Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton makes 'substantial donation' to hospice|url=https://www.thecomet.net/news/charity-of-stevenage-born-formula-1-star-lewis-hamilton-makes-5239062|access-date=22 March 2021|website=The Comet}}</ref> He is also involved in charitable work through the creation of his Lewis Hamilton Foundation. Registered in June 2008, the foundation provides grants and donations to a number of charitable causes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton Foundation - TotalGiving™ - Donate to Charity {{!}} Online Fundraising for Charity UK|url=https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/charity/lewis-hamilton-foundation|access-date=21 March 2021|website=Total Giving}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton Foundation :: OpenCharities|url=http://opencharities.org/charities/1124368|access-date=21 March 2021|website=OpenCharities}}</ref>

===Popular culture===
====Music====
Hamilton also has interests in music, saying that "music has been a huge passion of mine since I was really young. I started playing guitar when I was 13. In here, I can be me, I can be vulnerable. I can show a side of me that people don't get to see."<ref>{{cite web |title=Lewis Hamilton is secret singer on new Christina Aguilera track |url=https://news.sky.com/story/lewis-hamilton-is-secret-singer-on-new-christina-aguilera-track-11419673 |website=] |access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref> He features on ]'s 2018 song "]" under the pseudonym ''XNDA'', although he did not confirm this until July 2020, when he revealed he had been writing and recording music for ten years.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vazquez |first1=Ana |title=Hamilton breaks his anonymity in the music industry: "XNDA is me" |url=https://soymotor.com/noticias/hamilton-rompe-su-anonimato-en-la-industria-de-la-musica-xnda-soy-yo-978590 |website=SoyMotor |access-date=29 July 2020 |language=es |date=29 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Percy |first1=Robert |title=LEWIS HAMILTON HAS CONFIRMED THAT HE WAS XNDA |url=https://drivetribe.com/p/lewis-hamilton-has-confirmed-that-YKln0mGKTTi6-QWfyNGeQg?iid=ItGR9lH_TzaR4O6kzJE4Jg |website=drivetribe.com |date=29 July 2020 |publisher=DRIVETRIBE |access-date=31 December 2020 |archive-date=2 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302055047/https://drivetribe.com/p/lewis-hamilton-has-confirmed-that-YKln0mGKTTi6-QWfyNGeQg?iid=ItGR9lH_TzaR4O6kzJE4Jg |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====Film and television====
During his final year with McLaren, Hamilton voiced an ] version of himself in the short series '']''. Hamilton also made a guest appearance in '']'' (2011) in which he voices an ] version of himself.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/12882708|title=Lewis Hamilton stars in the Disney Pixar film Cars 2|date=28 March 2011|access-date=11 November 2019}}</ref> He then voiced a voice command assistant in '']'' (2017).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wtf1.com/post/lewis-hamilton-voices-a-character-in-cars-3/|title=Lewis Hamilton Voices A Character in Cars 3|date=13 March 2017|access-date=21 May 2020|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705211707/https://wtf1.com/post/lewis-hamilton-voices-a-character-in-cars-3/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Hamilton is credited as an ] for the 2018 documentary film '']''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://gamechangersmovie.com/the-film/#|title=A revolutionary new documentary about meat, protein, and strength.|access-date=6 December 2019}}</ref> Hamilton has also revealed he was offered a role as a fighter pilot in the film '']'' (2022) by ] but was forced to decline due to his Formula One commitments.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton was offered fighter pilot role on Top Gun: Maverick with Tom Cruise|url=https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/lewis-hamilton-movie-role-tom-gun-maverick-tom-cruise-325561|website=] Lifestyle|date=9 August 2022|access-date=10 August 2022|archive-date=9 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809090610/https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/lewis-hamilton-movie-role-tom-gun-maverick-tom-cruise-325561|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was one of the executive producers on ''Motorcycle Mary'' (2024), a short documentary film about ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cowan |first=Garrett |date=30 May 2024 |title=ESPN Films Acquires "MOTORCYCLE MARY", a Thrilling New Short Documentary on the Life of Motorsports Pioneer Mary McGee |url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2024/05/espn-films-acquires-motorcycle-mary-a-thrilling-new-short-documentary-on-the-life-of-motorsports-pioneer-mary-mcgee/ |access-date=2 July 2024 |website=ESPN Press Room U.S.}}</ref>

In October 2022, Hamilton founded the production company, ''Dawn Apollo Films''. Its upcoming debut projects include a film titled '']'' starring ] and directed by ], and an untitled documentary film about Hamilton. Both projects will be co-produced by Hamilton, and released on ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wiseman |first1=Andreas |title=Lewis Hamilton Launches Film & TV Company Dawn Apollo Films: Seven-Time F1 Champ Talks Ambition, Life After Racing, His 'Top Gun: Maverick' Regret & The Advice He Got From Jeffrey Katzenberg & George Lucas |url=https://deadline.com/2022/10/lewis-hamilton-launches-film-tv-company-dawn-apollo-films-top-gun-maverick-jeffrey-katzenberg-george-lucas-1235154122 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025124812/https://deadline.com/2022/10/lewis-hamilton-launches-film-tv-company-dawn-apollo-films-top-gun-maverick-jeffrey-katzenberg-george-lucas-1235154122/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 October 2022 |website=] |access-date=6 August 2023 |date=25 October 2022}}</ref>

====Video games====
Hamilton served as the "maestro" of the '']'' series since '']'' in 2017,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gran-turismo.com/us/news/00_5007038.html|title=Lewis Hamilton to Appear as the Maestro of Gran Turismo Sport|publisher=Gran Turismo|access-date=12 October 2017}}</ref> and his Time Trial Challenge DLC pack was released in that said game on 28 November 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gran-turismo.com/us/news/00_3676549.html|title=Challenge Lewis Hamilton's Lap Times!|publisher=Gran Turismo|access-date=22 November 2019}}</ref> In November 2023, ] added a cosmetic Hamilton player skin to '']''. A likeness of Hamilton's dog, Roscoe, was also added to the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=David |date=15 November 2023 |title=Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton Is Coming To Fortnite And He's Bringing His Dog |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2023/11/lewis-hamilton-fortnite/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115222916/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2023/11/lewis-hamilton-fortnite/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 November 2023 |access-date=18 November 2023 |website=Kotaku Australia}}</ref>

===Fashion===
In 2018, Hamilton launched the clothing line TOMMYXLEWIS during ] with American fashion designer ] alongside models ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Richards |first1=Giles |title=Lewis Hamilton is F1's supreme, and perhaps only, show in town |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2018/oct/31/lewis-hamilton-f1-profile-driver-social-media |website=] |date=31 October 2018 |access-date=28 November 2018}}</ref> Hamilton stated "rowing up, I remember seeing the iconic Tommy Hilfiger flag" and Hilfiger commented on Hamilton, saying that "Lewis is bold in everything he does ... He's not afraid to take risks. And he has a cool and sophisticated style that really speaks to the new generation of Tommy fans."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gustashaw |first1=Megan |title=Lewis Hamilton and Tommy Hilfiger Walk You Through Their New Collaboration |url=https://www.gq.com/story/lewis-hamilton-x-tommy-hilfiger-collection |website=gq.com |date=20 September 2018 |publisher=GQ |access-date=28 November 2018}}</ref>

===Business===
In September 2019, Hamilton launched a ] restaurant named Neat Burger.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fletcher |first1=Harry |title=Lewis Hamilton is launching a vegan burger restaurant in London |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/restaurants/lewis-hamilton-vegan-burger-restaurant-london-neat-burger-a4223751.html |website=Evening Standard |access-date=15 November 2020 |date=29 August 2019}}</ref> It claims to be the first international plant-based burger chain.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dawson |first1=Rob |last2=Milligan |first2=Ellen |title=Lewis Hamilton is launching a vegan burger restaurant in London |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/restaurants/lewis-hamilton-vegan-burger-restaurant-london-neat-burger-a4223751.html |website=Evening Standard |access-date=15 November 2020 |date=29 August 2019}}</ref> In 2020, Neat Burger was crowned Best Vegan Restaurant of the Year at the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gilliver|first=Liam|date=14 December 2020|title=Lewis Hamilton-Backed Burger Chain Crowned 'Best Vegan Restaurant of the Year'|url=https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/lewis-hamilton-backed-burger-chain-wins-best-vegan-restaurant/|access-date=18 January 2021|website=Plant Based News|archive-date=25 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125192239/https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/lewis-hamilton-backed-burger-chain-wins-best-vegan-restaurant/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In August 2020, '']'' listed Hamilton as one of a group of high-profile investors who purchased fashion magazine '']''.<ref>{{cite news |url =https://fashionweekdaily.com/investor-group-karlie-kloss-and-kaia-gerber-acquire-w/ |title=Investor Group including Karlie Kloss and Kaia Gerber acquire W magazine |work=]|first=Freya |last=Drohan |date=14 August 2020 |access-date=4 October 2020 |quote=Sara Moonves, the glossy's first female editor in chief in its 50-year history, assembled the group, led by model and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss. Other celebrity investors include fashion fixtures Lewis Hamilton and 18-year-old Kaia Gerber.}}</ref> In 2021, for the second consecutive year, Neat Burger was crowned Best Vegan Restaurant at the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards. Neat Burger was also named ]'s inaugural Company of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dodhiya|first=Mohsina|date=28 December 2021|title=Lewis Hamilton-backed burger chain crowned 'Company of the Year' – Totally Vegan Buzz|url=https://www.totallyveganbuzz.com/news/lewis-hamilton-backed-burger-chain-crowned-company-of-the-year/|access-date=24 January 2021}}</ref> Hamilton became an Ambassador for the luxury watch company ], owned by ]. Throughout 2021, Hamilton toured the world via PORTL hologram, first in Europe and then making its U.S. debut in Los Angeles in September.<ref>{{Cite web|last= Stern|first= Adam|date=29 September 2021|title=Watchmaker IWC, Mercedes F1 Team Up for Lewis Hamilton Activation |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/en/Daily/Issues/2021/09/29/Marketing-and-Sponsorship/IWC-Mercedes-F1|access-date=29 September 2021|website=Sports Business Journal}}</ref>

{{anchor|ExtremeE}}
In September 2020, Hamilton launched ] to compete in the all-electric SUV off-road racing series ] from the 2021 season on.<ref>{{Cite web|date=8 September 2020|title=Lewis Hamilton launches his own Extreme E offroad racing team {{!}} Formula 1®|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-launches-electric-off-road-racing-team-to-compete-in-the-new.1QyuQTR8aZNKpygkjqGeJu.html|access-date=27 January 2021|website=F1}}</ref> The X44 team finished 2nd in the inaugural Extreme E championship, behind Nico Rosberg's RXR team.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kew |first1=Matt |title=Jurassic X-Prix: RXR seals Extreme E title on countback, X44 wins finale |url=https://www.autosport.com/extreme-e/news/rosberg-team-seals-extreme-e-title-on-countback-x44-wins-jurassic-x-prix/6912819/ |website=autosport.com |date=19 December 2021 |publisher=Autosport Magazine |access-date=19 December 2021}}</ref> In January 2022, X44 were crowned inaugural winners of Extreme E Sustainability Award.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fortuna|first=Carolyn|date=17 January 2022|title=Extreme E Sustainability Award Goes To Team X44 (Video)|url=https://cleantechnica.com/2022/01/17/extreme-e-sustainability-award-goes-to-team-x44-video/|access-date=24 January 2022|website=CleanTechnica}}</ref> The team won the 2022 Championship in the final race of the season, beating RXR, who were disqualified from the race.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lewis Hamilton's X44 Vida Carbon Racing claim first Extreme E title in rollercoaster second season |url=https://www.extreme-e.com/en/news/727_Lewis-Hamiltons-X44-Vida-Carbon-Racing-claim-first-Extreme-E-title-in-rollercoaster-second-season |access-date=28 November 2022 |website=Extreme E - The Electric Odyssey}}</ref>

In August 2022, Hamilton joined the newly established ownership group of the ]'s ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34334159/f1-star-lewis-hamilton-joins-new-denver-broncos-ownership-group|title=F1 star Lewis Hamilton joins new Denver Broncos ownership group|last=Legwold|first=Jeff|website=ESPN.com|date=2 August 2022|access-date=2 August 2022}}</ref>

==Personal life==
In 2017, Hamilton told the BBC that he had become ] because "s the human race, what we are doing to the world ... the pollution coming from the amount of cows that are being produced is incredible. The cruelty is horrible and I don't necessarily want to support that and I want to live a healthier life."<ref>{{cite news |first=Andrew|last=Benson |title=Lewis Hamilton: F1 driver on going vegan and his fears for the planet |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/41296229 |publisher=BBC |date=16 September 2017 |access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref> In 2018 he was named the ] Person of the Year for his vegan activism.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Watson |first1=Jack |title=Lewis Hamilton named Peta's 2018 Person of the Year |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/lewis-hamilton-peta-f1-2018-person-year-sports-personality-odds-a8670571.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/lewis-hamilton-peta-f1-2018-person-year-sports-personality-odds-a8670571.html |archive-date=14 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |website=The Independent |access-date=15 November 2020 |date=6 December 2018}}</ref> The same year Hamilton said in an interview that he ] "a while ago".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Buxton |first1=Will |title=F1 Paddock Pass: Post-Race at the 2018 Mexican Grand Prix - Lewis Hamilton |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mITkwQ-k7So&t=1163 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/mITkwQ-k7So |archive-date=22 December 2021 |url-status=live|website=YouTube |date=28 October 2018 |publisher=FORMULA 1 |access-date=30 October 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Hamilton used the number 44 in karts, as his father's ] had the number plate "F44" when he started racing; it was his father's idea to use it.<ref>{{Citation|title=Quickfire Questions with Lewis Hamilton| date=23 December 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHEN5ygE33o&t=300s|access-date=23 December 2021}}</ref> New ] brought in for the {{F1|2014}} season allowed drivers to pick a unique car number to use for the remainder of their careers, with Hamilton electing to compete under his old karting number 44.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.ph.msn.com/sports/numbers-up-for-2014-formula-one-drivers-3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113220941/http://news.ph.msn.com/sports/numbers-up-for-2014-formula-one-drivers-3 |title=Numbers up for 2014 Formula One drivers |publisher=MSN News |date=10 January 2014 |archive-date=13 January 2014 |access-date=5 July 2015}}</ref> Before the start of the {{F1|2015}} season, Hamilton announced he would not be exercising his option of switching his car number to 1, as was his prerogative as reigning World Champion, and would instead continue to race with his career No. 44. It was the first season since {{F1|1994}}, when ] retired from the sport following his fourth and final World Drivers' Championship title in {{F1|1993}}, that the field did not contain a car bearing the No. 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2014/11/25/hamilton-wont-number-one-car-2015/|title=Hamilton won't have number one on his car in 2015|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=25 November 2014|publisher=F1 Fanatic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303154151/http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2014/11/25/hamilton-wont-number-one-car-2015/|archive-date=3 March 2015|access-date=31 May 2015}}</ref>

Hamilton is a fan of art and has said that one of his favourite artists is ].<ref>
{{cite web|url=http://www.fia.com/news/2014-united-states-grand-prix-thursday-press-conference|title=2014 United States Grand Prix&nbsp;– Thursday Press Conference|date=30 October 2014|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|access-date=30 October 2014}}</ref> Prior to the ], Hamilton wore a gold-framed version of Warhol's ''], ] Coupe'' painting hanging from a chain around his neck.<ref name="Austin">{{cite news|last1=Hamilton|first1=Lewis|title=Lewis Hamilton column: 'It's business as usual in Austin'|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/formula1/29844213|access-date=31 October 2014}}</ref> From November 2007 to February 2015, Hamilton was in an ] with ], the lead singer of the American girl group ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sperling|first=Daniel|date=17 March 2014|title=Nicole Scherzinger & Lewis Hamilton: Their on/off romance relived|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/a558166/nicole-scherzinger-lewis-hamilton-their-onoff-romance-relived/|access-date=15 November 2020|publisher=Digital Spy}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11389031/Nicole-Scherzinger-splits-up-with-Lewis-Hamilton-over-marriage-row.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11389031/Nicole-Scherzinger-splits-up-with-Lewis-Hamilton-over-marriage-row.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Nicole Scherzinger splits up with Lewis Hamilton over 'marriage row'|date=4 February 2015|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=4 February 2015|first=Nicola|last=Harley}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Hamilton is a ]; he says that he prays regularly and is guided by his faith.<ref>{{cite news|title=Red Bull addresses car issues; Hamilton wants to be F1's Picasso|newspaper=News.com.au|date=16 May 2017|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/motorsport/formula-one/red-bull-addresses-car-issues-hamilton-wants-to-be-f1s-picasso/news-story/a960088fda929ed342424ca1e1033e03}}</ref> Hamilton believes that he has the "hand of God" resting over him when racing in Formula One.<ref>{{cite news|last=Richards|first=Giles|date=4 July 2018|title=Lewis Hamilton guided by faith and perspective for new F1 challenges|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jul/04/lewis-hamilton-faith-perspective-f1|access-date=14 December 2021|work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=4 July 2018|title=Lewis Hamilton: I feel God has his hand over me|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/national/16332790.lewis-hamilton-feel-god-hand/|access-date=14 December 2021|website=The Northern Echo}}</ref> Hamilton revealed in March 2022 that he was in the process of legally changing his name to include his mother's maiden name, Larbalestier, as a middle name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/60738120|title=Lewis Hamilton to change name to incorporate mother's surname|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 March 2022|access-date=14 March 2022}}</ref> Hamilton was made an honorary citizen of Brazil on 9 June 2022 after a proposal made by politician ] was passed in the Brazilian ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/hamilton-gets-honorary-brazilian-citizenship-2022-06-09/|title=Hamilton gets honorary Brazilian citizenship|publisher=]|date=9 June 2022|accessdate=9 June 2022}}</ref> In an interview in September 2024, Hamilton stated he has been battling ] from the age of 13.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 September 2024 |title=Hamilton reveals depression battle from 'early age' |url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/41525131/lewis-hamilton-reveals-battle-depression-early-age |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

===Legal issues===
Hamilton was suspended from driving in France for a month on 18 December 2007 after being caught speeding at {{convert|196|km/h|abbr=on}} on a French motorway. His ] was also impounded.<ref name="Speeding1">{{cite news|title=Hamilton gets one-month driving ban for 122mph jaunt in France|work=The Independent |first=Amol|last=Rajan|publisher=Independent Print Limited|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/hamilton-gets-onemonth-driving-ban-for-122mph-jaunt-in-france-765887.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/hamilton-gets-onemonth-driving-ban-for-122mph-jaunt-in-france-765887.html |archive-date=14 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|date=19 December 2007|access-date=17 August 2010|location=London}}</ref><ref name="Speeding2">{{cite news|title=Lewis Hamilton caught Speeding in France|work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1572929/Lewis-Hamilton-caught-speeding-in-France.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1572929/Lewis-Hamilton-caught-speeding-in-France.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|date=19 December 2007|access-date=4 November 2008|location=London|first=Henry|last=Samuel}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Two days before the ], ] witnessed Hamilton "deliberately losing traction" in his silver ] C63, and impounded the car for 48 hours. Hamilton immediately released a statement of apology for "driving in an over-exuberant manner". After being charged with intentionally losing control of a vehicle, Hamilton was eventually fined ]500 (]288), being described as a "]" by the magistrate.<ref name="Telegraph26Mar2010">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/7527854/Lewis-Hamilton-Formula-1-drivers-Mercedes-impounded-by-police-in-Melbourne.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/7527854/Lewis-Hamilton-Formula-1-drivers-Mercedes-impounded-by-police-in-Melbourne.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Lewis Hamilton: Formula 1 driver's Mercedes impounded by police in Melbourne|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=26 March 2010|access-date=26 March 2010|location=London|first=Andrew|last=Hough}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="BBC10143347">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia_pacific/10143347.stm|title=F1's Hamilton charged over 'loss of vehicle control'|work=BBC News|access-date=3 May 2010|date=23 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/7962618/Lewis-Hamilton-fined-after-acting-like-a-hoon-in-Australia.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/7962618/Lewis-Hamilton-fined-after-acting-like-a-hoon-in-Australia.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Lewis Hamilton fined after 'acting like a hoon' in Australia|work=The Daily Telegraph |date=24 August 2010|access-date=29 August 2010|first=Tom|last=Cary | location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In 2017 Hamilton's rights management company 44IP opposed ]'s application to register a trade mark for "]" in Europe for the sale of watches and timepieces. This was likely to have been encouraged, or even required, by Hamilton's own watch sponsor.{{speculation inline|date=July 2024}} 44IP alleged that Swatch Group's application was made in bad faith and that it was contrary to "fair competition" in relation to 44IP's existing "LEWIS HAMILTON" mark. In 2020 the case was heard before the ] (EUIPO). The EUIPO rejected 44IP's arguments, ruling that there had been no bad faith by Swatch Group (with "HAMILTON INTERNATIONAL" having been used on relevant goods since 1892) and that 44IP's "LEWIS HAMILTON" trade mark did not extend to the word "HAMILTON" alone for the purposes of protecting the existing mark.<ref>{{cite web |last=Creighton |first=Shaun |title=Watch this space: Hamilton trade mark does not belong to Lewis |url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=01be2795-2b95-42e1-8056-d2341bccd774 |website=lexology.com |publisher=Lexology |access-date=18 March 2022 |date=17 December 2020}}</ref>

===Residence===
Hamilton moved to Luins, Vaud, Switzerland, in 2007, citing privacy as his main reason for leaving the UK. He later said on the television show '']'' that ] was also a factor in his decision.<ref name="BBC">{{cite news|title=Hamilton makes tax move admission|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/7088652.stm|date=11 November 2007|access-date=11 November 2007|work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Formula_One_drivers_find_peace_in_Switzerland.html?cid=984310|title=Formula One drivers find peace in Switzerland|work=]|date=5 September 2008|publisher=]|access-date=31 August 2010|archive-date=1 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001083827/http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Formula_One_drivers_find_peace_in_Switzerland.html?cid=984310|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="BBCNews">{{cite news|title=Hamilton decides to leave Britain|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7068001.stm|date=29 October 2007|access-date=29 October 2007 | first=Adam | last=Parsons}}</ref> In 2010, Hamilton, like many other Formula One drivers, moved to Monaco, purchasing a house worth a reported £10&nbsp;million. Hamilton also owns an apartment in Manhattan, New York, which he bought for US$40&nbsp;million in 2017, and an estate in Colorado where he has said he would live after his retirement.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moloney |first1=Aisling |title=Where does Lewis Hamilton live? The Formula One champion has more than one place |url=https://metro.co.uk/2017/11/07/where-does-lewis-hamilton-live-the-formula-one-champion-has-more-than-one-place-7059455/ |access-date=30 October 2018 |work=Metro |date=7 November 2017}}</ref>

===Wealth and income===
In 2015 Hamilton was ranked as the richest British sportsperson, with an estimated personal fortune of £88&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/32455380|title=Lewis Hamilton stays top of 2015 Sunday Times Sport Rich List|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 March 2016}}</ref> In 2018 it was reported that Hamilton had a net worth of ]159&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Sunday Times Rich List 2018: Lewis Hamilton net worth |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sunday-times-rich-list-2018-lewis-hamilton-net-worth-v7wctqdf6 |website=thetimes.co.uk |publisher=The Sunday Times |access-date=28 November 2018}}</ref> In 2020 Hamilton's fortune was an estimated £224 million, making him the richest British sports star in the history of the '']''.<ref>{{Cite news|last=McCall|first=Alastair|date=14 May 2020|title=Lewis Hamilton is the richest British sportsman of all time — Rich List 2020|newspaper=]|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/richest-sports-uk-2020-lewis-hamilton-sunday-times-rich-list-qjz3zk2c8|access-date=29 January 2021|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> By 2022 that figure had increased to £300 million.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lewis-hamilton-net-worth-sunday-times-rich-list-j8vgsnnd2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314180142/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lewis-hamilton-net-worth-sunday-times-rich-list-j8vgsnnd2 |archive-date=14 March 2023 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Sir Lewis Hamilton net worth — Sunday Times Rich List 2022 |date=20 May 2022|access-date=21 February 2024}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Before the ] weekend, Hamilton signed a contract to stay with Mercedes until the end of the 2018 season in a deal reportedly worth more than £100&nbsp;million over the three years, making him one of the best-paid drivers in Formula One.<ref name="telegraph.co.uk"/> In the week leading up to the ], Hamilton signed a two-year contract with Mercedes, reported to be worth up to £40&nbsp;million per year, making him the best-paid driver in the history of Formula One.<ref name="Lewis Hamilton signs £40m-a-year Me"/> According to '']'', Hamilton was one of the ] of the 2010s decade,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Badenhausen |first=Kurt |title=The Highest-Paid Athletes of the Decade: Mayweather, Ronaldo And LeBron Dominate |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2019/12/23/the-highest-paid-athletes-of-the-decade-mayweatherronaldo-lebron-score/ |access-date=15 February 2023 |website=Forbes}}</ref> and also the highest-paid Formula One driver from 2013 to 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knight |first=Brett |title=Formula 1's Highest-Paid Drivers 2022: Max Verstappen Zooms Past Lewis Hamilton |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2022/11/21/formula-1s-highest-paid-drivers-2022-max-verstappen-zooms-past-lewis-hamilton/ |access-date=15 February 2023 |magazine=Forbes}}</ref>

==Awards and honours==
===Formula One===
* ]: {{F1|2008}}, {{F1|2014}}, {{F1|2015}}, {{F1|2017}}, {{F1|2018}}, {{F1|2019}}, {{F1|2020}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/hamilton-takes-f1-title-after-last-lap-drama-986349.html|title=Hamilton takes F1 title after last lap drama|work=The Independent|access-date=5 September 2017|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109022534/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/hamilton-takes-f1-title-after-last-lap-drama-986349.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/30168481|title=Lewis Hamilton wins World Championship in Abu Dhabi|work=BBC Sport|access-date=5 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/25/lewis-hamilton-wins-f1-world-title-third-time-us-grand-prix|title=Lewis Hamilton wins Third Title after US Grand Prix victory|work=The Guardian|access-date=5 September 2017}}</ref>
* ]: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020<ref name="2014 results">{{cite web |url=http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2014/dhl_fastest_laps.html |title=DHL Fastest Lap Award – 2014 Results |publisher=formula1.com |access-date=15 November 2014}}</ref><ref name="2015 results">{{cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/championship/results/dhl-fastest-lap-2015.html |title=2015 DHL Fastest Lap Award |publisher=formula1.com |access-date=22 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Hamilton and Red Bull collect 2019 DHL Awards |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-and-red-bull-collect-2019-dhl-awards.676ydrxfD0pbVSWvRZ8xRo.html |website=formula1.com |publisher=FIA Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=3 December 2019}}</ref>
* ]: 2015, 2016, 2017{{efn-num|The ''FIA Pole Trophy'' was only awarded from {{F1|2014}} to {{F1|2017}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://motorsports.nbcsports.com/tag/fia-pole-trophy/|title=FIA Pole Trophy|access-date=16 August 2017}}</ref>}}
* ]: 2007, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023<ref>{{cite web|title=Hamilton receives Hawthorn Memorial Trophy|url=http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/178231/hamilton-receives-hawthorn-memorial-trophy/|access-date=5 September 2017|publisher=GPUpdate}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Hamilton receives Hawthorn Memorial|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/64783/hamilton-receives-hawthorn-memorial|magazine=Autosport|access-date=5 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton receives Hawthorn Memorial Trophy|url=https://www.msauk.org/Lewis-Hamilton-receives-Hawthorn-Memorial-Trophy|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906041007/https://www.msauk.org/Lewis-Hamilton-receives-Hawthorn-Memorial-Trophy|archive-date=6 September 2017|access-date=5 September 2017|publisher=Motor Sports Association UK}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton receives Hawthorn Memorial Trophy|url=https://www.msauk.org/Lewis-Hamilton-receives-Hawthorn-Memorial-Trophy-2|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906040018/https://www.msauk.org/Lewis-Hamilton-receives-Hawthorn-Memorial-Trophy-2|archive-date=6 September 2017|access-date=5 September 2017|publisher=Motor Sports Association UK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=24 January 2022|title=Hamilton wins Hawthorn Trophy for 11th time in 15 years|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/995648/1/hamilton-wins-hawthorn-trophy-11th-time-15-years|access-date=24 January 2022|website=Crash}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhagi |first=Pranay |date=4 July 2024 |title=Lewis Hamilton Handed Special Award for the 12th Time at British GP |url=https://thesportsrush.com/f1-news-lewis-hamilton-handed-special-award-for-the-12th-time-at-british-gp/ |access-date=8 July 2024 |website=The SportsRush}}</ref>
* ]: 2009<ref>{{cite web|title=Hamilton to receive Lorenzo Bandini trophy|url=http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-to-receive-lorenzo-bandini-trophy/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715211658/http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-to-receive-lorenzo-bandini-trophy/|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 July 2015|access-date=5 September 2017|publisher=motorsport.com}}</ref>
* ]: 2022<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 December 2022 |title=FIA champions honoured in record-breaking motor sport year |url=https://www.fia.com/news/fia-champions-honoured-record-breaking-motor-sport-year |access-date=12 January 2023 |website=Federation Internationale de l'Automobile}}</ref>
* ]: 2014, 2018, 2020, 2021<ref>{{cite web |url=http://formulaspy.com/formula-1/formula-1-news/hamilton-crowned-champion-fia-gala-doha-gallery-8705 |title=Hamilton crowned Champion at FIA Gala in Doha - Gallery |author=Thomas Maher |date=6 December 2014 |publisher=Formula Spy |access-date=23 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150531071413/http://formulaspy.com/formula-1/formula-1-news/hamilton-crowned-champion-fia-gala-doha-gallery-8705 |archive-date=31 May 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-and-mercedes-receive-their-title-trophies-at-the-fia-prize-giving.5cjPO3FraMusoG0cGwyyau.html|title=Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes receive their title trophies at the FIA Prize Giving ceremony - VIDEO {{!}} Formula 1®|website=Formula1.comn|date=8 December 2018|access-date=8 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=18 December 2020|title=Hamilton crowned World Champion at virtual FIA Prize Giving ceremony|url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2020/12/18/hamilton-crowned-world-champion-at-virtual-fia-prize-giving-ceremony/|access-date=18 December 2020|website=Motorsport Week}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=December 2021|title=Hamilton named 'Personality of the Year' at FIA Gala in Paris|url=https://news.fox-24.com/sport/news/65531.html|access-date=25 January 2022|website=News Fox24 Sport english|archive-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125230122/https://news.fox-24.com/sport/news/65531.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Other awards===
{{main|List of career achievements by Lewis Hamilton#Awards}}
Throughout his two-decade career, Hamilton has received several awards and honours. He won the ] in 2008, and shared the ] with ] in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.laureus.com/content/lewis-hamilton-breakthrough-2008|title=Lewis Hamilton – Breakthrough – 2008|publisher=Laureus|access-date=5 September 2017|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705224941/https://www.laureus.com/content/lewis-hamilton-breakthrough-2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Nair|first=Rohith|title=Messi, Hamilton joint winners of Sportsman of the Year at Laureus Awards|url=https://fr.reuters.com/article/uk-laureus-awards-idUKKBN20C0SJ|work=Reuters|date=18 February 2020|access-date=31 December 2020}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Hamilton also won the ] (], ]), ] ] (2014, 2019), ] (], ]), '']'' ] (2020), and '']'' ] (2018, 2020), among ].{{efn-num|Per sources:<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC Sports Personality of the Year – Lewis Hamilton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/bcTXV6z2tL2pm46MtD6Gb3/lewis-hamilton|access-date=5 September 2017|publisher=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sports Personality of the Year 2020: Lewis Hamilton crowned winner|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/sports-personality/55336369|access-date=20 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nzz.ch/sport/formel-1/formel-1-weltmeister-hamilton-zu-europa-sportler-des-jahres-gewaehlt-1.18451137|title=Hamilton Europas Sportler des Jahres|newspaper=Neue Zürcher Zeitung|access-date=5 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=S.A|first=Telewizja Polska|date=26 December 2019|title=62. Ankieta PAP: Lewis Hamilton najlepszym sportowcem świata|url=https://sport.tvp.pl/45942730/62-ankieta-pap-lewis-hamilton-najlepszym-sportowcem-swiata|access-date=5 January 2021|website=sport.tvp.pl|language=pl}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/19974721/2017-espys-award-winners|title=Full list of 2017 ESPYS winners|date=12 July 2017|publisher=ESPN |access-date=5 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=10 July 2021|title=2021 ESPYS award winners|url=https://www.espn.com/espys/story/_/page/voting-winners/2021-espys-award-winners|access-date=25 January 2022|website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bielderman|first=Erik|title=Lewis Hamilton, Champion des champions Monde 2020 : " Dieu, Senna et moi ! "|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Formule-1/Article/Lewis-hamilton-champion-des-champions-monde-2020-dieu-senna-et-moi/1209731|agency=L'Équipe|date=27 December 2020|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=31 December 2018|title=Hamilton, Shiffrin, Francia: i migliori del 2018 secondo Gazzetta|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Sport-Vari/30-12-2018/gazzetta-referendum-migliori-2018-3101679071061.shtml|access-date=7 January 2021|website=La Gazzetta dello Sport - Tutto il rosa della vita|language=it}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=30 December 2020|title=Referendum Gazzetta: Hamilton, Brignone e Bayern Monaco i migliori del mondo nel 2020|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Nba/30-12-2020/referendum-gazzetta-hamilton-brignone-bayern-monaco-migliori-mondo-2020-3902076189623.shtml|access-date=7 January 2021|website=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it-IT}}</ref>}} Hamilton has won a record 19 ], including eight ]. He was inducted into the ] in 2017, and shared the honorary ] ''President Award'' in 2020 with ].<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 December 2017|title=F1 champions gather in Paris for Hall of Fame inauguration|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-champions-gather-in-paris-for-hall-of-fame-inauguration.2hLqnfDZNaGAYogqWuGMOe.html|access-date=7 March 2021|website=F1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/ozasp-uk-motor-awards-idAFKBN28T0EX-OZASP|title=Hamilton wins big at virtual FIA prizegiving|date=19 December 2020|work=Reuters}}</ref>

===Orders and special awards===
*{{BRA}}
** ] ] (2022)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/its-the-greatest-honour-hamilton-made-an-honorary-citizen-of-brazil-ahead-of.2ill5NsrW9K6piOMofJPuE|title='It's the greatest honour' – Hamilton made an honorary citizen of Brazil ahead of Sao Paulo GP|date=8 November 2022|access-date=26 November 2024|website=]}}</ref>
*{{GRN}}
** Honorary Award (2008)<ref>{{cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=8 February 2008 |title=Grapevine: Hamilton honoured by Grenada |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/65043/hamilton-honoured-by-grenada |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112025356/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/65043/hamilton-honoured-by-grenada |archive-date=12 January 2021 |access-date=10 January 2021 |website=Autosport}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=31 March 2008|title=Congressional Record, Volume 154 Issue 49 (Monday, March 31, 2008)|url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2008-03-31/html/CREC-2008-03-31-pt1-PgE442-4.htm|access-date=10 January 2021|website=Govinfo.gov}}</ref>
*{{UK}}
** ] ] (])<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=58929|date=31 December 2008|page=17 |supp=y}}</ref>
** ] ] (])<ref name="knight"/>

====Fellowships====
* ], ] (2019)<ref>{{cite web |title=Lewis Hamilton MBE HonFREng |url=https://www.raeng.org.uk/about-us/the-fellowship/new-fellows-2019/honorary-fellows/lewis-hamilton |access-date=30 September 2019 |archive-date=30 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930091347/https://www.raeng.org.uk/about-us/the-fellowship/new-fellows-2019/honorary-fellows/lewis-hamilton |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Recognition===
* ''Lewis Hamilton'' by Dario Mitidieri, ] (2007)<ref name="NPG portrait">{{cite web |title=NPG x131991; Lewis Hamilton - Portrait - National Portrait Gallery |url=https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw145203 |website=National Portrait Gallery |access-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200218034552/https://www.footboom.com/ukrainian/ukrainians/1457116855-stanislav-shtanenko-my-z-ukrainy-pryikhaly-i-nam-postiino-kazhut-lehshe-lehshe.html |archive-date=18 February 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Hamilton Straight'', ] (2020)<ref>{{cite web|date=12 December 2020|title=Silverstone renames International Pits Straight in recognition of Lewis Hamilton's outstanding achievements|url=https://www.silverstone.co.uk/news/silverstone-renames-international-pits-straight/|access-date=10 January 2021|website=Silverstone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406225246/https://www.silverstone.co.uk/news/silverstone-renames-international-pits-straight/|archive-date=6 April 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Karting record==
===Karting career summary===
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 85%; text-align:center"
!Season
!Series
!Team
!Position
|-
!1995
| align="left" |] – IAME Cadet
| align="left" |
| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |'''1st'''
|-
!1996
| align="left" |Kartmasters British Grand Prix – Comer Cadet
| align="left" |
| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |'''1st'''
|-
!1997
| align="left" |] – Formula Yamaha
| align="left" |
| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |'''1st'''
|-
! rowspan="3" |1998
| align="left" |Torneo delle Industrie – ]
| align="left" |
|19th
|-
| align="left" |] – Cadet
| align="left" |
|12th
|-
| align="left" |]– ]
| align="left" |
|4th
|-
! rowspan="5" |1999
| align="left" |Torneo Industrie Open – ]
| align="left" |
| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |'''1st'''
|-
| align="left" |South Garda Winter Cup – ]
| align="left" |
|6th
|-
| align="left" |Trofeo Andrea Margutti – ]
| align="left" |
|18th
|-
| align="left" |] – ]
| align="left" |
|4th
|-
| align="left" |] – ]
| align="left" |
| style="background:#DFDFDF;" |'''2nd'''
|-
! rowspan="4" |2000
| align="left" |Trofeo Andrea Margutti – ]
| align="left" |
|7th
|-
| align="left" |] – ]
| rowspan="3" align="left" |MBM.com
| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |'''1st'''
|-
| align="left" |] – ]
| style="background:#FFFFBF;" |'''1st'''
|-
| align="left" |] – ]
|20th
|-
! rowspan="3" |2001
| align="left" |South Garda Winter Cup – ]
| align="left" |
|7th
|-
| align="left" |] – ]
| rowspan="2" align="left" |MBM.com
|4th
|-
| align="left" |] – ]
|15th
|-
!colspan="14|{{center|{{small|Source:<ref name=DriverDBOverview/>}}}}
|}

== Racing record ==
=== Racing career summary===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|-
! Season ! Season
! Series ! Series
Line 217: Line 460:
! Wins ! Wins
! Poles ! Poles
! F/Laps ! {{abbr|F/Laps|Fastest laps}}
! Podiums ! Podiums
! Points ! Points
! Position ! Position
|- |-
!rowspan=1| 2001 ! 2001
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
| 4 | 4
Line 230: Line 473:
| 0 | 0
| 0 | 0
| ? | 48
| 5th | 7th
|- |-
! rowspan=2| 2002 !rowspan=2| 2002
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
|align=left rowspan=2| ] | style="text-align:left;" rowspan="2"| ]
| 13 | 13
| 3 | 3
Line 242: Line 485:
| 7 | 7
| 274 | 274
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| '''3rd''' |style="background:#FFDF9F;"| '''3rd'''
|- |-
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
Line 253: Line 496:
| 5th | 5th
|- |-
! rowspan=6| 2003 !rowspan=6| 2003
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
|align=left rowspan=6| ] | style="text-align:left;" rowspan="6"| ]
| 15 | 15
| 10 | 10
Line 262: Line 505:
| 13 | 13
| 419 | 419
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '''1st''' |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''1st'''
|- |-
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
| 2 | 2
| 0 | 0
Line 273: Line 516:
| NC | NC
|- |-
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
| 2 | 2
| 0 | 0
Line 291: Line 534:
| 27th | 27th
|- |-
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
| 1 | 1
| 0 | 0
Line 297: Line 540:
| 0 | 0
| 0 | 0
| N/A | {{n/a}}
| NC | NC
|- |-
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
| 1 | 1
| 0 | 0
Line 306: Line 549:
| 0 | 0
| 0 | 0
| N/A | {{n/a}}
| NC | NC
|- |-
!rowspan=4| 2004 !rowspan=4| 2004
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
|align=left rowspan=4| ] | style="text-align:left;" rowspan="4"| ]
| 20 | ]
| 1 | 1
| 1 | 1
Line 326: Line 569:
| 0 | 0
| 1 | 1
| N/A | {{n/a}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '''1st''' |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''1st'''
|- |-
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
| 1 | 1
| 0 | 0
| 1
| 0 | 0
| 0 | 0
| 0 | {{n/a}}
| N/A
| 14th | 14th
|- |-
Line 344: Line 587:
| 0 | 0
| 0 | 0
| N/A | {{n/a}}
| 14th | 7th
|- |-
!rowspan=2|2005 !rowspan=2|2005
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
|align=left rowspan=2| ] | style="text-align:left;" rowspan="2"| ]
| 20 | ]
| 15 | 15
| 13 | 13
Line 356: Line 599:
| 17 | 17
| 172 | 172
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '''1st''' |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''1st'''
|- |-
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
Line 364: Line 607:
| 1 | 1
| 1 | 1
| N/A | {{n/a}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '''1st''' |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''1st'''
|- |-
! 2006 ! 2006
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
| 21 | ]
| 5 | 5
| 1 | 1
Line 376: Line 619:
| 14 | 14
| 114 | 114
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '''1st''' |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''1st'''
|- |-
! 2007 ! 2007
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
|align=left| ] ] ] |style="text-align:left;"| ]
| 17 | ]
| 4 | 4
| 6 | 6
Line 387: Line 630:
| 12 | 12
| 109 | 109
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| '''2nd''' |style="background:#DFDFDF;"| '''2nd'''
|- |-
! 2008 ! 2008
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
|align=left| ] ] ] |style="text-align:left;"| ]
| 18 | ]
| 5 | 5
| 7 | 7
Line 398: Line 641:
| 10 | 10
| 98 | 98
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"|'''1st''' |style="background:#FFFFBF;"|'''1st'''
|- |-
! 2009 ! 2009
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
|align=left| ] ] ] |style="text-align:left;"| ]
| 17 | ]
| 2 | 2
| 4 | 4
Line 412: Line 655:
|- |-
! 2010 ! 2010
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
|align=left| ] ] ] |style="text-align:left;"| ]
| 19 | ]
| 3 | 3
| 1 | 1
Line 423: Line 666:
|- |-
! 2011 ! 2011
|align=left| ] |align=left| ]
|align=left| ] ] ] |style="text-align:left;"| ]
| ]
| 3 | 3
| 1 | 1
| 3
| 6
| 227
| 5th
|-
! 2012
|align=left| ]
|style="text-align:left;"| ]
| ]
| 4
| 7
| 1
| 7
| 190
| 4th
|-
! 2013
|align=left| ]
|style="text-align:left;"| ]
| ]
| 1
| 5
| 1
| 5
| 189
| 4th
|-
! 2014
|align=left| ]
|style="text-align:left;"| ]
| ]
| 11
| 7
| 7
| 16
| 384
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''1st'''
|-
! 2015
|align=left| ]
|style="text-align:left;"| ]
| ]
| 10
| 11
| 8
| 17
| 381
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''1st'''
|-
! 2016
|align=left| ]
|style="text-align:left;"| ]
| ]
| 10
| 12
| 3
| 17
| 380
|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| '''2nd'''
|-
! 2017
|align=left| ]
|style="text-align:left;"| ]
| ]
| 9
| 11
| 7
| 13
| 363
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''1st'''
|-
! 2018
|align=left| ]
|style="text-align:left;"| ]
| ]
| 11
| 11
| 3
| 17
| 408
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''1st'''
|-
! 2019
|align=left| ]
|style="text-align:left;"| ]
| ]
| 11
| 5
| 6
| 17
| 413
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '''1st'''
|-
! 2020
|align=left| ]
|style="text-align:left;"| ]
| ]
| 11
| 10
| 6
| 14
| 347
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"|'''1st'''
|-
! 2021
|align=left| ]
|style="text-align:left;"| ]
| ]
| 8
| 5
| 6
| 17
| 387.5
|style="background:#DFDFDF;"| '''2nd'''
|-
! 2022
|align=left|]
|align=left| ]
| ]
| 0 | 0
| 0 | 0
| 2 | 2
| 47* | 9
| 240
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"|'''2nd'''*
| 6th
|}
{{sup|*}} Season in progress.

===Complete Formula Renault 2000 Eurocup results===
(]) (Races in bold indicate pole position)
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%"
! Year
! Entrant
! 1
! 2
! 3
! 4
! 5
! 6
! 7
! 8
! 9
! DC
! Points
|- |-
! 2023
| ]
|align=left|]
! ]
|align=left| ]
| ]<br><small></small>
| ]
| ]<br><small></small>
| 0
| ]<br><small></small>
| 1
| ]<br><small></small>
| 4
| ]<br><small></small>
| 6
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br><small>7</small>
| 234
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| '']''<br><small>2</small>
|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| '''3rd'''
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''''']'''''<br><small>1</small>
|-
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br><small>2</small>
! 5th ! 2024
|align=left|]
! 92
|align=left| ]
|}
| ]
| {{sum|{{F1stat|HAM|wins}}|-103}}
| {{sum|{{F1stat|HAM|poles}}|-104}}
| {{sum|{{F1stat|HAM|fastestlaps}}|-65}}
| {{sum|{{F1stat|HAM|podiums}}|-197}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|points}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|WDC}}
|-
!colspan="10"|{{center|{{small|Source:<ref name=DriverDBOverview>{{cite web|title=Career overview – years in numbers|url=https://www.driverdb.com/drivers/lewis-hamilton/|website=driverdb.com|publisher=Driver Database|access-date=21 September 2019}}</ref><ref name=MMOverview>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/drivers/lewis-hamilton|title=Lewis Hamilton – Biography|work=MotorSportMagazine|access-date=22 September 2019}}</ref>}}}}
|}<!--
{{asterisk}} Season still in progress.<!-- At the end of the season, please hide this footnote rather than deleting it, so it's in place for the following season -->


===Complete British Formula Three results=== ===Complete Formula Renault 2.0 UK Championship results===
(]) (Races in '''bold''' indicate pole position) (Races in ''italics'' indicate fastest lap) (]) (Races in '''bold''' indicate pole position; races in ''italics'' indicate fastest lap)
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%" {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%;"
|-
! Year ! Year
! Entrant ! Entrant
Line 489: Line 846:
! 16 ! 16
! 17 ! 17
! 18
! 19
! 20
! 21
! 22
! 23
! 24
! DC ! DC
! Points ! Points
|- |-
|] | ]
!] !nowrap| ]
|style="background:#FFDF9F;"| ]<br>{{small|3}}
|]<br /><small></small>
|]<br /><small></small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ]<br>{{small|15}}
|]<br /><small></small> |style="background:#DFDFDF;"| '']''<br>{{small|2}}
|]<br /><small></small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| '']''<br>{{small|9}}
|]<br /><small></small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']'''''<br>{{small|1}}
|]<br /><small></small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ]<br>{{small|20}}
| ]<br /><small></small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ]<br>{{small|6}}
| ]<br /><small></small> |style="background:#DFDFDF;"| ]<br>{{small|2}}
| ]<br /><small></small> |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| ]<br>{{small|Ret}}
| ]<br /><small></small> |style="background:#DFDFDF;"| ]<br>{{small|2}}
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']'''''<br>{{small|1}}
| ]<br /><small></small>
| ]<br /><small></small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']'''''<br>{{small|1}}
| ]<br /><small></small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ]<br>{{small|4}}
|colspan=4|
| ]<br /><small></small>
!style="background:#FFDF9F;"| 3rd
| ]<br /><small></small>
!style="background:#FFDF9F;"| 274
| ]<br /><small></small>
|-
| ]<br /><small></small>
| ]
| ]<br /><small></small>
!nowrap| ]
| ]<br /><small></small>
| ]<br /><small></small> |style="background:#DFDFDF;"| ''']'''<br>{{small|2}}
| ]<br /><small></small> |style="background:#FFDF9F;"| ]<br>{{small|3}}
| ]<br /><small></small> |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| ]<br>{{small|Ret}}
|bgcolor="#EFCFFF"| ]<br /><small>Ret</small> |style="background:#DFDFDF;"| '']''<br>{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#EFCFFF"| ]<br /><small>Ret</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ]<br>{{small|1}}
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']'''''<br>{{small|1}}
| '''NC'''
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''']'''<br>{{small|1}}
| 0
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']'''''<br>{{small|1}}
|style="background:#EFCFFF;"| ''']'''<br>{{small|Ret}}
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '']''<br>{{small|1}}
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']'''''<br>{{small|1}}
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']'''''<br>{{small|1}}
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']'''''<br>{{small|1}}
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']'''''<br>{{small|1}}
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']'''''<br>{{small|1}}
| ]
| ]
!style="background:#FFFFBF;"| 1st
!style="background:#FFFFBF;"| 419
|-
|- class="sortbottom"
!colspan="100"|Source:{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}
|} |}


===Complete Formula Three Euroseries results=== ===Complete Macau Grand Prix results===
(]) (Races in '''bold''' indicate pole position) (Races in ''italics'' indicate fastest lap)
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%" {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%"
! Year
! Team
! Car
! Qualifying
! Quali Race
! Main race
! Ref
|-
! ]
| align="left" | {{#invoke:flag|icon|GBR}} ]
| align="left" | ]
| 18th
| {{n/a}}
| DNF
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Formula 3 Grand Prix – Circuto de Guia: 13th – 16th November 2003|url=http://www.mst-group.co.uk:80/fiagt/2003/34609fm3.pdf|publisher=MST World|date=16 November 2003|access-date=17 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031118042741/http://www.mst-group.co.uk/fiagt/2003/34609fm3.pdf|archive-date=18 November 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
! ]
| align="left" | {{#invoke:flag|icon|GBR}} ]
| align="left" | ]
|style="background:#dfdfdf;"|'''2nd'''
|style="background:#FFFFBF;"|'''1st'''
| 14th
|<ref>{{cite web|title=51st Formula 3 Grand Prix – Circuto de Guia: 18–21 November 2004|url=http://www.formula3.info/saison2004/macau/2004pdf.pdf|publisher=MST World|date=22 November 2004|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106055258/http://www.formula3.info/saison2004/macau/2004pdf.pdf|archive-date=6 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}

===Complete Formula 3 Euro Series results===
(]) (Races in '''bold''' indicate pole position; races in ''italics'' indicate fastest lap)
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%;"
|-
! Year ! Year
! Entrant ! Entrant
Line 559: Line 952:
! Points ! Points
|- |-
| ] |id=2004R| ]
! ] !nowrap| ]
! ] F302/049 !nowrap| ] F302/049
! ] !nowrap| ]
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| ]<br><small>11</small> |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| ]<br />{{small|11}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br><small>6</small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|6}}
|bgcolor="#EFCFFF"| ]<br><small>Ret</small> |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| ]<br><small>9</small> |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| ]<br />{{small|9}}
|bgcolor="#EFCFFF"| ]<br><small>Ret</small> |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br><small>5</small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br><small>4</small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br><small>7</small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|7}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''']'''<br><small>1</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| '']''<br><small>3</small> |style="background:#FFDF9F;"| '']''<br />{{small|3}}
|bgcolor="#EFCFFF"| ]<br><small>Ret</small> |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| '']''<br><small>21</small> |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| '']''<br />{{small|21}}
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| ]<br><small>3</small> |style="background:#FFDF9F;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br><small>4</small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| ]<br><small>3</small> |style="background:#FFDF9F;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br><small>6</small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|6}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br><small>7</small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|7}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br><small>4</small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br><small>2</small> |style="background:#DFDFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br><small>6</small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|6}}
! 5th ! 5th
! 68 ! 68
|- |-
| ] |id=2005R| ]
! ] !nowrap| ]
! ] F305/021 !nowrap| ] F305/021
! ] !nowrap| ]
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''''']'''''<br><small>1</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| ]<br><small>3</small> |style="background:#FFDF9F;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''''']'''''<br><small>1</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''''']'''''<br><small>1</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#000000" style="color:white"| ''']'''<br><small>DSQ</small> | style="background:#000; color:white;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|DSQ}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '']''<br><small>1</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''']'''<br><small>1</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''''']''''' <br><small>1</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']''''' <br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| ]<br><small>3</small> |style="background:#FFDF9F;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''''']'''''<br><small>1</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''''']'''''<br><small>1</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''']'''<br><small>1</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| ]<br><small>12</small> |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| ]<br />{{small|12}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '']''<br><small>1</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#EFCFFF"| ''']'''<br><small>Ret</small> |style="background:#EFCFFF;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|Ret}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''']'''<br><small>1</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ]<br><small>1</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '']''<br><small>1</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''']'''<br><small>1</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''''']'''''<br><small>1</small> |style="background:#FFFFBF;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '''1st''' !style="background:#FFFFBF;"| 1st
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '''172''' !style="background:#FFFFBF;"| 172
|-
!colspan="27"|{{center|{{small|Source:<ref>{{cite web |title=2004 Formula 3 Euro Series Classification |url=https://results.motorsportstats.com/results/2004-hockenheim-4/classification |website=motorsportstats.com |publisher=Motorsports Stats |access-date=21 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2005 Formula 3 Euro Series Classification |url=https://results.motorsportstats.com/results/2005-hockenheim-5/classification |website=motorsportstats.com |publisher=Motorsports Stats |access-date=21 September 2019}}</ref>}}}}
|} |}


===Complete GP2 Series results=== ===Complete GP2 Series results===
(]) (Races in '''bold''' indicate pole position) (Races in ''italics'' indicate fastest lap) (]) (Races in '''bold''' indicate pole position; races in ''italics'' indicate fastest lap)
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%" {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%;"
|-
! Year ! Year
! Entrant ! Entrant
Line 643: Line 1,039:
! Points ! Points
|- |-
| ] |id=2006R| ]
! ] !nowrap| ]
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br /><small>2</small> |style="background:#DFDFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>6</small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|6}}
|bgcolor="#000000" style="color:white"| ]<br /><small>DSQ</small> |style="background:#000; color:white;"| ]<br />{{small|DSQ}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| ]<br /><small>10</small> |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| ]<br />{{small|10}}
|bgcolor="#ffffbf"| '']''<br /><small>1</small> |style="background:#ffffbf;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#ffffbf"| ]<br /><small>1</small> |style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br /><small>2</small> |style="background:#DFDFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>4</small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
|bgcolor="#ffffbf"| ''']'''<br /><small>1</small> |style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#ffffbf"| '']''<br /><small>1</small> |style="background:#ffffbf;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#ffffbf"| '']''<br /><small>1</small> |style="background:#ffffbf;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| '']''<br /><small>19</small> |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| '']''<br />{{small|19}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>5</small> |style="background:#DFFFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br /><small>2</small> |style="background:#DFDFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| ]<br /><small>3</small> |style="background:#FFDF9F;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| ]<br /><small>10</small> |style="background:#CFCFFF;"| ]<br />{{small|10}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br /><small>2</small> |style="background:#DFDFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br /><small>2</small> |style="background:#DFDFDF;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| '']''<br /><small>2</small> |style="background:#DFDFDF;"| '']''<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| '']''<br /><small>3</small> |style="background:#FFDF9F;"| '']''<br />{{small|3}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| '']''<br /><small>2</small> |style="background:#DFDFDF;"| '']''<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '''1st''' !style="background:#FFFFBF;"| 1st
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '''114''' !style="background:#FFFFBF;"| 114
|-
!colspan="27"|{{center|{{small|Source:<ref name="2006 gp2">{{cite web |title=2006 GP2 Series Classification |url=https://results.motorsportstats.com/results/2006-valencia |website=motorsportstats.com |publisher=Motorsports Stats |access-date=21 September 2019}}</ref>}}}}
|} |}


===Complete Formula One results=== ===Complete Formula One results===
(]) (Races in '''bold''' indicate pole position) (Races in ''italics'' indicate fastest lap) (]) (Races in '''bold''' indicate pole position; races in ''italics'' indicate fastest lap)
{| class="wikitable" border="1" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;" {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%;"
|- |-
! Year ! Year
Line 697: Line 1,095:
! 18 ! 18
! 19 ! 19
! WDC ! 20
! 21
! 22
! 23
! 24
! {{Abbr|WDC|World Drivers' Championship standing}}
! ] ! ]
|- |-
| {{F1|2007}} |id=2007R| {{F1|2007}}
! ] ] ] !nowrap| ]
! ] ] !nowrap| ] ]
! ] FO 108T 2.4 ] !nowrap| ] ] 2.4 ]
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| ]<br /><small>3</small> | style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| '']''<br /><small>2</small> | style="background:#dfdfdf;"| '']''<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br /><small>2</small> | style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br /><small>2</small> | style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br /><small>2</small> | style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''']'''<br /><small>1</small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''']'''<br /><small>1</small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| ]<br /><small>3</small> | style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| ''']'''<br /><small>3</small> | style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|3}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| ]<br /><small>9</small> | style="background:#cfcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|9}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''']'''<br /><small>1</small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>5</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br /><small>2</small> | style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>4</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''''']'''''<br /><small>1</small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#EFCFFF"| ''']'''<br /><small>Ret</small> | style="background:#efcfff;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|Ret}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>7</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|7}}
|colspan=7|
|
! style="background:#dfdfdf;"| 2nd
|
! style="background:#dfdfdf;"| 109
| align="center" bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| '''2nd'''
| align="center" bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| '''109'''
|- |-
| {{F1|2008}} |id=2008R| {{F1|2008}}
! ] ] ] !nowrap| ]
! ] ] !nowrap| ] ]
! ] FO 108V 2.4 ] !nowrap| ] ] 2.4 ]
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''']'''<br /><small>1</small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>5</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| ]<br /><small>13</small> | style="background:#cfcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|13}}
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| ]<br /><small>3</small> | style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br /><small>2</small> | style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ]<br /><small>1</small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#EFCFFF"| ''']'''<br /><small>Ret</small> | style="background:#efcfff;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|Ret}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| ]<br /><small>10</small> | style="background:#cfcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|10}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ]<br /><small>1</small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''']'''<br /><small>1</small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ''']'''<br /><small>5</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|5}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br /><small>2</small> | style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| ''']'''<br /><small>3</small> | style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|3}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>7</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|7}}
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| ]<br /><small>3</small> | style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| ''']'''<br /><small>12</small> | style="background:#cfcfff;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|12}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''''']'''''<br /><small>1</small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"|]<br /><small>5</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"|]<br />{{small|5}}
|colspan=6|
|
! style="background:#ffffbf;"| 1st
| align="center" bgcolor="FFFFBF"| '''1st'''
! style="background:#ffffbf;"| 98
| align="center" bgcolor="FFFFBF"| '''98'''
|- |-
| {{F1|2009}} |id=2009R| {{F1|2009}}
! ] ] ] !nowrap| ]
! ] ] !nowrap| ] ]
! ] FO 108W 2.4 ] !nowrap| ] ] 2.4 ]
|bgcolor="#000000" style="color: #ffffff"| ]<br /><small>DSQ</small> | style="background:#000; color:#fff;"| ]<br />{{small|DSQ}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>7{{smallsup|‡}}</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|7<sup>{{double-dagger}}</sup>}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>6</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|6}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>4</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| ]<br /><small>9</small> | style="background:#cfcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|9}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| ]<br /><small>12</small> | style="background:#cfcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|12}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| ]<br /><small>13</small> | style="background:#cfcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|13}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| ]<br /><small>16</small> | style="background:#cfcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|16}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| ]<br /><small>18</small> | style="background:#cfcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|18}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ]<br /><small>1</small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ''']'''<br /><small>2</small> | style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#EFCFFF"| ]<br /><small>Ret</small> | style="background:#efcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| ''']'''<br /><small>12{{smallsup|†}}</small> | style="background:#cfcfff;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|12{{sup|†}}}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''']'''<br /><small>1</small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| ]<br /><small>3</small> | style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| ]<br /><small>3</small> | style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
|bgcolor="#EFCFFF"| ''']'''<br /><small>Ret</small> | style="background:#efcfff;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|Ret}}
|colspan=7|
|
|
! 5th ! 5th
! 49 ! 49
|- |-
| {{f1|2010}} |id=2010R| {{F1|2010}}
! ] ] ] !nowrap| ]
! ] ] !nowrap| ] ]
! ] FO 108X 2.4 ] !nowrap| ] ] 2.4 ]
|bgcolor="#FFDF9F"| ]<br /><small>3</small> | style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>6</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|6}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>6</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|6}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| '']''<br /><small>2</small> | style="background:#dfdfdf;"| '']''<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#CFCFFF"| '']''<br /><small>14{{smallsup|†}}</small> | style="background:#cfcfff;"| '']''<br />{{small|14{{sup|†}}}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>5</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ]<br /><small>1</small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ''']'''<br /><small>1</small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br /><small>2</small> | style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br /><small>2</small> | style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>4</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
|bgcolor="#EFCFFF"| ]<br /><small>Ret</small> | style="background:#efcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| '']''<br /><small>1</small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
|bgcolor="#EFCFFF"| ]<br /><small>Ret</small> | style="background:#efcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
|bgcolor="#EFCFFF"| ]<br /><small>Ret</small> | style="background:#efcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>5</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br /><small>2</small> | style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| '']''<br /><small>4</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| '']''<br />{{small|4}}
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| '']''<br /><small>2</small> | style="background:#dfdfdf;"| '']''<br />{{small|2}}
|colspan=5|
! 4th ! 4th
! 240 ! 240
|- |-
| {{F1|2011}} |id=2011R| {{F1|2011}}
! ] ] ] !nowrap| ]
! ] ] !nowrap| ] ]
! ] FO 108Y 2.4 ] !nowrap| ] ] 2.4 ]
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| ]<br /><small>2</small> | style="background:#dfdfdf;"|]<br />{{small|2}}
|bgcolor="#DFFFDF"| ]<br /><small>8</small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|8}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFBF"| ]<br /><small>1</small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| ]<br /><small></small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
| ]<br /><small></small> | style="background:#dfdfdf;"| '']''<br />{{small|2}}
| ]<br /><small></small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|6}}
| ]<br /><small></small> | style="background:#efcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
| ]<br /><small></small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
| ]<br /><small></small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
| ]<br /><small></small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
| ]<br /><small></small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
| ]<br /><small></small> | style="background:#efcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
| ]<br /><small></small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| '']''<br />{{small|4}}
| ]<br /><small></small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
| ]<br /><small></small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
| ]<br /><small></small> | style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|2}}
| ]<br /><small></small> | style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|7}}
| ]<br /><small></small> | style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| ]<br /><small></small> | style="background:#efcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
|colspan=5|
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| '''2nd*'''
! 5th
|bgcolor="#DFDFDF"| '''47*'''
! 227
|-
|id=2012R| {{F1|2012}}
!nowrap| ]
!nowrap| ] ]
!nowrap| ] ] 2.4 ]
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|8}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|8}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|19{{sup|†}}}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|8}}
| style="background:#efcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#efcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#efcfff;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|Ret}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|10}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
| style="background:#efcfff;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|Ret}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#efcfff;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|Ret}}
|colspan=4|
! 4th
! 190
|-
|id=2013R| {{F1|2013}}
!nowrap| ]
!nowrap| ] ]
!nowrap| ] ] 2.4 ]
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|12}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|4}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|5}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| '']''<br />{{small|9}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
| style="background:#efcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|6}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|7}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|9}}
|colspan=5|
! 4th
! 189
|-
|id=2014R| {{F1|2014}}
!nowrap| ]
!nowrap| ] ]
!nowrap| ] ] 1.6 ] ]
| style="background:#efcfff;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|Ret}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#efcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| '']''<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#efcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| '']''<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
|colspan=5|
! style="background:#ffffbf;"| 1st
! style="background:#ffffbf;"| 384
|-
|id=2015R| {{F1|2015}}
!nowrap| ]
!nowrap| ] ]
!nowrap| ] ] 1.6 ] ]
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| '']''<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|6}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#efcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| '']''<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| '']''<br />{{small|2}}
|colspan=5|
! style="background:#ffffbf;"| 1st
! style="background:#ffffbf;"| 381
|-
|id=2016R| {{F1|2016}}
!nowrap| ]
!nowrap| ] ]
!nowrap| ] ] 1.6 ] ]
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|7}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#efcfff;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|Ret}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| '']''<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#efcfff;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|Ret}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
|colspan=3|
! style="background:#dfdfdf;"| 2nd
! style="background:#dfdfdf;"| 380
|-
|id=2017R| {{F1|2017}}
!nowrap| ]
!nowrap| ] ]
!nowrap| ] ] 1.6 ] ]
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| '']''<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|7}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|5}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| '']''<br />{{small|4}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"|'' ]''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"|''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|9}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
|colspan=4|
! style="background:#ffffbf;"| 1st
! style="background:#ffffbf;"| 363
|-
|id=2018R| {{F1|2018}}
!nowrap| ]
!nowrap| ] ]
!nowrap| ] ] 1.6 ] ]
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ]<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#efcfff;"| ]<br />{{small|Ret}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
|colspan=3|
! style="background:#ffffbf;"| 1st
! style="background:#ffffbf;"| 408
|-
|id=2019R| {{F1|2019}}
! ]
! ] ]
! ] ] 1.6 ] ]
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|5}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ''']'''<br />{{small|9}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| '']''<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|4}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| '']''<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| '']''<br />{{small|3}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ]<br />{{small|1}}
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| ]<br />{{small|2}}
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| ]<br />{{small|7}}
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| ''''']'''''<br />{{small|1}}
|colspan=3|
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| '''1st'''
| style="background:#ffffbf;"| '''413'''
|-
|id=2020R| {{F1|2020}}
!nowrap| ]
!nowrap| ] ]
!nowrap| ] ] 1.6 ] ]
| {{F1R2020|HAM|AUT2}}
| {{F1R2020|HAM|STY2}}
| {{F1R2020|HAM|HUN2}}
| {{F1R2020|HAM|GBR2}}
| {{F1R2020|HAM|70A2}}
| {{F1R2020|HAM|ESP2}}
| {{F1R2020|HAM|BEL2}}
| {{F1R2020|HAM|ITA2}}
| {{F1R2020|HAM|TUS2}}
| {{F1R2020|HAM|RUS2}}
| {{F1R2020|HAM|EIF2}}
| {{F1R2020|HAM|POR2}}
| {{F1R2020|HAM|EMI2}}
| {{F1R2020|HAM|TUR2}}
| {{F1R2020|HAM|BHR2}}
| {{F1R2020|HAM|SKH2}}
| {{F1R2020|HAM|ABU2}}
|colspan=7|
! {{F1R2020|HAM|WDC}}
! {{F1R2020|HAM|points2}}
|-
|id=2021R| {{F1|2021}}
!nowrap| ]
!nowrap| ] ]
!nowrap| ] ] 1.6 ] ]
| {{F1R2021|HAM|BHR2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|EMI2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|POR2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|ESP2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|MON2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|AZE2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|FRA2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|STY2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|AUT2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|GBR2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|HUN2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|BEL2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|NED2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|ITA2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|RUS2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|TUR2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|USA2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|MXC2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|SAP2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|QAT2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|SAU2}}
| {{F1R2021|HAM|ABU2}}
|colspan=2|
! {{F1R2021|HAM|WDC}}
! {{F1R2021|HAM|points2}}
|-
| id=2022R| {{F1|2022}}
!nowrap| ]
!nowrap| ] ]
!nowrap| ] ] 1.6 ]
| {{F1R2022|HAM|BHR2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|SAU2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|AUS2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|EMI2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|MIA2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|ESP2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|MON2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|AZE2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|CAN2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|GBR2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|AUT2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|FRA2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|HUN2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|BEL2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|NED2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|ITA2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|SIN2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|JPN2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|USA2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|MXC2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|SAP2}}
| {{F1R2022|HAM|ABU2}}
|colspan=2|
! {{F1R2022|HAM|WDC}}
! {{F1R2022|HAM|points2}}
|-
| id=2023R| {{F1|2023}}
!nowrap| ]
!nowrap| ] ]
!nowrap| ] ] 1.6 ]
| {{F1R2023|HAM|BHR2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|SAU2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|AUS2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|AZE2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|MIA2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|MON2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|ESP2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|CAN2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|AUT2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|GBR2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|HUN2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|BEL2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|NED2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|ITA2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|SIN2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|JPN2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|QAT2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|USA2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|MXC2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|SAP2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|LVG2}}
| {{F1R2023|HAM|ABU2}}
|colspan=2|
! {{F1R2023|HAM|WDC}}
! {{F1R2023|HAM|points2}}
|-
| id=2024R| {{F1|2024}}
!nowrap| ]
!nowrap| ] ]
!nowrap| ] ] 1.6 ]
| {{F1R2024|HAM|BHR2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|SAU2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|AUS2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|JPN2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|CHN2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|MIA2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|EMI2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|MON2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|CAN2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|ESP2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|AUT2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|GBR2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|HUN2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|BEL2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|NED2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|ITA2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|AZE2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|SIN2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|USA2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|MXC2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|SAP2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|LVG2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|QAT2}}
| {{F1R2024|HAM|ABU2}}
! {{F1R2024|HAM|WDC}}
! {{F1R2024|HAM|points2}}
|-
! colspan="30" |{{center|{{small|Sources:<ref name=DriverDBOverview/><ref name=MMOverview/>}}}}
|} |}
{{smallsup|{{dagger}}}} Did not finish, but was classified as he had completed more than 90% of the race distance.<br />
{{sup|*}} Season in progress.<br />
{{smallsup|†}} Did not finish, but was classified as he had completed more than 90% of the race distance.<br /> {{smallsup|{{double-dagger}}}} Half points awarded as less than 75% of race distance was completed.<!--<br />
{{asterisk}} Season still in progress.<!-- At the end of the season, please hide this footnote rather than deleting it, so it's in place for the following season -->
{{smallsup|‡}} Half points awarded as less than 75% of race distance was completed.

===Formula One records===
{{main|List of career achievements by Lewis Hamilton#Records}}
Hamilton debuted at the ], becoming the first ] driver to compete in Formula One.{{efn-num|Hamilton is the first black driver to compete in the Formula One World Championship,<ref>{{cite web |title=Hamilton to be first black driver in F1 |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2006/11/28/hamilton-to-be-first-black-driver-in-f1/ |website=East Bay Times |date=28 November 2006 |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Grenadian roots of first black F1 driver |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/caribbean/news/story/2006/11/061127_grenadaf1.shtml |website=BBCCaribbean.com |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref> and the second to drive a Formula One car after ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/may/07/willy-t-ribbs-pioneering-f1-path-lewis-hamilton|title=Hamilton, hope and making history: Willy T Ribbs' pioneering F1 path|work=]|date=7 May 2022|access-date=26 November 2024|first=Giles|last=Richards}}</ref>}} He holds ] in Formula One, including the most ] ({{F1stat|HAM|wins}}),<ref>{{cite web |author1=James Galloway |title=Portuguese GP: Lewis Hamilton breaks F1's all-time wins record |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/36668/12114231/portuguese-gp-lewis-hamilton-breaks-f1s-all-time-wins-record |website=] |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=Andrew Benson |title=Lewis Hamilton breaks Michael Schumacher's win record at the Portuguese Grand Prix |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/54682833 |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref> ] ({{F1stat|HAM|poles}}),<ref>{{cite news |author1=Gary Rose |title=Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton breaks pole record - how he did it in numbers |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/41003336 |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Lewis Hamilton breaks Michael Schumacher's all-time pole position record with dramatic last lap in Pista Magica |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-03/lewis-hamilton-sets-pole-record-with-dramatic-last-lap-in-rain/8867350 |website=ABC News |date=2 September 2017 |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref> ] ({{F1stat|HAM|podiums}}),<ref>{{cite web |author1=James Galloway |title=Lewis Hamilton breaks Michael Schumacher F1 podium record |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12049169/lewis-hamilton-breaks-michael-schumacher-f1-podium-record |website=] |date=16 August 2020|access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lewis Hamilton wins Spanish GP, achieves most podium finishes in F1 history |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/motor-sport/lewis-hamilton-wins-spanish-gp-podium-record-f1-6557531/ |website=The Indian Express |date=16 August 2020 |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref> and ] ({{Commas|{{F1stat|HAM|careerpoints}}}}).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/point/nombre.aspx|title=Statistics Drivers – Points – By number|work=statsf1.com|access-date=5 March 2017|archive-date=23 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023102201/http://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/point/nombre.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> With his victory at the ], Hamilton became the ] driver to win the title, aged 23 years and 301 days.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Richard Williams |title=This is first of many says Hamilton as he becomes youngest champion |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/nov/03/formulaone-lewishamilton |website=] |date=3 November 2008 |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Kavin Garside |title=Lewis Hamilton keeps cool to become youngest ever world champion in rainy Brazil |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/3367873/Lewis-Hamilton-crowned-youngest-world-champion-at-Brazil-Grand-Prix-Formula-One.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/3367873/Lewis-Hamilton-crowned-youngest-world-champion-at-Brazil-Grand-Prix-Formula-One.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |website=] |date=2 November 2008 |access-date=3 April 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Hamilton won his seventh title in {{F1|2020}}, tying the ] set by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/hamilton-seals-historic-7th-title-with-peerless-wet-weather-victory-in.4wK1atemiXDvWXQxOknL4J|title=Hamilton seals historic 7th title with peerless wet-weather victory in Turkey|website=]|date=15 November 2020|access-date=26 November 2024}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist-num}}


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}


==Further reading== ==Further reading==
* {{cite book | last =Hamilton | first =Lewis | title =Lewis Hamilton: My Story |edition=hardback | publisher =HarperSport | year =2007 | location =London | pages = 320 | isbn =978-0-00-727005-7 }} (Also in paperback {{cite book | publisher =HarperSport | year=2008 | pages = 336 | isbn =978-0-00-727006-4 | title =Lewis Hamilton: my story }})
===Written by Hamilton===
* {{Cite book | last =Hamilton | first =Lewis | title =Lewis Hamilton: My Story (Hardback) | publisher =HarperSport | year =2007 | location =London | pages = 320 pages | isbn =978-0007270057 }} (also in paperback {{cite book | publisher =HarperSport | date =17 March 2008 | pages = 336 pages | isbn =978-0007270064 | title =Lewis Hamilton : my story. }}) * {{cite book | last =Hughes | first =Mark | title=Lewis Hamilton: The Full Story |edition=hardback | publisher =Icon Books Ltd. | year=2007 | location =Thriplow | pages = 224 | isbn =978-0-00-727006-4 }} (Also in paperback as {{cite book | publisher =Icon Books Ltd. | year=2008 | pages = 304 | isbn =978-1-84046-941-7 | author =Mark Hughes | title =Lewis Hamilton: the full story }})
* {{cite book | last =Worrall | first =Frank |author-link=Frank Worrall| title=Lewis Hamilton: The Biography |edition=hardback | publisher =John Blake Publishing | year=2007 | location =London | pages = 306 | isbn =978-1-84454-543-8 }} (Also in paperback {{cite book | title=Lewis Hamilton: The Biography| publisher =John Blake Publishing | date =2008 | pages = 288 | isbn =978-1-84454-581-0 }})

* {{cite book | last =Stafford | first =Ian |author-link=Ian Stafford| title=Lewis Hamilton: New Kid on the Grid | publisher =Mainstream Publishing Co. (Edinburgh) Ltd. | date = 2007 | location =Edinburgh | pages = 224 | isbn =978-1-84596-338-5 }}
===Written by others===
* {{Cite book | last =Hughes | first =Mark | title=Lewis Hamilton: The Full Story (hardback) | publisher =Icon Books Ltd. | date =11 August 2007 | location =Thriplow | pages = 224 pages | isbn =978-0007270064 }} (also in paperback {{cite book | publisher =Icon Books Ltd. | date =26 February 2008 | pages = 304 pages | isbn =978-1840469417 | author =Mark Hughes. | title =Lewis Hamilton : the full story }}) * {{cite book | last =Belton | first =Brian | title=Lewis Hamilton: A Dream Comes True | publisher =Pennant Publishing Ltd | date =2007 | location =London | pages = 256 | isbn =978-1-906015-07-7 }}
* {{Cite book | last =Worral | first =Frank | title=Lewis Hamilton: The Biography (hardback) | publisher =John Blake Publishing | date =10 January 2007 | location =London | pages = 306 pages | isbn =978-1844545438 }} (also in paperback {{cite book | publisher =John Blake Publishing | date =9 August 2008 | pages = 288 pages | isbn =978-1844545810 }}) * {{cite book | last =Rogers | first =Gareth | title=Lewis Hamilton: The Story So Far |edition=paperback | publisher =The History Press Ltd. | year= 2007 | location =Stroud | pages = 200 | isbn =978-0-7524-4480-2 }}
* {{Cite book | last =Stafford | first =Ian | title=Lewis Hamilton: New Kid on the Grid | publisher =Mainstream Publishing Co. (Edinburgh) Ltd. | date =11 January 2007 | location =Edinburgh | pages = 224 pages | isbn =978-1845963385 }} * {{cite book | last =van de Burgt | first =Andrew | title=Lewis Hamilton: A portrait of Britain's new F1 hero |edition=hardback | publisher =J H Haynes & Co Ltd. | year=2007 | location =Yeovil | pages = 160 | isbn =978-1-84425-480-4 }}
* {{Cite book | last =Belton | first =Brian | title=Lewis Hamilton: A Dream Comes True | publisher =Pennant Publishing Ltd | date =9 March 2007 | location =London | pages = 256 pages | isbn =978-1906015077 }} * {{cite book | last =Jones | first =Bruce | title=Lewis Hamilton: The People's Champion (ITV SPORT) |edition=hardback | publisher =Carlton Books Ltd. | date =2007 | location =London | pages = 128 | isbn =978-1-84442-027-8 }}
* {{Cite book | last =Rogers | first =Gareth | title=Lewis Hamilton: The Story So Far (paperback) | publisher =The History Press Ltd. | date =10 January 2007 | location =Stroud | pages = 200 pages | isbn =978-0752444802 }} * {{cite book | last =Apps | first =Roy |author-link=Roy Apps| title=Lewis Hamilton (Dream to Win) |edition=paperback | publisher =Franklin Watts Ltd. | date =2008 | location =London | pages = 48 | isbn =978-0-7496-8233-0 }}
* {{Cite book | last =van de Burgt | first =Andrew | title=Lewis Hamilton: A portrait of Britain's new F1 hero (hardback) | publisher =J H Haynes & Co Ltd. | date =15 November 2007 | location =Yeovil | pages = 160 pages | isbn =978-1844254804 }} * {{cite book | last =Townsend | first =John | title=Lewis Hamilton |edition=hardback | publisher =Raintree Publishers | location =Oxford | pages = 32 | isbn =978-1-4062-0953-2 | year =2008 }}
* {{Cite book | last =Jones | first =Bruce | title=Lewis Hamilton: The People's Champion (ITV SPORT) (hardback) | publisher =Carlton Books Ltd. | date =10 January 2007 | location =London | pages = 128 pages | isbn =978-1844420278 }} * {{cite book | last = Spragg | first= Ian | title= Lewis Hamilton: The Rise of F1's New Superstar| year = 2008 | isbn = 978-1-4075-2104-6 | publisher=Parragon | location=Bath}}
* {{Cite book | last =Apps | first =Roy | title=Lewis Hamilton (Dream to Win) (paperback) | publisher =Franklin Watts Ltd. | date =9 November 2008 | location =London | pages = 48 pages | isbn =978-0749682330 }} * {{cite book | last=Worrall | first=Frank | title=Lewis Hamilton: Triple World Champion: The Biography |edition=paperback | publisher=John Blake Publishing Ltd | location=London | pages=388| isbn=978-1-78606-033-4 | year=2016}}
* {{Cite book | last =Townsend | first =John | title=Lewis Hamilton (hardback) | publisher =Raintree Publishers | location =Oxford | pages = 32 pages | isbn =978-1406209532 | year =2008 }}
* {{Cite book | last = Spragg | first= Ian | title= Lewis Hamilton: The Rise of F1's New Superstar| date =3 June 2008}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{commons|Lewis Hamilton}}{{Wikiquote}}
{{Wikiquote}}

<!-- PLEASE DISCUSS THE ADDITION OF ANY NEW LINKS ON THE DISCUSSION PAGE FIRST --> <!-- PLEASE DISCUSS THE ADDITION OF ANY NEW LINKS ON THE DISCUSSION PAGE FIRST -->
* * {{official website|1=http://www.lewishamilton.com}}
* {{DriverDB driver|id=lewis-hamilton}}
*
* &nbsp;– McLaren.com * biography at MercedesAMGF1.com
* {{IMDb name|2619894}}
<!-- PLEASE DISCUSS THE ADDITION OF ANY NEW LINKS ON THE DISCUSSION PAGE FIRST --> <!-- PLEASE DISCUSS THE ADDITION OF ANY NEW LINKS ON THE DISCUSSION PAGE FIRST -->
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{{Succession box| before = {{flagicon|GBR}} ] | title = ]| after = {{flagicon|GBR}} ] | years = 2003 }}
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{{Succession box| before = {{flagicon|GER}} ]<br />(1997) | title = ]| after = none<br /><small>race not held since</small> | years = ]}}
{{Succession box| before = {{flagicon|FRA}} ] | title = ]| after = {{flagicon|GBR}} ] | years = 2005}}
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{{Navboxes top}}
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{{succession box| before = ] | title = ]| after = ] | years = {{F1|2017}}–{{F1|2020}} }}
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{{Formula One World Drivers' Champions}}
{{F3 Euroseries champions}} {{F3 Euroseries champions}}
{{FIA Formula 2 Drivers' Champions}}
{{Masters of Formula 3 winners}}
{{Autosport International Racing Driver Award}} {{Autosport International Racing Driver Award}}
{{Autosport British Club Driver of the Year}} {{Autosport British Club Driver of the Year}}
{{Autosport Rookie of the Year}} {{Autosport Rookie of the Year}}
{{Laureus World Breakthough of the Year}} {{Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year}}
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{{Formula One teams}} {{Formula One teams}}
{{Scuderia Ferrari}}
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{{McLaren}} {{McLaren}}
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{{Formula One World Drivers' Champions}}
{{Formula One drivers from the United Kingdom}}
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{{Persondata
|NAME = Lewis Hamilton
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
|SHORT DESCRIPTION = ] racing driver
|DATE OF BIRTH = 7 January 1985
|PLACE OF BIRTH = ]
|DATE OF DEATH =
|PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hamilton, Lewis}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Hamilton, Lewis}}
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Revision as of 15:36, 26 December 2024

British racing driver (born 1985) For other uses, see Lewis Hamilton (disambiguation).

SirLewis HamiltonMBE HonFREng
Hamilton at the 2022 São Paulo Grand Prix
BornLewis Carl Davidson Hamilton
(1985-01-07) 7 January 1985 (age 39)
Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England
PartnerNicole Scherzinger (2007–2015)
RelativesNicolas Hamilton (half-brother)
AwardsFull list
Formula One World Championship career
NationalityUnited Kingdom British
2024 teamMercedes
2025 teamFerrari
Car number44
Entries356 (356 starts)
Championships7 (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
Wins105
Podiums202
Career points4862.5
Pole positions104
Fastest laps67
First entry2007 Australian Grand Prix
First win2007 Canadian Grand Prix
Last win2024 Belgian Grand Prix
Last entry2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
2024 position7th (223 pts)
Previous series
2006
2004–2005
2003
2002–2003
2002		GP2 Series
F3 Euro Series
British F3
British Formula Renault
Formula Renault Eurocup
Championship titles
2006
2005
2003		GP2 Series
F3 Euro Series
British Formula Renault
Websitelewishamilton.com
Signature
A man in a white t-shirt and glasses looks into the distance above and to the right of the photographer. This article is part of a series about
Lewis Hamilton

British racing driver

Rivalries

Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton (born 7 January 1985) is a British racing driver, who most recently competed in Formula One for Mercedes. Hamilton has won a joint-record seven Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles—tied with Michael Schumacher—and holds the records for most wins (105), pole positions (104), and podium finishes (202), among others.

Born and raised in Stevenage, Hamilton began his career in karting aged six, winning several national titles and attracting the attention of Ron Dennis, who signed him to the McLaren-Mercedes Young Driver Programme in 1998. After winning the direct-drive Karting World Cup and European Championship in 2000, Hamilton progressed to junior formulae, where his successes included winning the Formula 3 Euro Series and the GP2 Series. He subsequently signed for McLaren in 2007, becoming the first black driver to compete in Formula One at the Australian Grand Prix. In his rookie season, Hamilton won four Grands Prix and set several records as he finished runner-up to Kimi Räikkönen by one point. Hamilton won his maiden title in 2008, making a title-deciding overtake on the last lap of the last race of the season to become the then-youngest World Drivers' Champion. The dominant Red Bull-Renault combination prevailed throughout his remaining four seasons at McLaren, with Hamilton achieving multiple race wins in each, including his involvement in a four-way title battle in 2010.

Hamilton signed for Mercedes in 2013 to partner Nico Rosberg, ending his 15-year association with McLaren. Following his maiden victory with the team at the Hungarian Grand Prix, new engine regulations came into effect the following season, which saw Mercedes emerge as the dominant force in Formula One. Over the next three seasons, Hamilton and Rosberg won 51 of 59 Grands Prix amidst their fierce rivalry—widely known as The Silver War—with Hamilton winning the former titles in 2014 and 2015, and Rosberg winning the latter. After Rosberg's retirement, Hamilton twice overturned mid-season point deficits to Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari to claim his fourth and fifth titles in 2017 and 2018. Hamilton won his sixth title in 2019, before breaking several records across his 2020 campaign—including the all-time win record at the Portuguese Grand Prix—to equal Michael Schumacher's record of seven World Drivers' Championships. Hamilton became the first driver to surpass 100 race wins and pole positions in 2021, finishing runner-up to Max Verstappen amidst a controversial finish. Following winless campaigns in 2022 and 2023, Hamilton took his record-breaking ninth British Grand Prix victory in 2024, his twelfth and final season with Mercedes. Hamilton is set to join Ferrari from 2025 onwards.

Hamilton has been credited with furthering Formula One's global following by appealing to a broader audience outside the sport, in part due to his high-profile lifestyle, amongst his environmental and social activism. He has also become a prominent advocate in support of racial justice and increased diversity in motorsport. Hamilton 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.

Early life and education

Hamilton celebrating with his father and then-manager Anthony Hamilton after the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix

Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton was born on 7 January 1985 in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. His father, Anthony Hamilton, is of Afro-Grenadian descent, while his mother, Carmen Larbalestier, is White British from Birmingham, making him mixed-race. Hamilton's parents separated when he was two, after which he lived with his mother and older half-sisters, Samantha and Nicola, until he was twelve. Hamilton then lived with his father, stepmother Linda, and his half-brother Nicolas, who is also a professional racing driver. Hamilton was raised a Catholic.

Hamilton's father bought him a radio-controlled car when he was five. Hamilton finished second in the national BRCA championship the following year against adult competition. Being the only black child racing at his club, Hamilton was subjected to racist abuse. Hamilton's father bought 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 support his son, Hamilton's father took redundancy from his position as an IT manager and became a contractor, sometimes working up to four jobs at a time including employment as a double glazing salesman, dishwasher, and putting up signs for estate agents, while still attending his son's races. Hamilton's father later set up his own IT company. He continued to be Hamilton's manager until early 2010.

Hamilton was educated at The John Henry Newman School, a voluntary aided Catholic secondary school in Stevenage. Hamilton has said that at the age of five he took up karate to defend himself as a result of bullying at school. He was also excluded from school for a period when he was mistakenly identified as having attacked a fellow student who was treated in hospital for his injuries. In addition to racing, he played association football for his school team with eventual England international, Ashley Young. Hamilton, an Arsenal fan, said that if Formula One had not worked for him, he would have been a footballer or a cricketer, having played both for his school teams. In February 2001, he began studies at Cambridge Arts and Sciences (CATS), a private sixth-form college in Cambridge.

Junior racing career

Karting

Hamilton began karting in 1993 and quickly began winning races and cadet class championships. Two years later, he became the youngest driver to win the British cadet karting championship at the age of ten. That year, Hamilton approached McLaren Formula One team boss Ron Dennis at the Autosport Awards for an autograph and said: "Hi. I'm Lewis Hamilton. I won the British Championship and one day I want to be racing your cars." Dennis wrote in Hamilton's autograph book: "Phone me in nine years, we'll sort something out then."

When Hamilton was 12, Ladbrokes took a bet, at 40/1 odds, that Hamilton would win a Formula One race before the age of 23; another predicted, at 150/1 odds, that he would win the World Drivers' Championship before he was 25. In 1998, Dennis called Hamilton following his second Super One series and British championship wins, to offer Hamilton a role in the McLaren-Mercedes Young Driver Programme. The contract included an option of a future Formula One seat, which would make Hamilton the youngest driver to secure a contract that later resulted in a Formula One drive.

He's a quality driver, very strong and only 16. If he keeps this up I'm sure he will reach F1. It's something special to see a kid of his age out on the circuit. He's clearly got the right racing mentality.

—Michael Schumacher, speaking about Hamilton in 2001

Hamilton continued his progress in the Intercontinental A (1999), Formula A (2000) and Formula Super A (2001) ranks, and became European Champion in 2000 with maximum points. In Formula A and Formula Super A, racing for TeamMBM.com, his teammate was Nico Rosberg, who would later drive for the Williams and Mercedes teams in Formula One; they would later team up again for Mercedes from 2013 to 2016. Following his karting successes, the British Racing Drivers' Club made him a "Rising Star" Member in 2000. In 2001, Michael Schumacher made a one-off return to karts and competed against Hamilton along with other future Formula One drivers Vitantonio Liuzzi and Nico Rosberg. Hamilton ended the final in seventh, four places behind Schumacher. Although the two saw little of each other on the track, Schumacher praised the young Briton.

Formula Renault and Formula Three

Hamilton began his car racing career in the 2001 British Formula Renault Winter Series, finishing fifth in the standings. This led to a full 2002 Formula Renault UK campaign with Manor Motorsport in which he finished fifth overall. He remained with Manor for another year, winning the championship ahead of Alex Lloyd. Having clinched the championship, Hamilton missed the last two races of the season to make his debut in the season finale of the British Formula 3 Championship. In his first race he was forced out with a puncture, and in the second he crashed out and was taken to hospital after a collision with teammate Tor Graves.

Asked in 2002 about the prospect of becoming one of the youngest ever Formula One drivers, Hamilton replied that his goal was "not to be the youngest in Formula One" but rather "to be experienced and then show what I can do in Formula One". He made his debut with Manor in the 2004 Formula 3 Euro Series, ending the year fifth in the championship. He also won the Bahrain F3 Superprix, and twice raced in the Macau F3 Grand Prix. Williams had come close to signing Hamilton but did not because BMW, their engine supplier at the time, would not fund him. Hamilton eventually re-signed with McLaren. According to then McLaren executive and future CEO Martin Whitmarsh, who was responsible for guiding Hamilton through the team's young driver programme, he and Anthony Hamilton had a "huge row" at the end of the season, with his father pushing for him to move up to GP2 for 2005, while Whitmarsh felt that he should remain in Formula 3 for a second season, culminating in Whitmarsh tearing up Hamilton's contract; however, Hamilton called Whitmarsh six weeks later and re-signed with the team.

Hamilton first tested for McLaren in late 2004 at Silverstone. Hamilton moved to the reigning Euro Series champions ASM for the 2005 season and dominated the championship, winning 15 of the 20 rounds. He also won the Marlboro Masters of Formula 3 at Zandvoort. After the season British magazine Autosport featured him in their "Top 50 Drivers of 2005" issue, ranking Hamilton 24th.

GP2

Hamilton moved to ASM's sister GP2 team, ART Grand Prix, for the 2006 season. Hamilton won the GP2 championship at his first attempt, beating Nelson Piquet Jr. and Alexandre Prémat. He secured a dominant win at the Nürburgring, after a penalty for speeding in the pit lane. At his home race at Silverstone, Hamilton overtook two rivals at Becketts, a series of high-speed bends where overtaking is rare. In Istanbul he recovered from a spin that left him in eighteenth place to take second. Hamilton won the title in unusual circumstances, inheriting the final point he needed after Giorgio Pantano was stripped of fastest lap in the Monza feature race.

Formula One career

McLaren (2007–2012)

Hamilton's success in the GP2 championship coincided with a vacancy at McLaren-Mercedes following the departure of Juan Pablo Montoya to NASCAR and Kimi Räikkönen to Ferrari. Hamilton was given nearly 5,000 miles (8,000 km) of private testing to acclimatise himself to the McLaren MP4-22, alongside Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett. Ultimately, Hamilton was confirmed as the team's second driver; the announcement was not made public for nearly two months, reportedly to avoid being overlooked by Michael Schumacher's retirement announcement.

2007–2008: Record-breaking debut seasons

A silver Formula One car driving around a corner.
Hamilton took his maiden Formula One victory at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix, in his sixth appearance.

Hamilton's maiden season in Formula One saw him partner two-time defending World Drivers' Champion Fernando Alonso at McLaren. At the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton became the first—and, as of 2024, only—black driver to race in the series. After finishing third on debut, Hamilton went on to set several records, including the most consecutive podium finishes from debut (9), the most wins in a debut season (4, shared with Jacques Villeneuve) and the most points in a debut season (109). Acquiring the championship lead as early as in the fourth round of the season, Hamilton became the youngest driver to lead the World Drivers' Championship. After strategical missteps by McLaren in the closing rounds of the season, amongst a retirement at the Chinese Grand Prix, Hamilton's 12-point advantage in the standings evanesced. He finished runner-up in the championship to Räikkönen by one point, classified ahead of teammate Alonso whilst finishing level on points. Throughout the season, Hamilton and Alonso were involved in several incidents, which resulted in inter-team tensions, culminating in Alonso and McLaren terminating their contract by mutual consent. Hamilton signed a £50 million contract to stay with the team until the end of 2012.

A group of people dressed in orange celebrate, with Hamilton in the middle wearing a baseball cap.
Hamilton (centre) celebrates his maiden World Drivers' Championship with McLaren at the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Partnering Heikki Kovalainen for 2008, Hamilton's winning form continued as he amassed five race victories and 10 podium finishes. At the rain-affected British Grand Prix, he won by over a minute from second-placed Nick Heidfeld, which was widely acclaimed as one of the greatest wet-weather performances in Formula One history. As the season reached its conclusion, the championship became a two-way fight between Hamilton and Ferrari's Felipe Massa. Hamilton won his first title at the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix, overtaking Timo Glock for fifth-place at the final corners of the last lap to become the then-youngest World Drivers' Champion, and deny race-winner Massa the title by one point. Hamilton also became the first British driver to win the World Drivers' Championship since Damon Hill in 1996.

2009–2012: Final years at McLaren

During his final four years with McLaren—a period largely dominated by Red Bull—Hamilton continued to score podium finishes and race victories, and once challenged for the title. Major technical regulation changes in 2009 led to a challenging start for McLaren. Often qualifying outside of the top ten, and struggling to consistently score points, Hamilton was unable to defend his title. Major upgrades at the German Grand Prix saw a dramatic improvement in performance of the MP4-24. From that point onward, Hamilton advanced from eleventh to fifth in the standings, outscoring the rest of the field across the remaining nine rounds.

Several race retirements hindered Hamilton's chances of winning the title in 2010 and 2012. Pictured are the 2010 Spanish Grand Prix (left), and 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix (right), with the latter being his final race for McLaren.

In 2010, Hamilton was partnered by reigning World Drivers' Champion Jenson Button. Whilst McLaren struggled to match the outright pace of Red Bull and Ferrari, Hamilton engaged in a four-way title battle throughout the season with Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber. At the Canadian Grand Prix, Hamilton secured McLaren's only pole position of the season, and took the championship lead after winning the race. After several retirements during the latter half of the season, Hamilton lost points to his rivals and, ultimately, the championship lead. He entered the final round of the season with an outside chance of winning the title, but finished fourth as Vettel won his maiden title.

2011 emerged as a challenging year for Hamilton, marking the first season he had been out-scored by a teammate, as Button finished runner-up to Vettel. Drawbacks in his private life, as well as multiple run-ins with FIA officials, contributed to inconsistent performances from Hamilton throughout the season. Hamilton finished fifth in the standings with three race wins; he secured the only non-Red Bull pole position of the season at the Korean Grand Prix, and vowed he would return to form for 2012. That season, Hamilton finished fourth in the standings and achieved four race wins amidst several operational failures and reliability issues, akin to the 2010 season. Motorsport.com analysis revealed Hamilton had lost an estimated 110 points due to race retirements and other misfortunes, taking him out of a potential title fight. Prior to the end of the year, Hamilton announced—to widespread surprise—that he would be joining Mercedes for the 2013 season, replacing the retiring Michael Schumacher.

Mercedes (2013–2024)

2013–2016: Teammates with Rosberg

Hamilton and Rosberg endured a tense rivalry whilst teammates at Mercedes, widely known as The Silver War.

Upon signing with Mercedes in 2013, Hamilton was reunited with his childhood karting teammate, Nico Rosberg. The move was met with surprise by pundits and the public, with some describing the move to Mercedes—a team with no recent history of success—as a gamble. In his first season with the Brackley-based team, Hamilton secured a sole race victory, winning the Hungarian Grand Prix from pole position. With four further podium finishes and pole positions, Hamilton finished fourth in the standings for the third time in five years.

Changes to engine regulations for the 2014 season, which mandated the use of turbo-hybrid engines, contributed to the start of a highly successful era for Hamilton. Mercedes won 16 of the 19 races held that season; Hamilton secured a career-best 11 victories as he prevailed in a season-long duel for the title against teammate Rosberg. Clinching his second championship at the final race in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton declared over team radio it was "the greatest day of life".

Hamilton dominated the 2015 season, winning 10 races from a then-joint record 17 podium finishes, as he achieved his first back-to-back championships. His rivalry with Rosberg intensified, climaxing in a heated battle at the United States Grand Prix, where Hamilton clinched the title with three races to spare. Hamilton extended his contract with Mercedes for three additional years in a deal reportedly worth more than £100 million; the deal allowed Hamilton to retain his own image rights and keep his championship-winning cars and trophies.

Hamilton's engine failure at the Malaysian Grand Prix, as well as a series of troubled race-starts, were key moments as Hamilton lost the title to Rosberg in 2016.

Hamilton lost the title by five points to Rosberg in 2016. Mercedes's policy of letting the pair fight freely led to several acrimonious exchanges both on- and off-track, culminating in a collision at the Spanish Grand Prix. Hamilton defied team orders at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix—deliberately slowing Rosberg into the chasing pack at the end of the race, in an unsuccessful bid to encourage other drivers to overtake his teammate and hand the title to Hamilton. A succession of poor race-starts from Hamilton early in the season, as well as an engine blowout at the Malaysian Grand Prix, meant Rosberg took the championship, before announcing his shock retirement from the sport immediately after beating his rival.

2017–2020: Four titles in a row

Following Rosberg's retirement, Ferrari's Vettel became Hamilton's closest rival as the pair exchanged the championship lead throughout 2017 in a tense title fight. Hamilton registered 11 pole positions that season as he took the record for the all-time most pole positions, and his consistency (finishing every race in the points), as well as a lack of a serious challenge from his new team-mate Valtteri Bottas, saw him record nine race victories and secure his fourth World Drivers' title as he overturned a points deficit to Vettel in the first half of the season, ultimately wrapping the title up in Mexico with two races to spare.

The 2018 season was the first time in the sport that two four-time World Champions (Hamilton and Vettel) competed for a fifth title.

The 2018 season was the first time that two four-time World Champions, Hamilton and Vettel, would be competing for a fifth title and was billed as the "Fight for Five" by journalists and fans. As with the 2017 season, Ferrari and Vettel appeared to have the upper hand for much of the season, topping the standings until the half-way point; however, Vettel's season unravelled with a number of driver and mechanical errors, while Hamilton's run of six wins in seven in the latter half of the season saw Hamilton clinch the title at the Mexican Grand Prix for a second year running as he set a new record for the most points scored in a season (408). During the season, Hamilton signed a two-year contract with Mercedes, reported to be worth up to £40 million per year, making him the best-paid Formula One driver in history.

Hamilton led the Drivers' Championship standings for the majority of the 2019 season, fending off title challenges from team-mate Bottas, Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Ferrari's recently promoted Charles Leclerc, to clinch his sixth Drivers' crown at the United States Grand Prix with two races remaining. After scoring his sixth career grand slam at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final race of the season, Hamilton ended the season with 11 wins (matching his previous best in 2014 and 2018) and 17 podiums (matching the all-time record for a fourth time) as well as achieving 5 pole positions. His total of 413 points for the season was a new all-time record, seeing the Briton finish 87 points clear of second-placed Bottas.

Hamilton won his seventh Drivers' title in 2020, equalling the record set by Schumacher, in a season heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the shortened seventeen-race season, Hamilton took 11 wins (equalling his previous personal best, in fewer races) including one in Portugal to break Schumacher's record of 91 wins. He also took 14 podiums and 10 pole positions. Hamilton missed the Sakhir Grand Prix after contracting COVID-19, his first race absence since his debut in 2007. In a race drawing parallels with Senna's win at the 1993 European Grand Prix, Hamilton clinched the title at the Turkish Grand Prix with three rounds to spare and ended the season 124 points clear of his team-mate, Bottas, who finished second in the standings. Amid Formula One's We Race as One campaign and growing global support for the Black Lives Matter movement, Hamilton took the knee ahead of every race he entered and wore t-shirts bearing the Black Lives Matter slogan. Hamilton and Bottas' Mercedes W11 cars also sported a black livery as a statement of Mercedes's commitment to diversity.

2021: Title battle vs. Verstappen

Hamilton (left) and Verstappen (right), pictured at the United States Grand Prix, frequently exchanged the championship lead throughout the 2021 season, and entered the final round equal on points.

Regulation changes for the 2021 season saw Red Bull make relative performance gains on Mercedes, winning five consecutive races and acquiring the championship lead, Red Bull's Verstappen and Hamilton emerged as title favourites early on in the season. The pair engaged in several on-track battles—including controversial collisions in Britain, Italy and Saudi Arabia—and finished 1–2 at 14 of 22 Grands Prix. Hamilton achieved his 100th pole position and race win at the Spanish and Russian Grands Prix, respectively, becoming the first driver to achieve either feat. Winning three of the last four races, including a recovery drive at the São Paulo Grand Prix—which was acclaimed as one of his greatest performances—saw Hamilton eliminate a 19-point deficit to Verstappen, entering the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix level on points. In Abu Dhabi, having led the majority of the race, Hamilton was denied the championship by a last-lap overtake from Verstappen following a late safety car.

The season finale was marred by controversy over race director Michael Masi's decision to instruct the lapped cars separating Verstappen and Hamilton to un-lap themselves under the safety car, which closed the gap between the pair and allowed Verstappen, who opted to pit for soft tyres, to enter the final lap immediately behind Hamilton, who remained on worn hard tyres. Four days after the race, the FIA announced that it would conduct an internal investigation into the incident. Masi was subsequently removed from his role as race director, with the FIA World Motor Sport Council report finding that "human error" resulted in the failure to follow Formula One Sporting Regulations concerning the withdrawal of the safety car, adding that the final standings are "valid, final and cannot now be changed". Notwithstanding the controversy in Abu Dhabi, BBC Sport's Andrew Benson described the season as "one of the most intense, hard-fought battles in sporting history", with Hamilton and Verstappen having "been head and shoulders—and a lot more—clear of every other driver on the grid".

2022–2024: Mercedes' struggles and departure

We dreamed alone, but together we believed. Thank you for all the courage, the determination, the passion, and for seeing me and supporting me. What started out as a leap of faith turned into a journey into the history books. We did everything together and I’m so so grateful to everyone.

— Hamilton on team radio after the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, his final race with Mercedes.

Partnered by George Russell in place of the departing Bottas, the 2022 season marked the first time in Hamilton's Formula One career where he failed to secure at least a race win or a pole position. The season saw significant changes in technical regulations which utilised ground effect. The innovative and radically different Mercedes W13, suffered with severe porpoising early in the season, leading Hamilton to deem it "undrivable" on multiple occasions, and causing him to sustain back injuries in Azerbaijan. Hamilton frequently experimented with car setups to aid the W13's development, and find performance during the opening stages of the season to little success. Following major mid-season car upgrades, he achieved several podium finishes, including five consecutively from Canada to Hungary. Hamilton set several driver records across his sixteenth season, including most consecutive seasons with a podium finish, and a lap led. The season also marked Hamilton finishing behind his teammate in the standings for the first time since 2016, finishing sixth, 35 points behind Russell in fourth.

Mercedes once again faced concerns over their car's competitiveness ahead of the 2023 season. Hamilton endured another winless campaign amidst Red Bull's record-breaking dominance, securing several podium finishes throughout. Hamilton took pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix—his first since 2021, and his record ninth at the Hungaroring—surpassing Senna and Schumacher for the most pole positions at a single circuit. Prior to the Italian Grand Prix, Hamilton signed a two-year contract extension worth over £100 million to remain with Mercedes through the 2025 season. Hamilton finished third in the standings, and was voted the second-best driver across the season by the rest of the drivers, as well as fifth-best by the team principals.

Lewis Hamilton at the 2024 British Grand Prix
Hamilton won the 2024 British Grand Prix, his first race victory since 2021.

Prior to the start of the 2024 season, Hamilton triggered an exit-clause in his Mercedes contract, allowing him to leave the team at the end of his campaign, a year before his contract was due to expire. Hamilton explained the decision was one of his hardest to make, adding that he needed a new challenge and a different work environment. Mercedes' inconsistent form, coupled with Hamilton's qualifying difficulties, resulted in another challenging season in 2024, with Hamilton admitting he was "looking forward to the end ". Mercedes' short-lived resurgence during the European rounds enabled Hamilton to deliver his ninth British Grand Prix victory, which ended his 31-month winless drought; he broke the record for most wins at the same Grand Prix and became the first driver to win beyond their 300th start. Hamilton secured his 200th podium finish in Hungary, and another victory at the Belgian Grand Prix. After a series of races with fluctuating results, Hamilton ended the season a career-lowest seventh in the championship—22 points behind teammate Russell—marking the end of his Mercedes career, which was the most successful driver-constructor partnership in Formula One history by several metrics.

Ferrari (2025)

Following the announcement of Hamilton's departure from Mercedes, Ferrari announced they had reached a multi-year agreement with Hamilton to join the team in 2025, on a contract reportedly worth around £41 million per year, replacing Carlos Sainz Jr. to partner Charles Leclerc. Hamilton stated it was a "childhood dream" to drive for Ferrari. Luke Smith of The Athletic described the move as "one of the biggest driver transfer shocks the sport has known", recalling his similar shock move from McLaren to Mercedes back in 2013. This transition marks the first time in his Formula One career that Hamilton will not drive for a Mercedes-powered team.

Driver profile

Driving style

Hamilton won by over a minute from second-placed Nick Heidfeld at the 2008 British Grand Prix.

Hamilton is regarded as one of the most complete drivers on the grid, excelling across a wide range of areas. He has been described as having an aggressive driving style, with a natural aptitude for identifying the limits of the car; Mark Hughes, writing for the official Formula One website, described how Hamilton is "super-hard on the brakes ... but has a fantastic ability to match how quickly the downforce is bleeding off with his modulation of the pressure so that there's no wasted grip but no locked wheels either." Paddy Lowe, previously the engineering director for McLaren, described how Hamilton is comfortable with levels of rear instability that most other drivers would find intolerable. This aggressive driving style struggled to mesh with the characteristics of Formula One's current ground effect cars, primarily causing rear-end instability, hindered his qualifying performances during this period.

Hamilton has also been praised for his ability to adapt to variances in the car set-up and changing track conditions; throughout his career, he has typically used less fuel than his teammates as a result of his ability to carry momentum through corners. Pedro de la Rosa, a former test driver for McLaren who worked with Hamilton and Alonso, rated the pair as the best he had seen first hand, stating that they shared a strength in terms of "how much speed they can run into the apex and still have a decent exit speed", highlighting in particular their ability to maintain this speed when their rear tyres have lost grip during a longer stint.

Hamilton has been praised for his consistency, especially in his time at Mercedes. From 2017 to 2018, he finished 33 consecutive races in point-scoring positions, a run brought to an end as a result of mechanical issues. Ross Brawn wrote that "over the course of , Hamilton hardly put a foot wrong, winning not only the races he should have, but also some where the opposition was stronger, and that is the true mark of a champion." Ahead of the 2021 season, Martin Brundle, commentating for Sky Sports, said "I think what has stood out about Lewis over the years is how few mistakes he makes, how complete he is and clean ... he just never makes a mistake wheel-to-wheel combat in qualifying ... He just doesn't fade, mentally or physically."

Hamilton won the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix in torrential rain, and compared the conditions to his victory at the 2008 British Grand Prix.

Hamilton is regarded as one of the best wet-weather drivers in the sport, with some of his best performances occurring in those conditions. In the 2008 British Grand Prix, Hamilton bested second-place Nick Heidfeld by over a minute, the largest margin of victory recorded since the 1995 Australian Grand Prix. During the turbo-hybrid era, Hamilton remained unbeaten in every race affected by wet weather from the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix up to the 2019 German Grand Prix, where his almost five-year streak was broken by Max Verstappen. His wet weather drive at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix where he clinched his seventh world title was widely acclaimed, with Joe Saward describing it as "one of his greatest performances". Qualifying sixth for the race after Mercedes struggled with tyre temperatures and a track that lacked grip after being recently resurfaced, during the race he gambled on a one-stop strategy in mixed conditions whilst his rivals chose to change their tyres for a second time, enabling him to take the lead and win by over 30 seconds. His performance was contrasted with that of his team-mate Bottas, who spun four times and finished a lap down in 14th place. Hamilton cited the race as his "stand-out" performance of the season.

Hamilton is the most successful driver in Formula One history, holds the most amount of major driver records.

Ayrton Senna was a major influence on Hamilton's driving style, recalling: "I think it's partly because I watched when I was young and I thought 'this is how I want to drive when I get the opportunity' and I went out there and tried it on the kart track. My whole approach to racing has developed from there." He has been compared to Senna in raw speed. In 2010, Hamilton drove Senna's original title-winning McLaren MP4/4 as part of a tribute documentary by the BBC motoring show Top Gear. In the documentary, along with fellow racing drivers, he named Senna as the number one driver ever.

Earlier in his career, Hamilton was criticised for being hot-headed at times, as demonstrated when he was disqualified in Imola in the GP2 Series for overtaking the safety car, something he went on to repeat four years later in Formula One at the 2010 European Grand Prix in Valencia. Following his move to Mercedes, Hamilton was credited with demonstrating greater maturity, while maintaining his ruthlessness and aggression. The official Formula One website describes him as "invariably a fierce but fair fighter".

Reception

As a driver he is absolutely outstanding – as good as there's ever been. Apart from the talent, he's a good guy, he gets out on the street and supports and promotes Formula One. He is box office, 100 per cent.

—Bernie Ecclestone, speaking of Hamilton in 2015

Hamilton has been described as the best driver of his generation, and one of the greatest Formula One drivers including by Chase Carey and Martin Brundle. Several Formula One drivers and experts have described Hamilton as the greatest Formula One driver of all time. Writing in Autocar, Jim Holden suggested Hamilton might not only be among the greatest British drivers in Formula One but one of the greatest British sportsmen. Amongst receiving plaudits from experts and fans in and out of the sport, Hamilton has been a divisive figure in the eyes of the general public, with some journalists arguing his exploits on the track have been underappreciated. Holden has suggested that racial bias may have contributed towards Hamilton's perceived lack of popularity relative to his achievements, with Hamilton's race and physical appearance – being mixed-race and often seen sporting earrings, braids and designer clothing – alienating some of the sport's traditional white, elderly male fanbase. Others have attributed his lack of appreciation to the perceived predictability of results during the turbo-hybrid era, likening his period of dominance to that of Schumacher in the early 2000s, and to tennis players Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova, all of whom became more appreciated in the latter part of their careers.

What strikes me now about him now is his maturity ... recognises he is a role model and the influence he has and the responsibilities that come with it. He is far broader than purely a driver in . He has opinions about the environment, young people, fashion and music. That is part of the greater appeal of Lewis today.

—David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK, speaking of Hamilton in 2019

Hamilton's jet-set lifestyle and interests outside Formula One have been scrutinised. He has been praised for disregarding convention and public opinion and has been described as one of the last superstar drivers. Between race weekends Hamilton has on several occasions travelled around the world to explore a variety of interests, such as in 2018 where, after winning the Italian Grand Prix, Hamilton flew to Shanghai and New York where he released his own designer clothing line with Tommy Hilfiger, before flying immediately back to, and winning, the next race in Singapore. His Mercedes team-boss Toto Wolff has been vocal in his support for Hamilton's off-track pursuits, explaining how freedom allows Hamilton to function at his best.

Figures in the sport, such as Emerson Fittipaldi and Christian Horner, have voiced their support for Hamilton's ability to connect with fans, while Bernie Ecclestone frequently commented on his admiration of Hamilton's ability to promote the sport, observing how he is happy to engage with fans, unlike some of his peers. In 2019, The Telegraph sports journalist Luke Slater went as far as to argue that "here have been few better representatives of the sport than Hamilton ... on and off the track." Following Hamilton's knighthood in 2020, newly appointed Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali said that Hamilton is "a true giant of our sport" and that "his influence is huge both in and out of a car".

He was able to win with a dominant car, with a good car like 2010 or 2012, or with bad cars like 2009 and 2011. Not all the champions can say that.

—Fernando Alonso, speaking of Hamilton in 2017

A prodigious talent as a teenager, Hamilton established himself as one of the world's best drivers following his record-breaking rookie year. Paddy Lowe has suggested that "he turned out to be the best rookie there has ever been" and that "his first half-season is just the most extraordinary in history." After his first world title a year later, many people considered Hamilton the best driver of his generation. Following Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel's four-year dominance of the sport, Hamilton's resolve was tested both professionally and personally as he did not finish higher than fourth in the Drivers' Championship from 2009 to 2013, leading some to question his status as the best driver in the sport. In spite of this, Hamilton's less successful years with McLaren have also been cited as a demonstration of driving ability as Hamilton has won at least one race in fifteen consecutive seasons, attracting high praise from experts and fellow drivers for extracting race-winning performances from cars that were not dominant.

Hamilton waving to fans after winning the 2018 Italian Grand Prix

After Hamilton clinched his second and third World Championship titles with Mercedes in 2014 and 2015, David Coulthard declared Hamilton the best driver of his generation, calling him "the Ayrton Senna of his era". As Hamilton became more widely considered the best driver of his era, public and expert debate moved from his status in modern Formula One to his status among the greatest drivers in history. The next few seasons saw Hamilton eclipse a number of records, including achieving the most all-time pole positions ahead of Michael Schumacher, leading him to be regarded by some as the greatest qualifier in history. After winning his fourth and fifth world titles, Hamilton's place among the greats of the sport became firmly established in the opinions of experts, rivals, and teammates alike, including among others Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz Jr., Felipe Massa, Gerhard Berger, and Ross Brawn. Some journalists and pundits also consider the possibility of Hamilton being the greatest Formula One driver of all time.

Following Hamilton clinching a sixth World Drivers' Championship title in 2019, ex-Formula One driver and pundit Johnny Herbert acclaimed Hamilton as the greatest driver ever, while Formula One staff writer Greg Stuart described Hamilton as "arguably the most complete Formula driver ever". After Hamilton won his seventh title in 2020, John Watson stated that Hamilton "is, by a million miles, the greatest driver of his generation and you can argue he will go on to be the greatest Formula One driver of all time", and highlighted his fearlessness as being key to his success, as evidenced by his performance against double world champion team-mate Alonso in his rookie season and his decision to leave McLaren for Mercedes.

Helmet

Hamilton's 2007 helmet for McLaren

From a young age, Hamilton's helmet throughout his karting years was predominantly yellow with blue, green and red ribbons. In later years, a white ring was added and the ribbons were moved forward to make room for logos and advertisement space. Hamilton continued to run a yellow design throughout the early stages of his Formula One career, but in 2014 decided to switch to a white design with three red ribbons on the side. In 2016, Hamilton added three stars beneath the ribbons, representing each of his World Drivers' Championships. Hamilton selected his helmet design from fan submissions in 2017; the winning design used a white and yellow base colour with red and orange details. Over the following seasons, Hamilton began a tradition of adding more stars to his helmet upon winning each title. Having switched back to a 2014-inspired white-and-red design in 2018, Hamilton opted a different colour palette in 2020, which used matte black as base colour with purple details; he later added a Black Lives Matter emblem to the lid, in support of the movement. In 2022, Hamilton moved to a fluorescent yellow design, retaining the purple details and championship stars.

Hamilton's first Mercedes helmet in 2013, featuring colour ribbons moved forward.

Hamilton has used several one-off helmet designs across his 18-year career. Hamilton sported gold helmets for season finales three times in his career. After winning his fourth title in 2017, he entered the 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in a gold helmet with four stars adorning the top of the helmet with the words "World Champion". He used similar designs in 2018 and 2019 with five and six stars, respectively. This practice altered in 2020, when Hamilton wore his base helmet with gold outlines and accents, instead of a full gold design.

Hamilton's special helmet design, inspired by Ayrton Senna, used for the 2021 São Paulo Grand Prix.

Hamilton has also used one-off helmet designs to pay tribute to influential figures in his career. He has continuously brought special helmet designs to Brazilian Grands Prix, in tribute to Ayrton Senna. At the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix, Hamilton wore a special helmet design to pay tribute to Mercedes co-owner Niki Lauda, who died that week, featuring Lauda's classic red-and-white palette with his name printed on the back. Other notable special designs include his rainbow helmet designs—used during the Qatar, Saudi Arabian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix of 2021—in support of LGBTQ rights in the Middle East. Hamilton used unique designs for the Japanese Grand Prix in 2022 and 2023, designed by Japanese artists Takashi Murakami and Hajime Sorayama, respectively.

Rivalries

Fernando Alonso

Alonso (left) and Hamilton (right) at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix

Hamilton's debut season saw him partner two-time and defending World Champion Fernando Alonso. In their time as teammates, tensions arose between the two drivers and McLaren as a result of several incidents. The first tensions surfaced after Hamilton finished second behind Alonso at Monaco in 2007. After post-race comments made by Hamilton which suggested he had been forced into a supporting role, the FIA investigated whether McLaren had broken rules by enforcing team orders. McLaren denied favouring Alonso, and the FIA subsequently vindicated the team, stating that "McLaren were able to pursue an optimum team strategy because they had a substantial advantage over all other cars ... nothing which could be described as interfering with the race result."

Tensions surfaced again at the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix, where during the final qualifying session Hamilton went out on track ahead of Alonso and ignored requests from the team to let him through: the two drivers had been taking turns on a race-by-race basis to lead during qualifying, which gave the leading driver an edge due to the fuel load regulations then in place, and Alonso was due to lead in Hungary. Hamilton was then delayed in the pits by Alonso and thus unable to set a final lap time before the end of the session. Alonso was relegated to sixth place on the starting grid thus promoting Hamilton, who had qualified second, to first, while McLaren was docked Constructors' Championship points. Hamilton said he thought the penalty was "quite light if anything" and only regretted the loss of points. Hamilton was reported to have sworn at Dennis on the team radio following the incident. British motorsport journal Autosport claimed that this " Dennis to throw his headphones on the pit wall in disgust: a gesture that was misinterpreted by many to be in reaction to Alonso's pole"; however, McLaren later issued a statement on behalf of Hamilton that denied the use of any profanity.

As a result of the events over the 2007 season, the relationship between Hamilton and Alonso reportedly collapsed, with the pair not on speaking terms for a short period. In the aftermath it was reported that Hamilton had been targeted by Luca di Montezemolo regarding a Ferrari drive for 2008. The rivalry between the pair led to speculation that either Hamilton or Alonso would leave McLaren at the end of the season; Alonso and McLaren terminated their contract by mutual consent in November that year, ending his and Hamilton's time as teammates. In subsequent years, tensions between the pair dissipated, and the mutual respect has grown, with Alonso praising Hamilton in 2017 saying " was able to win with a dominant car, with a good car like 2010 or 2012, or with bad cars like 2009 and 2011. Not all the champions can say that." Alonso later described Hamilton as one of the top five greatest drivers of all time. On the cool-down lap after Alonso's final race before his two-year hiatus in 2018, Hamilton joined Sebastian Vettel in paying tribute to Alonso by driving, each on one side, in a formation to the start-finish straight where all three executed donuts.

Whilst teammates, Hamilton and Alonso won eight of 17 races held. Both drivers achieved four victories and 12 podium finishes, whilst Hamilton outqualified Alonso 10 of 17 times. At the end of their season as teammates, the pair were tied on 109 points, with Hamilton placing second and Alonso third in the World Drivers' Championship by virtue of Hamilton having more second-place finishes.

Nico Rosberg

Main article: Hamilton–Rosberg rivalry
Hamilton (left) and Rosberg (right) at the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix

When Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013, he was paired alongside old karting teammate and friend Nico Rosberg. Over their four seasons as teammates, a period of Mercedes dominance in Formula One, the pair's relationship became strained and, at times, led to volatile confrontations on and off the track. Hamilton and Rosberg were first teammates in 2000, when they were in karting. They raced for Mercedes Benz McLaren in Formula A, where Hamilton became European champion, with Rosberg not far behind. Robert Kubica, who raced with them before Formula One, recalled how they were competitive both on and off the track, saying that "they would even have races to eat pizza, always eating two at a time." Sports journalist Paul Weaver contrasts their upbringings; Rosberg was born in Germany and raised in Monaco as the son of 1982 World Drivers' Champion Keke Rosberg, whereas Hamilton was raised on a council estate in Stevenage to a father who worked multiple jobs to fund his son's early karting career.

Pundit and commentator Will Buxton compared the character and driving styles of the pair, labelling Hamilton as the faster driver with more natural ability, as well as an intellect to match Rosberg's. Buxton wrote:

Man to man against Rosberg, I can't recall a single race this year where in the same machinery Hamilton's fuel usage has been higher. He has made his tires last. He has had to fight from the back of the field time and again (think Germany, think Hungary) and yet he hasn't overworked his tires, he hasn't used too much fuel. He has learned how to drive these new cars, and to extract the most from them using the least ... Far from the unintelligent chancer many paint Hamilton to be, he is proving to be the intellectual match of his teammate and, the better racer to boot.

Their old karting boss, Dino Chiesa, said Hamilton was the faster driver whereas Rosberg, who once said to Chiesa "everything relates to physics and maths", was always more analytical. This led some to believe that Rosberg would achieve greater success in Formula One, the highest level of open-wheel racing, due to the intellectual capacity required to manage brakes, energy harvesting, tyre management, and moderate fuel usage. Hamilton's tyre management has frequently allowed him to push on for longer, often enabling optimum race strategies, and his fuel usage has regularly been better than almost anyone on the grid. Sky Sport's Mark Hughes, commented: "Rosberg has a more scientific methodology, looks to fine-tune more specifically than Hamilton who typically tends just to find a balance he can work with, then adapt his driving around it."

In their time together as teammates, Hamilton and Rosberg won 54 of 78 races over four seasons. Hamilton had 32 victories, 55 podium finishes, and qualified ahead of Rosberg 42 times, while Rosberg had 22 victories, 50 podium finishes, and qualified ahead of Hamilton 36 times. During this period, Hamilton won two World Championship titles to Rosberg's one, and scored more points in three out of their four seasons together.

Sebastian Vettel

Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel 2017 United States GP (38000070491)
Hamilton (left) and Vettel (right) at the 2017 United States Grand Prix

Hamilton describes his rivalry with Sebastian Vettel as his favourite, believing their battles helped bring them closer together. After three years of Mercedes's dominance from 2014 to 2016, Ferrari produced a car that was capable of fighting for the championship in 2017 and 2018. Vettel, who was then driving for Ferrari, enjoyed an early lead on points, but Mercedes and Hamilton fought back and ultimately won the championships in both seasons. While there were some on-track flash points, most notably the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, when Vettel accused Hamilton of brake checking and drove into Hamilton in retaliation, earning a penalty, the pair developed a strong mutual respect in a hard but fairly contested fight. In 2021, Hamilton recalled:

Mine and Seb's battle were my favourite so far. It's knowing I was racing against an incredible driver, not only that but a great man in Seb who is a four-time world champion and we were racing against another team, he was at Ferrari who were very strong at the time. It took a lot out of both of us in that period of time, to remain focused to deliver weekend in, weekend out. That was a difficult period for us and it brought us closer, because the respect we have between us is huge.

Public image and influence

Racist treatment

Hamilton was racially abused by fans during 2010 pre-season testing at Jerez.

The first and as of 2024 the only black driver to race in Formula One, Hamilton has been subject to racist abuse throughout his career. In 2007, Hamilton suffered racist abuse from Spanish Formula One supporters at the Chinese Grand Prix. In 2008, Hamilton was heckled and otherwise abused during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya by several Spanish spectators who wore black face paint and black wigs, as well as shirts bearing the words "Hamilton's familly [sic]". The FIA warned Spanish authorities about the repetition of such behaviour, and launched a "Race Against Racism" campaign. Shortly before the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, a website owned by the Spanish branch of the New York-based advertising agency TBWA and named pinchalaruedadeHamilton, which translates into English as "burst Hamilton's tyre", was featured in the British media. The site contained an image of Interlagos that allowed users to leave nails and porcupines on the track for Hamilton's car to run over. Among thousands of comments left since 2007, some included racial insults. In 2021, Hamilton was subjected to online racist abuse following a controversial win at the British Grand Prix. Mercedes, Formula One, and the FIA issued a joint statement condemning the abuse and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

Hamilton's treatment by the media and critics has, at times, been criticised as being racist. In 2014, The Guardian journalist Joseph Harker highlighted double-standards in Hamilton's treatment compared to other British drivers by British newspapers, suggesting that his skin colour has played a factor in a perceived lack of acceptance among the British public. In 2019, footballer Rio Ferdinand described media scrutiny of Hamilton as having "racist undertones" and contrasted Hamilton's treatment to that of fellow British driver Jenson Button. At the start of his Formula One career, Hamilton said that he "tried to ignore the fact was the first black guy ever to race in the sport" but later stated that he had since grown to "appreciate the implications", and changed his approach to promote equality within the sport. In 2019, Toto Wolff, Hamilton's team boss at Mercedes, described how Hamilton was "scarred for life" by racist abuse inflicted during his childhood.

Media reception

In December 2018, Stevenage-born Hamilton caused controversy at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards where he said on live television, "It really was a dream for us all as a family to do something different. For us to get out of the slums" before immediately correcting himself, saying, "Well, not the slums, but to get out of somewhere and do something. We all set our goals very, very high but we did it as a team." While Hamilton immediately sought to correct his remarks, the leader of Stevenage Borough Council described the comments as "disappointing" and observed that people felt "very offended". Hamilton posted a video on Instagram in which he apologised for his comments, saying: "I'm super proud of where I come from and I hope you know that I represent in the best way I can always ... Particularly when you are up in front of a crowd, trying to find the right words to express the long journey you've had in life, I chose the wrong words." The town mayor subsequently accepted his "gracious apology".

Waxwork of Hamilton at Madame Tussauds, London

Hamilton's contribution and influence has been recognised regularly in the Powerlist, an annual list of the most influential Black Britons, in which he has ranked in the top 10 in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, Hamilton was named the most influential Black Briton in the 14th Powerlist, for his sporting success and his advocacy in the Black Lives Matter movement. In 2020, he was listed as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people globally, and was knighted in the 2021 New Year Honours for services to motorsports.

Hamilton was one of several figures whose tax arrangements were singled out in a report by the charity Christian Aid in 2008. That year, Hamilton received criticism from UK members of parliament for avoiding UK taxes. Following the leak of the Paradise Papers in November 2017, it was reported that Hamilton had avoided paying £3.3 million of value added tax (VAT) on his private jet, worth £16.5 million. According to BBC Panorama, the leasing deal set up by his advisers appeared to be "artificial" and "did not comply with an EU and UK ban on VAT refunds for private use". The BBC also said that Hamilton's Instagram account provided evidence that the jet was used for personal trips. The jet was sold in September 2019. Whilst not residing in the UK, HMRC data published in 2019 puts Hamilton among the top 5,000 highest UK tax payers. Hamilton told The Sunday Times in 2014: "What people don't realise is that I pay tax here , but I don't earn all my money here. I race in 19 different countries, so I earn my money in 20 different places and I pay tax in several different places, and I pay a lot here as well. I am contributing to the country."

Other ventures

Activism and philanthropy

Diversity and anti-racism

People come up to me from different ethnic backgrounds saying, "My kid wants to be you one day", and I can assure you that when I started racing, there weren't people from those . I take great pride in that.

—Hamilton in 2017 commenting on his influence on minority representation in motorsport

Hamilton is a prominent advocate against racism and for increased diversity in motorsport. In 2011—after being summoned to the stewards in five of the opening six rounds—Hamilton quipped, "maybe it's because I'm black, that's what Ali G says." In 2018, Hamilton criticised the lack of diversity in Formula One, stating "nothing's changed" in the 11 years since his debut.

As part of the U.S. national anthem protests, Hamilton took the knee before every Grand Prix he entered in 2020, in support of Black Lives Matter, and wore t-shirts promoting racial justice. Following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, Hamilton criticised prominent figures in Formula One for their silence on the issue, writing on Instagram:

I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest of stars [sic] yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice. Not a sign from anybody in my industry which of course is a white dominated sport. I'm one of the only people of colour there yet I stand alone. I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can't stand alongside us. Just know I know who you are and I see you. We are not born with racism and hate in our hearts, it is taught by those we look up to.

Following Hamilton's comments, several drivers and team executives reciprocated his views. Ross Brawn, managing director for Formula One, stated that the organisation "supports totally", describing Hamilton as "a great ambassador for the sport". During the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix weekend, including on the podium, Hamilton wore a t-shirt stating "arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor". Following an investigation, the FIA barred drivers from wearing unofficial attire on the podium and in media interviews. In anticipation of the FIA's decision, Hamilton said that he recognised that they have "certain limits that they feel that they have to work within", but he " regret a single moment of it" and appreciated the "really positive support from the fans".

In June 2020, Hamilton established The Hamilton Commission with the Royal Academy of Engineering, tasked with finding ways for motorsport to engage more black people with STEM subjects and increase employment in motorsport or other engineering sectors. In May 2021, Hamilton became the inaugural recipient of the Laureus Athlete Advocate of the Year Award. Hamilton founded Mission 44 in July 2021, a charity designed to help young people from under-represented backgrounds achieve their ambitions in wider society. Hamilton pledged £20 million to support the work of the charity. Mission 44 collaborates with a joint foundation between Hamilton and Mercedes called Ignite, which was also launched in July. Ignite focuses on increasing diversity in motorsport by improving opportunities in education and offering financial support.

Human rights

In December 2020, Hamilton confronted human rights in Bahrain and spoke out on allegations of sportswashing. Hamilton said he "won't let it go unnoticed" after an 11-year-old boy wrote a letter to Hamilton asking him to save his father, who was facing the death penalty after making an alleged forced confession. Hamilton discussed the case with human rights organisations and legal experts. as well as Bahraini officials. Hamilton stated that whilst he has no authority over where he competes, drivers should not " to these countries and just what is happening".

Hamilton is also a supporter of LGBT rights, and strongly criticised the Hungarian government before the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix for their anti-LGBT law. He also called out LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia before the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, describing them as "terrifying".

In May 2024, Hamilton called on Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah, Gaza, after an Israeli airstrike on the Tel al-Sultan refugee camp killed at least 45 civilians.

Environmental and animal rights

Hamilton has repeatedly discussed environmental issues and animal rights at conferences, in interviews and in documentaries. He also uses his social media platforms to gather support for his initiatives, which range from urging China to reclassify dogs as pets instead of livestock, and backing charities which fight the illegal wildlife trade, to calling for the protection of the Amazon rainforest. In January 2020, he donated US$500,000 (approximately £383,000) to a variety of causes relating to the bushfire crisis in Australia. The money went towards the fire services and animal welfare charities.

In 2019, Hamilton asked Mercedes-Benz to swap animal-derived leather in the company's models worldwide: "I am trying to push for sustainability with my team. I am trying to get more involved in Formula 1 and be more conscious. Mercedes-Benz is a huge organisation. I have got a phone call with the CEO later today to discuss how we can work on getting rid of all the leather supplied to the cars. That is something I want to be involved in." The next year, he announced his aim of being carbon neutral by the end of the year, saying: "I don't allow anyone in my office, but also within my household, to buy any plastics. I want everything recyclable, down to deodorant, down to toothbrush, all these kinds of things ... I'm trying to make as much change as I can in my personal space. I sold my plane over a year ago. I fly a lot less now. I'm trying to fly less through the year."

UNICEF and #TOGETHERBAND

In 2012, Hamilton began working with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). In March 2012, Hamilton travelled to the Philippines where he made a short film about Manila's street children. The film was shown on ITV1 during Soccer Aid and helped raise over £4.9 million for UNICEF. In October 2012, while in India for the Grand Prix, Hamilton visited a UNICEF-funded newborn care unit and nutrition centre. Hamilton said: "As a sportsman in the public eye, I know I have a role to play in helping to tell the stories of the world's most vulnerable children and I jumped at the chance to be able to do that again after a visit to Manila."

In 2014, Hamilton travelled to Haiti where he made a short film about child malnutrition. The film was shown on ITV1 during Soccer Aid, and helped raise over £6 million for UNICEF. In 2015, Hamilton took part in an exhibition to highlight UNICEF's work and to celebrate its twenty-year partnership with Starwood Hotels. In June 2017, Hamilton joined the Super Dads initiative, a special UNICEF campaign that highlighted the critical role played by fathers in early childhood development. In August 2017, Hamilton visited Havana with UNICEF to learn more about its first development programmes in Cuba.

In 2020, Hamilton partnered with charity campaign #TOGETHERBAND to help promote the United Nations' 17 Global Goals. As part of his campaign work, Hamilton visited Alperton Community School in North West London to speak to the students about the importance of education. Hamilton is a GOAL 4 Ambassador, focusing on the fight to provide quality education to all children.

Other charities

Over the past decade, Hamilton has made time for a variety of good causes, such as making donations and hospital visits to sick children. He has invited fans, young people, and their families to join him at Grand Prix races and social events. In 2013, he became the Global Education Ambassador for Save the Children, supporting and promoting its education campaigns. Two years later, Hamilton became the first ambassador for the Invictus Games Foundation, supporting wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hamilton's Neat Burger restaurant donated free meals to frontline NHS workers. Neat Burger also launched the "Kids Eat Free" scheme, serving free meals to school children during the half-term break.

Hamilton often donates personal and professional paraphernalia for charity auctions. He auctioned a racing kart and raised over £42,000 for St Thomas' Hospital baby charity. He raised £6,411 for the Small Steps Project in 2018, and £6,000 in 2019. In 2020, he raised another £4,000 for the Small Steps Project, while a donated race suit reportedly raised €20,000 for vulnerable children. Hamilton also frequently attends charitable functions, including the amfAR gala in New York, and has supported projects and charities such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Comic Relief, Rays of Sunshine, Children in Need, and Stevenage's Keech Hospice Care Children's Service, among others. He is also involved in charitable work through the creation of his Lewis Hamilton Foundation. Registered in June 2008, the foundation provides grants and donations to a number of charitable causes.

Popular culture

Music

Hamilton also has interests in music, saying that "music has been a huge passion of mine since I was really young. I started playing guitar when I was 13. In here, I can be me, I can be vulnerable. I can show a side of me that people don't get to see." He features on Christina Aguilera's 2018 song "Pipe" under the pseudonym XNDA, although he did not confirm this until July 2020, when he revealed he had been writing and recording music for ten years.

Film and television

During his final year with McLaren, Hamilton voiced an animated version of himself in the short series Tooned. Hamilton also made a guest appearance in Cars 2 (2011) in which he voices an anthropomorphic version of himself. He then voiced a voice command assistant in Cars 3 (2017). Hamilton is credited as an executive producer for the 2018 documentary film The Game Changers. Hamilton has also revealed he was offered a role as a fighter pilot in the film Top Gun: Maverick (2022) by Tom Cruise but was forced to decline due to his Formula One commitments. He was one of the executive producers on Motorcycle Mary (2024), a short documentary film about Mary McGee.

In October 2022, Hamilton founded the production company, Dawn Apollo Films. Its upcoming debut projects include a film titled F1 starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski, and an untitled documentary film about Hamilton. Both projects will be co-produced by Hamilton, and released on Apple TV+.

Video games

Hamilton served as the "maestro" of the Gran Turismo series since Gran Turismo Sport in 2017, and his Time Trial Challenge DLC pack was released in that said game on 28 November 2019. In November 2023, Epic Games added a cosmetic Hamilton player skin to Fortnite. A likeness of Hamilton's dog, Roscoe, was also added to the game.

Fashion

In 2018, Hamilton launched the clothing line TOMMYXLEWIS during New York Fashion Week with American fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger alongside models Winnie Harlow and Hailey Baldwin. Hamilton stated "rowing up, I remember seeing the iconic Tommy Hilfiger flag" and Hilfiger commented on Hamilton, saying that "Lewis is bold in everything he does ... He's not afraid to take risks. And he has a cool and sophisticated style that really speaks to the new generation of Tommy fans."

Business

In September 2019, Hamilton launched a vegan restaurant named Neat Burger. It claims to be the first international plant-based burger chain. In 2020, Neat Burger was crowned Best Vegan Restaurant of the Year at the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards. In August 2020, Daily Front Row listed Hamilton as one of a group of high-profile investors who purchased fashion magazine W. In 2021, for the second consecutive year, Neat Burger was crowned Best Vegan Restaurant at the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards. Neat Burger was also named People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals's inaugural Company of the Year. Hamilton became an Ambassador for the luxury watch company IWC, owned by Richemont. Throughout 2021, Hamilton toured the world via PORTL hologram, first in Europe and then making its U.S. debut in Los Angeles in September.

In September 2020, Hamilton launched Team X44 to compete in the all-electric SUV off-road racing series Extreme E from the 2021 season on. The X44 team finished 2nd in the inaugural Extreme E championship, behind Nico Rosberg's RXR team. In January 2022, X44 were crowned inaugural winners of Extreme E Sustainability Award. The team won the 2022 Championship in the final race of the season, beating RXR, who were disqualified from the race.

In August 2022, Hamilton joined the newly established ownership group of the National Football League's Denver Broncos.

Personal life

In 2017, Hamilton told the BBC that he had become vegan because "s the human race, what we are doing to the world ... the pollution coming from the amount of cows that are being produced is incredible. The cruelty is horrible and I don't necessarily want to support that and I want to live a healthier life." In 2018 he was named the PETA Person of the Year for his vegan activism. The same year Hamilton said in an interview that he gave up drinking "a while ago".

Hamilton used the number 44 in karts, as his father's Vauxhall Cavalier had the number plate "F44" when he started racing; it was his father's idea to use it. New Formula One driver number regulations brought in for the 2014 season allowed drivers to pick a unique car number to use for the remainder of their careers, with Hamilton electing to compete under his old karting number 44. Before the start of the 2015 season, Hamilton announced he would not be exercising his option of switching his car number to 1, as was his prerogative as reigning World Champion, and would instead continue to race with his career No. 44. It was the first season since 1994, when Alain Prost retired from the sport following his fourth and final World Drivers' Championship title in 1993, that the field did not contain a car bearing the No. 1.

Hamilton is a fan of art and has said that one of his favourite artists is Andy Warhol. Prior to the 2014 United States Grand Prix, Hamilton wore a gold-framed version of Warhol's Cars, Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe painting hanging from a chain around his neck. From November 2007 to February 2015, Hamilton was in an on-and-off relationship with Nicole Scherzinger, the lead singer of the American girl group Pussycat Dolls.

Hamilton is a Catholic; he says that he prays regularly and is guided by his faith. Hamilton believes that he has the "hand of God" resting over him when racing in Formula One. Hamilton revealed in March 2022 that he was in the process of legally changing his name to include his mother's maiden name, Larbalestier, as a middle name. Hamilton was made an honorary citizen of Brazil on 9 June 2022 after a proposal made by politician André Figueiredo was passed in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. In an interview in September 2024, Hamilton stated he has been battling depression from the age of 13.

Legal issues

Hamilton was suspended from driving in France for a month on 18 December 2007 after being caught speeding at 196 km/h (122 mph) on a French motorway. His Mercedes-Benz CLK was also impounded. Two days before the 2010 Australian Grand Prix, Victoria Police witnessed Hamilton "deliberately losing traction" in his silver Mercedes-AMG C63, and impounded the car for 48 hours. Hamilton immediately released a statement of apology for "driving in an over-exuberant manner". After being charged with intentionally losing control of a vehicle, Hamilton was eventually fined A$500 (£288), being described as a "hoon" by the magistrate.

In 2017 Hamilton's rights management company 44IP opposed Swatch Group's application to register a trade mark for "HAMILTON INTERNATIONAL" in Europe for the sale of watches and timepieces. This was likely to have been encouraged, or even required, by Hamilton's own watch sponsor. 44IP alleged that Swatch Group's application was made in bad faith and that it was contrary to "fair competition" in relation to 44IP's existing "LEWIS HAMILTON" mark. In 2020 the case was heard before the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The EUIPO rejected 44IP's arguments, ruling that there had been no bad faith by Swatch Group (with "HAMILTON INTERNATIONAL" having been used on relevant goods since 1892) and that 44IP's "LEWIS HAMILTON" trade mark did not extend to the word "HAMILTON" alone for the purposes of protecting the existing mark.

Residence

Hamilton moved to Luins, Vaud, Switzerland, in 2007, citing privacy as his main reason for leaving the UK. He later said on the television show Parkinson that taxation was also a factor in his decision. In 2010, Hamilton, like many other Formula One drivers, moved to Monaco, purchasing a house worth a reported £10 million. Hamilton also owns an apartment in Manhattan, New York, which he bought for US$40 million in 2017, and an estate in Colorado where he has said he would live after his retirement.

Wealth and income

In 2015 Hamilton was ranked as the richest British sportsperson, with an estimated personal fortune of £88 million. In 2018 it was reported that Hamilton had a net worth of £159 million. In 2020 Hamilton's fortune was an estimated £224 million, making him the richest British sports star in the history of the Sunday Times Rich List. By 2022 that figure had increased to £300 million.

Before the 2015 Monaco Grand Prix weekend, Hamilton signed a contract to stay with Mercedes until the end of the 2018 season in a deal reportedly worth more than £100 million over the three years, making him one of the best-paid drivers in Formula One. In the week leading up to the 2018 German Grand Prix, Hamilton signed a two-year contract with Mercedes, reported to be worth up to £40 million per year, making him the best-paid driver in the history of Formula One. According to Forbes, Hamilton was one of the highest-paid athletes of the 2010s decade, and also the highest-paid Formula One driver from 2013 to 2021.

Awards and honours

Formula One

Other awards

Main article: List of career achievements by Lewis Hamilton § Awards

Throughout his two-decade career, Hamilton has received several awards and honours. He won the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award in 2008, and shared the Sportsman of the Year Award with Lionel Messi in 2020. Hamilton also won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award (2014, 2020), PAP European Sportsperson of the Year (2014, 2019), Best Driver ESPY Award (2017, 2021), L'Équipe Champion of Champions (2020), and Gazzetta World Sportsman of the Year (2018, 2020), among others. Hamilton has won a record 19 Autosport Awards, including eight International Racing Driver Awards. He was inducted into the FIA Hall of Fame in 2017, and shared the honorary FIA President Award in 2020 with Michael Schumacher.

Orders and special awards

Fellowships

Recognition

Karting record

Karting career summary

Season Series Team Position
1995 Super 1 National Championship – IAME Cadet 1st
1996 Kartmasters British Grand Prix – Comer Cadet 1st
1997 Super 1 National Championship – Formula Yamaha 1st
1998 Torneo delle Industrie – ICA-J 19th
CIK-FIA Green Helmet Trophy – Cadet 12th
Italian Open Masters– ICA-J 4th
1999 Torneo Industrie Open – ICA 1st
South Garda Winter Cup – ICA-J 6th
Trofeo Andrea Margutti – ICA-J 18th
Italian Open Masters – ICA-J 4th
CIK-FIA European Championship – ICA-J 2nd
2000 Trofeo Andrea Margutti – FA 7th
CIK-FIA World Cup – FA MBM.com 1st
CIK-FIA European Championship – FA 1st
CIK-FIA World Championship – FSA 20th
2001 South Garda Winter Cup – FSA 7th
Italian Open Masters – FA MBM.com 4th
CIK-FIA World Championship – FSA 15th
Source:

Racing record

Racing career summary

Season Series Team Races Wins Poles F/Laps Podiums Points Position
2001 Formula Renault UK Winter Series Manor Motorsport 4 0 0 0 0 48 7th
2002 Formula Renault UK Manor Motorsport 13 3 3 5 7 274 3rd
Formula Renault 2000 Eurocup 4 1 1 2 3 92 5th
2003 Formula Renault UK Manor Motorsport 15 10 11 9 13 419 1st
British Formula 3 Championship 2 0 0 0 0 0 NC
Formula Renault 2000 Masters 2 0 0 0 1 24 12th
Formula Renault 2000 Germany 2 0 0 0 0 25 27th
Korea Super Prix 1 0 1 0 0 — NC
Macau Grand Prix 1 0 0 0 0 — NC
2004 Formula 3 Euro Series Manor Motorsport 20 1 1 2 5 69 5th
Bahrain Superprix 1 1 0 0 1 — 1st
Macau Grand Prix 1 0 1 0 0 — 14th
Masters of Formula 3 1 0 0 0 0 — 7th
2005 Formula 3 Euro Series ASM Formule 3 20 15 13 10 17 172 1st
Masters of Formula 3 1 1 1 1 1 — 1st
2006 GP2 Series ART Grand Prix 21 5 1 7 14 114 1st
2007 Formula One Vodafone McLaren Mercedes 17 4 6 2 12 109 2nd
2008 Formula One Vodafone McLaren Mercedes 18 5 7 1 10 98 1st
2009 Formula One Vodafone McLaren Mercedes 17 2 4 0 5 49 5th
2010 Formula One Vodafone McLaren Mercedes 19 3 1 5 9 240 4th
2011 Formula One Vodafone McLaren Mercedes 19 3 1 3 6 227 5th
2012 Formula One Vodafone McLaren Mercedes 20 4 7 1 7 190 4th
2013 Formula One Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team 19 1 5 1 5 189 4th
2014 Formula One Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team 19 11 7 7 16 384 1st
2015 Formula One Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team 19 10 11 8 17 381 1st
2016 Formula One Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team 21 10 12 3 17 380 2nd
2017 Formula One Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport 20 9 11 7 13 363 1st
2018 Formula One Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport 21 11 11 3 17 408 1st
2019 Formula One Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport 21 11 5 6 17 413 1st
2020 Formula One Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team 16 11 10 6 14 347 1st
2021 Formula One Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team 22 8 5 6 17 387.5 2nd
2022 Formula One Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team 22 0 0 2 9 240 6th
2023 Formula One Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team 22 0 1 4 6 234 3rd
2024 Formula One Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team 24 2 0 2 5 223 7th
Source:

Complete Formula Renault 2.0 UK Championship results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 DC Points
2002 Manor Motorsport BRH
3 		OUL
15 		THR
2 		SIL
9 		THR
1 		BRH
20 		CRO
6 		SNE
1
2 		SNE
2
Ret 		KNO
2 		BRH
1 		DON
1
1 		DON
2
4 		3rd 274
2003 Manor Motorsport SNE
1
2 		SNE
2
3 		BRH
Ret 		THR
2 		SIL
1 		ROC
1 		CRO
1
1 		CRO
2
1 		DON
1
Ret 		DON
2
1 		SNE
1 		BRH
1
1 		BRH
2
1 		DON
1
1 		DON
2
1 		OUL
1 		OUL
2 		1st 419
Source:

Complete Macau Grand Prix results

Year Team Car Qualifying Quali Race Main race Ref
2003 United Kingdom Manor Motorsport Dallara F303 18th — DNF
2004 United Kingdom Manor Motorsport Dallara F304 2nd 1st 14th

Complete Formula 3 Euro Series results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 DC Points
2004 Manor Motorsport Dallara F302/049 HWA-Mercedes HOC
1
11 		HOC
2
6 		EST
1
Ret 		EST
2
9 		ADR
1
Ret 		ADR
2
5 		PAU
1
4 		PAU
2
7 		NOR
1
1 		NOR
2
3 		MAG
1
Ret 		MAG
2
21 		NÜR
1
3 		NÜR
2
4 		ZAN
1
3 		ZAN
2
6 		BRN
1
7 		BRN
2
4 		HOC
1
2 		HOC
2
6 		5th 68
2005 ASM Formule 3 Dallara F305/021 Mercedes HOC
1
1 		HOC
2
3 		PAU
1
1 		PAU
2
1 		SPA
1
DSQ 		SPA
2
1 		MON
1
1 		MON
2
1 		OSC
1
3 		OSC
2
1 		NOR
1
1 		NOR
2
1 		NÜR
1
12 		NÜR
2
1 		ZAN
1
Ret 		ZAN
2
1 		LAU
1
1 		LAU
2
1 		HOC
1
1 		HOC
2
1 		1st 172
Source:

Complete GP2 Series results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 DC Points
2006 ART Grand Prix VAL
FEA
2 		VAL
SPR
6 		IMO
FEA
DSQ 		IMO
SPR
10 		NÜR
FEA
1 		NÜR
SPR
1 		CAT
FEA
2 		CAT
SPR
4 		MON
FEA
1 		SIL
FEA
1 		SIL
SPR
1 		MAG
FEA
19 		MAG
SPR
5 		HOC
FEA
2 		HOC
SPR
3 		HUN
FEA
10 		HUN
SPR
2 		IST
FEA
2 		IST
SPR
2 		MNZ
FEA
3 		MNZ
SPR
2 		1st 114
Source:

Complete Formula One results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 WDC Points
2007 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes McLaren MP4-22 Mercedes-Benz FO 108T 2.4 V8 AUS
3 		MAL
2 		BHR
2 		ESP
2 		MON
2 		CAN
1 		USA
1 		FRA
3 		GBR
3 		EUR
9 		HUN
1 		TUR
5 		ITA
2 		BEL
4 		JPN
1 		CHN
Ret 		BRA
7 		2nd 109
2008 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes McLaren MP4-23 Mercedes-Benz FO 108V 2.4 V8 AUS
1 		MAL
5 		BHR
13 		ESP
3 		TUR
2 		MON
1 		CAN
Ret 		FRA
10 		GBR
1 		GER
1 		HUN
5 		EUR
2 		BEL
3 		ITA
7 		SIN
3 		JPN
12 		CHN
1 		BRA
5 		1st 98
2009 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes McLaren MP4-24 Mercedes-Benz FO 108W 2.4 V8 AUS
DSQ 		MAL
7 		CHN
6 		BHR
4 		ESP
9 		MON
12 		TUR
13 		GBR
16 		GER
18 		HUN
1 		EUR
2 		BEL
Ret 		ITA
12 		SIN
1 		JPN
3 		BRA
3 		ABU
Ret 		5th 49
2010 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes McLaren MP4-25 Mercedes-Benz FO 108X 2.4 V8 BHR
3 		AUS
6 		MAL
6 		CHN
2 		ESP
14 		MON
5 		TUR
1 		CAN
1 		EUR
2 		GBR
2 		GER
4 		HUN
Ret 		BEL
1 		ITA
Ret 		SIN
Ret 		JPN
5 		KOR
2 		BRA
4 		ABU
2 		4th 240
2011 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes McLaren MP4-26 Mercedes-Benz FO 108Y 2.4 V8 AUS
2 		MAL
8 		CHN
1 		TUR
4 		ESP
2 		MON
6 		CAN
Ret 		EUR
4 		GBR
4 		GER
1 		HUN
4 		BEL
Ret 		ITA
4 		SIN
5 		JPN
5 		KOR
2 		IND
7 		ABU
1 		BRA
Ret 		5th 227
2012 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes McLaren MP4-27 Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z 2.4 V8 AUS
3 		MAL
3 		CHN
3 		BHR
8 		ESP
8 		MON
5 		CAN
1 		EUR
19 		GBR
8 		GER
Ret 		HUN
1 		BEL
Ret 		ITA
1 		SIN
Ret 		JPN
5 		KOR
10 		IND
4 		ABU
Ret 		USA
1 		BRA
Ret 		4th 190
2013 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes F1 W04 Mercedes-Benz FO 108F 2.4 V8 AUS
5 		MAL
3 		CHN
3 		BHR
5 		ESP
12 		MON
4 		CAN
3 		GBR
4 		GER
5 		HUN
1 		BEL
3 		ITA
9 		SIN
5 		KOR
5 		JPN
Ret 		IND
6 		ABU
7 		USA
4 		BRA
9 		4th 189
2014 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes F1 W05 Hybrid Mercedes-Benz PU106A Hybrid 1.6 V6 t AUS
Ret 		MAL
1 		BHR
1 		CHN
1 		ESP
1 		MON
2 		CAN
Ret 		AUT
2 		GBR
1 		GER
3 		HUN
3 		BEL
Ret 		ITA
1 		SIN
1 		JPN
1 		RUS
1 		USA
1 		BRA
2 		ABU
1 		1st 384
2015 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid Mercedes-Benz PU106B Hybrid 1.6 V6 t AUS
1 		MAL
2 		CHN
1 		BHR
1 		ESP
2 		MON
3 		CAN
1 		AUT
2 		GBR
1 		HUN
6 		BEL
1 		ITA
1 		SIN
Ret 		JPN
1 		RUS
1 		USA
1 		MEX
2 		BRA
2 		ABU
2 		1st 381
2016 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid Mercedes-Benz PU106C Hybrid 1.6 V6 t AUS
2 		BHR
3 		CHN
7 		RUS
2 		ESP
Ret 		MON
1 		CAN
1 		EUR
5 		AUT
1 		GBR
1 		HUN
1 		GER
1 		BEL
3 		ITA
2 		SIN
3 		MAL
Ret 		JPN
3 		USA
1 		MEX
1 		BRA
1 		ABU
1 		2nd 380
2017 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport Mercedes-AMG F1 W08 Mercedes-AMG M08 EQ Power+ 1.6 V6 t AUS
2 		CHN
1 		BHR
2 		RUS
4 		ESP
1 		MON
7 		CAN
1 		AZE
5 		AUT
4 		GBR
1 		HUN
4 		BEL
1 		ITA
1 		SIN
1 		MAL
2 		JPN
1 		USA
1 		MEX
9 		BRA
4 		ABU
2 		1st 363
2018 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport Mercedes-AMG F1 W09 Mercedes-AMG M09 EQ Power+ 1.6 V6 t AUS
2 		BHR
3 		CHN
4 		AZE
1 		ESP
1 		MON
3 		CAN
5 		FRA
1 		AUT
Ret 		GBR
2 		GER
1 		HUN
1 		BEL
2 		ITA
1 		SIN
1 		RUS
1 		JPN
1 		USA
3 		MEX
4 		BRA
1 		ABU
1 		1st 408
2019 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport Mercedes-AMG F1 W10 Mercedes-AMG M10 EQ Power+ 1.6 V6 t AUS
2 		BHR
1 		CHN
1 		AZE
2 		ESP
1 		MON
1 		CAN
1 		FRA
1 		AUT
5 		GBR
1 		GER
9 		HUN
1 		BEL
2 		ITA
3 		SIN
4 		RUS
1 		JPN
3 		MEX
1 		USA
2 		BRA
7 		ABU
1 		1st 413
2020 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes-AMG F1 W11 Mercedes-AMG M11 EQ Performance 1.6 V6 t AUT
4 		STY
1 		HUN
1 		GBR
1 		70A
2 		ESP
1 		BEL
1 		ITA
7 		TUS
1 		RUS
3 		EIF
1 		POR
1 		EMI
1 		TUR
1 		BHR
1 		SKH
 ABU
3 		1st 347
2021 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 Mercedes-AMG M12 E Performance 1.6 V6 t BHR
1 		EMI
2 		POR
1 		ESP
1 		MON
7 		AZE
15 		FRA
2 		STY
2 		AUT
4 		GBR
1 		HUN
2 		BEL
3 		NED
2 		ITA
Ret 		RUS
1 		TUR
5 		USA
2 		MXC
2 		SAP
1 		QAT
1 		SAU
1 		ABU
2 		2nd 387.5
2022 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 Mercedes-AMG M13 E Performance 1.6 V6 t BHR
3 		SAU
10 		AUS
4 		EMI
13 		MIA
6 		ESP
5 		MON
8 		AZE
4 		CAN
3 		GBR
3 		AUT
3 		FRA
2 		HUN
2 		BEL
Ret 		NED
4 		ITA
5 		SIN
9 		JPN
5 		USA
2 		MXC
2 		SAP
2 		ABU
18† 		6th 240
2023 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 Mercedes-AMG M14 E Performance 1.6 V6 t BHR
5 		SAU
5 		AUS
2 		AZE
6 		MIA
6 		MON
4 		ESP
2 		CAN
3 		AUT
8 		GBR
3 		HUN
4 		BEL
4 		NED
6 		ITA
6 		SIN
3 		JPN
5 		QAT
Ret 		USA
DSQ 		MXC
2 		SAP
8 		LVG
7 		ABU
9 		3rd 234
2024 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes-AMG F1 W15 Mercedes-AMG M15 E Performance 1.6 V6 t BHR
7 		SAU
9 		AUS
Ret 		JPN
9 		CHN
9 		MIA
6 		EMI
6 		MON
7 		CAN
4 		ESP
3 		AUT
4 		GBR
1 		HUN
3 		BEL
1 		NED
8 		ITA
5 		AZE
9 		SIN
6 		USA
Ret 		MXC
4 		SAP
10 		LVG
2 		QAT
12 		ABU
4 		7th 223
Sources:

Did not finish, but was classified as he had completed more than 90% of the race distance.
Half points awarded as less than 75% of race distance was completed.

Formula One records

Main article: List of career achievements by Lewis Hamilton § Records

Hamilton debuted at the 2007 Australian Grand Prix, becoming the first black driver to compete in Formula One. He holds over 100 records in Formula One, including the most race wins (105), pole positions (104), podium finishes (202), and championship points (4,862.5). With his victory at the 2008 World Drivers' Championship, Hamilton became the then-youngest driver to win the title, aged 23 years and 301 days. Hamilton won his seventh title in 2020, tying the all-time record set by Michael Schumacher.

Notes

  1. Hamilton was the first reigning world champion to decline to run the No. 1, deciding to stay with his old karting No. 44 from 2014. He briefly ran the number 1 on the nose of his car in practice for the 2018 and 2019 Abu Dhabi Grands Prix after winning his fifth and sixth World Championships respectively, but was still officially entered under the number 44 and that figure still appeared on the engine cover.
  2. Hamilton and Alonso both scored 109 points in 2007, with Hamilton classified ahead on count-back, by virtue of having more second-placed finishes.
  3. Including the most races (246), wins (84), pole positions (78), podium finishes (153), and World Drivers' Championships (6).
  4. These include former Jordan team boss Eddie Jordan, ex-drivers Eddie Irvine, Johnny Herbert, Damon Hill, David Coulthard, and John Watson, rivals Nico Rosberg, Sebastian Vettel, and Max Verstappen, Formula E driver Sam Bird, and ex-commentator Murray Walker.
  5. The FIA Pole Trophy was only awarded from 2014 to 2017.
  6. Per sources:
  7. Hamilton is the first black driver to compete in the Formula One World Championship, and the second to drive a Formula One car after Willy T. Ribbs.

References

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Further reading

  • Hamilton, Lewis (2007). Lewis Hamilton: My Story (hardback ed.). London: HarperSport. p. 320. ISBN 978-0-00-727005-7. (Also in paperback Lewis Hamilton: my story. HarperSport. 2008. p. 336. ISBN 978-0-00-727006-4.)
  • Hughes, Mark (2007). Lewis Hamilton: The Full Story (hardback ed.). Thriplow: Icon Books Ltd. p. 224. ISBN 978-0-00-727006-4. (Also in paperback as Mark Hughes (2008). Lewis Hamilton: the full story. Icon Books Ltd. p. 304. ISBN 978-1-84046-941-7.)
  • Worrall, Frank (2007). Lewis Hamilton: The Biography (hardback ed.). London: John Blake Publishing. p. 306. ISBN 978-1-84454-543-8. (Also in paperback Lewis Hamilton: The Biography. John Blake Publishing. 2008. p. 288. ISBN 978-1-84454-581-0.)
  • Stafford, Ian (2007). Lewis Hamilton: New Kid on the Grid. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing Co. (Edinburgh) Ltd. p. 224. ISBN 978-1-84596-338-5.
  • Belton, Brian (2007). Lewis Hamilton: A Dream Comes True. London: Pennant Publishing Ltd. p. 256. ISBN 978-1-906015-07-7.
  • Rogers, Gareth (2007). Lewis Hamilton: The Story So Far (paperback ed.). Stroud: The History Press Ltd. p. 200. ISBN 978-0-7524-4480-2.
  • van de Burgt, Andrew (2007). Lewis Hamilton: A portrait of Britain's new F1 hero (hardback ed.). Yeovil: J H Haynes & Co Ltd. p. 160. ISBN 978-1-84425-480-4.
  • Jones, Bruce (2007). Lewis Hamilton: The People's Champion (ITV SPORT) (hardback ed.). London: Carlton Books Ltd. p. 128. ISBN 978-1-84442-027-8.
  • Apps, Roy (2008). Lewis Hamilton (Dream to Win) (paperback ed.). London: Franklin Watts Ltd. p. 48. ISBN 978-0-7496-8233-0.
  • Townsend, John (2008). Lewis Hamilton (hardback ed.). Oxford: Raintree Publishers. p. 32. ISBN 978-1-4062-0953-2.
  • Spragg, Ian (2008). Lewis Hamilton: The Rise of F1's New Superstar. Bath: Parragon. ISBN 978-1-4075-2104-6.
  • Worrall, Frank (2016). Lewis Hamilton: Triple World Champion: The Biography (paperback ed.). London: John Blake Publishing Ltd. p. 388. ISBN 978-1-78606-033-4.

External links

Links to related articles
Sporting positions
Preceded byDanny Watts Formula Renault UK
champion
2003 		Succeeded byMike Conway
Preceded byJamie Green Formula 3 Euro Series
Drivers' Champion
2005 		Succeeded byPaul di Resta
Preceded byNick Heidfeld
(1997) 		Monaco Formula Three Support
Race Winner
2005 		Succeeded byNone
(race not held since)
Preceded byAlexandre Prémat Formula Three Masters
Winner
2005 		Succeeded byPaul di Resta
Preceded byNico Rosberg GP2 Series
Drivers' Champion
2006 		Succeeded byTimo Glock
Preceded byKimi Räikkönen Formula One World Champion
2008 		Succeeded byJenson Button
Preceded bySebastian Vettel Formula One World Champion
2014–2015 		Succeeded byNico Rosberg
Preceded byNico Rosberg Formula One World Champion
2017–2020 		Succeeded byMax Verstappen
Awards and achievements
Preceded byDanny Watts Autosport
British Club Driver of the Year
2003 		Succeeded byJames Pickford
Preceded byTiago Monteiro Autosport
Rookie of the Year
2006–2007 		Succeeded bySebastian Vettel
Preceded byJenson Button Hawthorn Memorial Trophy
2007–2008 		Succeeded byJenson Button
Preceded byStirling Moss Segrave Trophy
2007 		Succeeded byAllan McNish
Preceded byJenson Button Autosport
British Competition Driver of the Year
2007 		Succeeded byAllan McNish
Preceded byFernando Alonso Autosport
International Racing Driver Award
2007–2008 		Succeeded byJenson Button
Preceded byAmélie Mauresmo Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year
2008 		Succeeded byRebecca Adlington
Preceded bySebastian Vettel Lorenzo Bandini Trophy
2010 		Succeeded byNico Rosberg
Preceded byJenson Button Hawthorn Memorial Trophy
2012 		Succeeded byMark Webber
Preceded byJenson Button Autosport
British Competition Driver of the Year
2013–2018 		Succeeded byLando Norris
Preceded byMark Webber Hawthorn Memorial Trophy
2014–2021 		Succeeded byIncumbent
Preceded bySebastian Vettel DHL Fastest Lap Award
2014–2015 		Succeeded byNico Rosberg
Preceded bySebastian Vettel Autosport
International Racing Driver Award
2014–2015 		Succeeded byNico Rosberg
Preceded byAndy Murray BBC Sports Personality of the Year
2014 		Succeeded byAndy Murray
Preceded byRobert Kubica FIA Personality of the Year
2014 		Succeeded byMax Verstappen
Preceded byNico Rosberg FIA Pole Trophy
2015–2016–2017 		Succeeded byAwards replaced with the Pirelli Pole Position Award
Preceded byNico Rosberg DHL Fastest Lap Award
2017 		Succeeded byValtteri Bottas
Preceded byKyle Busch Best Driver ESPY Award
2017 		Succeeded byMartin Truex Jr.
Preceded byNico Rosberg Autosport
International Racing Driver Award
2017–2020 		Succeeded byMax Verstappen
Preceded byMax Verstappen FIA Personality of the Year
2018 		Succeeded byNiki Lauda
Preceded byValtteri Bottas DHL Fastest Lap Award
2019–2021 		Succeeded byIncumbent
Preceded byBen Stokes BBC Sports Personality of the Year
2020 		Succeeded byEmma Raducanu
Preceded byNiki Lauda FIA Personality of the Year
2020-2021 		Succeeded byIncumbent
Preceded byRafael Nadal L'Équipe Champion of Champions
2020 		Succeeded byNovak Djokovic
Records
Preceded byMichael Schumacher
91 wins
(1991–2006, 2010–2012) 		Most Grand Prix wins
105 wins,
92nd at the 2020 Portuguese GP 		Incumbent
Preceded byJuan Manuel Fangio
and
Giuseppe Farina
3 wins
(1950 season) 		Most wins in first Formula One season
4 wins
2007, tied with:
Jacques Villeneuve (1996) 		Succeeded byCo-Incumbent
Preceded byBruce McLaren
23 years, 5 days
(1960 season) 		Youngest Formula One
World Drivers' Championship runner-up
22 years, 287 days
(2007 season) 		Succeeded bySebastian Vettel
22 years, 121 days
(2009 season)
Preceded byFernando Alonso
24 years, 58 days
(2005 season) 		Youngest Formula One
World Drivers' Champion
23 years, 300 days
(2008 season) 		Succeeded bySebastian Vettel
23 years, 134 days
(2010 season)
Preceded byKimi Räikkönen
262.242 km/h (162.950 mph)
(2018 Italian GP) 		Fastest Grand Prix qualifying lap
264.362 km/h (164.267 mph)
(2020 Italian GP) 		Succeeded byIncumbent
Formula One World Drivers' Champions
   

1950  G. Farina
1951  J. M. Fangio
1952  A. Ascari
1953  A. Ascari
1954  J. M. Fangio
1955  J. M. Fangio
1956  J. M. Fangio
1957  J. M. Fangio
1958  M. Hawthorn
1959  J. Brabham

1960  J. Brabham
1961  P. Hill
1962  G. Hill
1963  J. Clark
1964  J. Surtees
1965  J. Clark
1966  J. Brabham
1967  D. Hulme
1968  G. Hill
1969  J. Stewart

1970  J. Rindt
1971  J. Stewart
1972  E. Fittipaldi
1973  J. Stewart
1974  E. Fittipaldi
1975  N. Lauda
1976  J. Hunt
1977  N. Lauda
1978  M. Andretti
1979  J. Scheckter

1980  A. Jones
1981  N. Piquet
1982  K. Rosberg
1983  N. Piquet
1984  N. Lauda
1985  A. Prost
1986  A. Prost
1987  N. Piquet
1988  A. Senna
1989  A. Prost

1990  A. Senna
1991  A. Senna
1992  N. Mansell
1993  A. Prost
1994  M. Schumacher
1995  M. Schumacher
1996  D. Hill
1997  J. Villeneuve
1998  M. Häkkinen
1999  M. Häkkinen

2000  M. Schumacher
2001  M. Schumacher
2002  M. Schumacher
2003  M. Schumacher
2004  M. Schumacher
2005  F. Alonso
2006  F. Alonso
2007  K. Räikkönen
2008  L. Hamilton
2009  J. Button

2010  S. Vettel
2011  S. Vettel
2012  S. Vettel
2013  S. Vettel
2014  L. Hamilton
2015  L. Hamilton
2016  N. Rosberg
2017  L. Hamilton
2018  L. Hamilton
2019  L. Hamilton

2020  L. Hamilton
2021  M. Verstappen
2022  M. Verstappen
2023  M. Verstappen
2024  M. Verstappen

Formula 3 Euro Series champions
GP2 Series/FIA Formula 2 Drivers' Champions
   

2005  N. Rosberg
2006  L. Hamilton
2007  T. Glock
2008  G. Pantano
2009  N. Hülkenberg
2010  P. Maldonado
2011  R. Grosjean

2012  D. Valsecchi
2013  F. Leimer
2014  J. Palmer
2015  S. Vandoorne
2016  P. Gasly
2017  C. Leclerc
2018  G. Russell

2019  N. de Vries
2020  M. Schumacher
2021  O. Piastri
2022  F. Drugovich
2023  T. Pourchaire
2024  G. Bortoleto

Masters of Formula 3 winners
Two-time
One-time
Winners of Autosport's International Racing Driver Award
Winners of Autosport's British Club Driver of the Year
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
Winners of Autosport's Rookie of the Year
Laureus World Sports Award for Breakthrough of the Year
Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year
BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award
PAP European Sportsperson of the Year
L'Équipe Champion of Champions
Original award
Male and female
awards separated
Male award
Female award
Formula One teams
Teams and drivers that competed in the 2024 Formula One World Championship
Alpine-RenaultAston Martin Aramco-MercedesFerrariHaas-FerrariKick Sauber-Ferrari
McLaren-MercedesMercedesRB-Honda RBPTRed Bull Racing-Honda RBPTWilliams-Mercedes
Teams and drivers that are contracted to compete in the 2025 Formula One World Championship
Alpine-RenaultAston Martin Aramco-MercedesFerrariHaas-FerrariKick Sauber-Ferrari
McLaren-MercedesMercedesRacing Bulls-Honda RBPTRed Bull Racing-Honda RBPTWilliams-Mercedes
Italy Scuderia Ferrari
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2025 Race drivers
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Ferrari Driver Academy
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Engines
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Past
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  • V6 (1958–1966)
  • Turbocharged V6 (1981–1988)
  • V8 (1956–1958, 1964–1965, 2006–2013)
  • V10 (1996–2005)
  • V12 (1950–1951, 1964–1980, 1989–1995)
Formula One titles
Drivers' titles
Constructors' titles
Related
Germany Mercedes-Benz in Formula One
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team (2010–present)
Ownership
Mercedes-Benz Group (33.3%)
Toto Wolff (33.3%)
Ineos (33.3%)
Executive management
Toto Wolff (CEO & team principal)
Ola Källenius (Head of Mercedes-Benz)
Current personnel
James Allison
Peter Bonnington
Simon Cole
Ron Meadows
Jarrod Murphy
John Owen
Simone Resta
Markus Schäfer [de]
Britta Seeger
Andrew Shovlin
Hywel Thomas [ja]
Geoff Willis
Former personnel
Bob Bell
Loïc Bigois
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2024 Race drivers
44. United Kingdom Lewis Hamilton
63. United Kingdom George Russell
2025 Race drivers
12. Italy Andrea Kimi Antonelli
63. United Kingdom George Russell
2025 Test and reserve drivers
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Denmark Frederik Vesti
Simulator drivers
United Kingdom Jake Hughes
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Argentina Juan Manuel Fangio
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 Germany Hans Herrmann
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Related
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Mercedes engine customers' Grand Prix results
Mercedes-AMG

Italics indicate factory team.

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