Lewis Hamilton
Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE HonFREng | |
|---|---|
 Hamilton at the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix | |
| Born | Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton[1] 7 January 1985[2] Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England |
| Occupation |
|
| Parent(s) |
|
| Family | Nicolas Hamilton (brother) |
| Formula One World Championship career | |
| Nationality |  British |
| Car number | 44[note 1] |
| Entries | 283 (283 starts) |
| Championships | 7 (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) |
| Wins | 100 |
| Podiums | 177 |
| Career points | 4053.5 |
| Pole positions | 101 |
| Fastest laps | 58 |
| First entry | 2007 Australian Grand Prix |
| First win | 2007 Canadian Grand Prix |
| Last win | 2021 Russian Grand Prix |
| Last entry | 2021 United States Grand Prix |
| 2020 position | 1st (347 pts) |
| Website | lewishamilton |
| Signature | |
 | |
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
British racing driver
Rivalries
|
||
Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton MBE HonFREng (born 7 January 1985) is a British racing driver. He currently competes in Formula One for Mercedes, having previously driven for McLaren from 2007 to 2012. In Formula One, Hamilton has won a joint-record seven World Drivers' Championship titles (tied with Michael Schumacher), and holds the records for the most wins (100), pole positions (101), and podium finishes (177), amongst others.
Born and raised in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, Hamilton joined the McLaren young driver programme in 1998. This led to a Formula One drive with McLaren in 2007, making Hamilton the first, and so far only, black driver to race in the series. That season, Hamilton set numerous records as he finished runner-up to Kimi Räikkönen by one point. The following season, he won his maiden title in dramatic fashion – making a crucial overtake on the last lap of the last race of the season – to become the then-youngest Formula One World Champion in history. After four more years with McLaren, Hamilton signed with Mercedes in 2013.
Changes to the regulations for 2014, mandating the use of turbo-hybrid engines, saw the start of a highly successful period for Hamilton, during which he has won six further drivers' titles. Consecutive titles came in 2014 and 2015 during an intense rivalry with teammate Nico Rosberg. Following Rosberg's retirement, Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel became Hamilton's closest rival in two intense championship battles, in which Hamilton twice overturned mid-season point deficits to claim consecutive titles again in 2017 and 2018. His third and fourth consecutive titles followed in 2019 and 2020 to equal Schumacher's record of seven drivers' titles.
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, environmental and social activism, and exploits in music and fashion. He has also become a prominent advocate in support of activism to combat racism and push for 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 was born on 7 January 1985 in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England.[2] His father, Anthony Hamilton, is black and is of Grenadian descent, while his mother, Carmen Larbalestier, is white, making him mixed-race;[7] Hamilton has identified as black.[8] 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.[9] Hamilton then lived with his father, stepmother, Linda, and his half-brother Nicolas, who is also a professional racing driver.[10][11] Hamilton was raised a Catholic.[12]
Hamilton's father bought him a radio-controlled car when he was five.[13] Hamilton finished second in the national BRCA championship the following year against adult competition.[14] Being the only black child racing at his club, Hamilton was subjected to racist abuse.[13][15] 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.[16] 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,[17] while still attending his son's races.[18] Hamilton's father later set up his own IT company.[19] He continued to be Hamilton's manager until early 2010.[20][21]
Hamilton was educated at The John Henry Newman School, a voluntary aided Catholic secondary school in Stevenage.[22] At the age of five, Hamilton took up karate to defend himself as a result of bullying at school.[23] 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 their injuries.[24] In addition to racing, he played association football for his school team with eventual England international, Ashley Young.[19] 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.[25] In February 2001, he began studies at Cambridge Arts and Sciences (CATS), a private sixth-form college in Cambridge.[26]
Junior racing career
Karting
Hamilton began karting in 1993 and quickly began winning races and cadet class championships.[27][28] 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."[17] Dennis wrote in Hamilton's autograph book: "Phone me in nine years, we'll sort something out then."[29] 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.[30] In 1998, Dennis called Hamilton following his second Super One series and British championship wins,[14] to offer Hamilton a role in the McLaren driver development programme.[7] 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.[27]
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[31]
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.[32] 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.[33]
Formula Renault and Formula Three
Hamilton began his car racing career in the 2001 British Formula Renault Winter Series, finishing fifth in the standings.[14] This led to a full 2002 Formula Renault UK campaign with Manor Motorsport in which he finished third overall.[34] He remained with Manor for another year, winning the championship ahead of Alex Lloyd.[35] 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.[36] In his first race he was forced out with a puncture,[37] and in the second he crashed out and was taken to hospital after a collision with teammate Tor Graves.[38]
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".[39] He made his debut with Manor in the 2004 Formula 3 Euro Series, ending the year fifth in the championship.[40] He also won the Bahrain F3 Superprix[41] and twice raced in the Macau F3 Grand Prix.[42][43] Williams had come close to signing Hamilton but did not because BMW, their engine supplier at the time, would not fund him.[44] 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 Lewis' father pushing for him to move up to GP2 for 2005, while Whitmarsh felt that he should remain in F3 for a second season, culminating in Whitmarsh tearing up Lewis' contract; however, Lewis called Whitmarsh six weeks later and re-signed with the team.[17]
Hamilton first tested for McLaren in late 2004 at Silverstone.[45] Hamilton moved to the reigning Euro Series champions ASM for the 2005 season and dominated the championship, winning 15 of the 20 rounds.[14] He also won the Marlboro Masters of Formula 3 at Zandvoort.[46] After the season British magazine Autosport featured him in their "Top 50 Drivers of 2005" issue, ranking Hamilton 24th.[47]
GP2
Hamilton moved to ASM's sister GP2 team, ART Grand Prix, for the 2006 season.[48] Hamilton won the GP2 championship at his first attempt, beating Nelson Piquet Jr. and Timo Glock.[49] He secured a dominant win at the Nürburgring, despite a penalty for speeding in the pit lane.[50] At his home race at Silverstone, Hamilton overtook two rivals at Becketts, a series of high-speed bends where overtaking is rare.[51] In Istanbul he recovered from a spin that left him in eighteenth place to take second.[52] 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.[53]
Hamilton's success in the GP2 championship coincided with a vacancy at McLaren following the departure of Juan Pablo Montoya to NASCAR and Kimi Räikkönen to Ferrari.[54][55] After months of speculation on whether Hamilton, Pedro de la Rosa or Gary Paffett would be paired with defending champion Fernando Alonso for 2007, Hamilton was confirmed as the team's second driver.[56] He was told of McLaren's decision at the end of September, but the news was not made public for almost two months, for fear that it would be overshadowed by Michael Schumacher's retirement announcement.[57]
Formula One career
McLaren (2007–2012)
Hamilton's first season in Formula One saw him partner two-time and defending World Champion Fernando Alonso. Hamilton is the first and, as of 2021, the only black driver to race in the series.[58][59][60] After finishing on the podium in his debut, Hamilton went on to set several records as he finished runner-up in the 2007 World Drivers' Championship to Kimi Räikkönen by one point, including those for the most consecutive podium finishes from debut (9), the joint most wins in a debut season (4) and the most points in a debut season (109). Throughout the season, Hamilton and Alonso were involved in a number of incidents which resulted in tensions between both drivers and the team, culminating in Alonso and McLaren terminating their contract by mutual consent in November. Following a successful first season at McLaren, Hamilton signed a multi-million-pound contract to stay with the team until 2012.[61]
Hamilton's success continued in 2008. He amassed five victories and ten podium finishes but was also accused of arrogance and dangerous driving, though he argued that his self-belief was wrongly interpreted and that his driving was firm but fair. As the season reached its conclusion in Brazil, it became a clear two-way fight for the title between the home favourite Felipe Massa and the young Briton. Hamilton won his first title in dramatic fashion in the last race of the season, the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, overtaking Timo Glock for fifth position in the final corners of the last lap to become the then-youngest Formula One World Champion in history and to deny race-winner Massa the title by one point.[62][63] This made Hamilton the first British driver to win the World Championship since Damon Hill in 1996.[64]
In his last four years with McLaren, Hamilton continued to score podium finishes and race victories. Hamilton entered the final round of the 2010 season with a chance of winning the title, but ultimately finished fourth as Sebastian Vettel won the race to take his maiden drivers' crown. The following year was the first season he had been out-scored by a teammate, as Jenson Button finished runner-up to champion Sebastian Vettel, during a year in which distractions in his private life and run-ins with FIA officials saw Hamilton finish a lowly fifth in the standings, after which he vowed he would return to form for 2012. Keeping to his word, Hamilton achieved four race-wins in the 2012 season as he finished fourth in the standings. Before the end of the year, Hamilton announced, to much surprise, that he would be joining Mercedes for the 2013 season, replacing the retiring Michael Schumacher.[65]
Mercedes (2013–present)
Teammates with Rosberg
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.[66][67] In his first season with the Silver Arrows, Hamilton secured a sole race victory, winning the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he converted an unexpected pole position into a winning margin of over 11 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Kimi Räikkönen,[68] alongside a number of podium finishes and pole positions, finishing fourth in the standings once again, the third time in five years.[65]
Changes to regulations for the 2014 season, which mandated the use of turbo-hybrid engines, contributed to the start of a highly successful era for Hamilton. That year saw Mercedes win 16 of the 19 races that season, 11 of those secured by Hamilton as he prevailed in a season-long duel for the title against teammate Rosberg. Clinching his second drivers' title, and eclipsing the victory tally of all British drivers before him, Hamilton declared over team-radio after the final race in Abu Dhabi: "This is the greatest day of my life."[65] New driver number regulations brought in for 2014 allowed drivers to pick a unique car number to use for their entire career, and so Hamilton elected to drive under his old karting No. 44 for the remainder of his career.[69]
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.[70] Hamilton dominated the 2015 season, winning ten races finishing on the podium a record seventeen times as he matched his hero Ayrton Senna's three World Championships titles. The rivalry between him and Rosberg intensified, climaxing in a heated battle at the US Grand Prix where Hamilton won in an action-packed, wheel-to-wheel battle with his teammate to clinch the title with three races to spare.[65] That year, Hamilton extended his contract with Mercedes for three additional years in a deal reportedly worth more than £100 million, making him one of the best-paid drivers in Formula One,[71][72] as well as allowing Hamilton to retain his own image rights, which is considered unusual in the sport, and keep his championship-winning cars and trophies.[73]
Despite recording more pole positions and race wins than any other driver in 2016, Hamilton lost the drivers' title by five points to his teammate, Rosberg. The team's policy of letting the pair fight freely led to several acrimonious exchanges both on and off the track, culminating in Hamilton defying team-orders at the season finale in Abu Dhabi and deliberately slowing to back Rosberg into the chasing pack at the end of the race in an unsuccessful bid to encourage other drivers to overtake his teammate, which would have allowed him to win the title.[74] Ultimately, a succession of poor starts from Hamilton early in the season and a crucial engine blowout in Malaysia meant Rosberg took the title, which he successfully secured before announcing his shock retirement from the sport immediately after beating his rival.[65][75]
Four titles in a row
Following Rosberg's retirement, Ferrari's Sebastian 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 teammate 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.[65]
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.[76][77][78] As with the season before, 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 in Mexico for a second year running as he set a new record for the most points scored in a season (408).[65][75] 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.[79]
Having signed a contract with Mercedes that lasted until 2020, it was confirmed Hamilton would defend his title in 2019.[80] Hamilton led the drivers' standings for the majority of the season, fending off title challenges from team-mate Bottas, the Honda-powered Red Bull of Verstappen and Ferrari's recently promoted Leclerc, to clinch his sixth drivers' crown at the 2019 United States Grand Prix with two races remaining.[81][82] After scoring his sixth career grand slam in 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.[83] 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.[84]
Hamilton won his seventh drivers' title in 2020, equalling the record set by Schumacher, in a season heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.[85][86] Over the shortened seventeen-race season, Hamilton took 11 wins (equalling his previous personal best, but in fewer races) including one in Portugal to break Schumacher's record of 91 wins.[87] He also took 14 podiums and 10 pole positions. Hamilton missed the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix after contracting COVID-19,[88] his first race absence since his debut in 2007.[89] Hamilton clinched the title at the 2020 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.[90] 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.[91] Hamilton and Bottas' W11 cars also sported a black livery as a statement of Mercedes' commitment to diversity.[92]
In February 2021, Hamilton signed a contract to continue racing for the team in 2021.[93] At the 2021 Spanish Grand Prix in May, Hamilton became the first driver to reach 100 pole positions in Formula One.[94] In July 2021, Hamilton signed a contract-extension to remain with Mercedes until the end of 2023.[95] He claimed his 100th race win at the 2021 Russian Grand Prix. He will partner George Russell for the 2022 season.[96]
Driver profile
Driving style
Hamilton is regarded as one of the most complete drivers on the grid,[97] excelling across a wide range of areas.[98] He has been described as having an aggressive driving style,[99] 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."[100][101] 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.[100] 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 despite instability in the car.[102] 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 [of a corner] 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.[17]
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 only brought to an end as a result of mechanical issues as opposed to driver error.[103][104] Ross Brawn wrote that "over the course of [2018], 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."[105] 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 [in] wheel-to-wheel combat [or] in qualifying ... He just doesn't fade, mentally or physically."[106]
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.[107][108] 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.[109] 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":[110] despite only 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.[111][110][112][113][114] Hamilton cited the race as his "stand-out" performance of the season.[111]
Ayrton Senna was a major influence on Hamilton's driving style, recalling: "I think it's partly because I watched [him] 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."[115] He has been compared to Senna in raw speed.[116] 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.[117][118]
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.[119] 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".[65]
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[120]
Hamilton has been described as the best driver of his generation,[121][122][123][124][excessive citations] and one of the greatest Formula One drivers.[125][126][127][128][129][130][131][132][133][134][135][136][excessive citations] Several Formula One drivers and experts have described Hamilton as the greatest Formula One driver of all time.[137][138][139][140][141][142][143][144][145][146][excessive citations] Jim Holden writing in Autocar suggests Hamilton might not only be among the greatest British drivers in Formula One, but one of the greatest British sportsmen.[147]
Despite 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 under-appreciated.[148][149] 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, dreadlocks and designer clothing – alienating some of the sport's traditional white, elderly male fanbase.[147] 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.[150][147]
What strikes me now about him now is his maturity ... [Hamilton] 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 [Formula One]. 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[151]
Hamilton's jet-set lifestyle and interests outside Formula One have been scrutinised.[152] He has been praised for disregarding convention and public opinion and has been described as one of the last superstar drivers.[153][150] 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.[153] Toto Wolff has been vocal in his support for Hamilton's off-track pursuits, explaining how freedom allows Hamilton to function at his best.[148]
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, noting how he is happy to engage with fans, unlike some of his peers.[152] Since Hamilton's rookie season in 2007, Formula One's annual global revenue rose by 53%, to $1.83 billion as of 31 July 2016.[121] Sports journalist for The Telegraph, Luke Slater, goes as far as to argue that "[t]here have been few better representatives of the sport than Hamilton ... [both] on and off the track."[154] Following Hamilton's knighthood in 2020,[155] 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."[156]
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[157]
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."[17] After his first world title a year later, many people considered Hamilton the best driver of his generation.[158] 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.[159] 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,[132] attracting high praise from experts and fellow drivers for extracting race-winning performances from cars that were not dominant.[157][160]
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",[122] an opinion which was widely accepted among the public, experts, and fellow and former drivers.[121] 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.[159] 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.[161][162] 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,[163][132][157][164][165][129][130][166][167][168] with some journalists and pundits considering the possibility of Hamilton being the greatest Formula One driver of all time.[169][170]
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,[137] a sentiment echoed by his Mercedes team-boss Toto Wolff, who described him as "maybe the best driver that has ever existed",[148] while Formula One staff writer, Greg Stuart, described Hamilton as "arguably the most complete Formula [One] driver ever".[97] 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.[171] Herbert compared Hamilton to tennis player Roger Federer and golfer Tiger Woods.[172] After Hamilton's win at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix which secured him his seventh title, fellow podium finishers Vettel and Sergio Pérez both acclaimed Hamilton as the greatest driver of their generation.[110]
Helmet
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.[173] Hamilton continued to run a predominantly yellow design for the early stage of his Formula One career, but in 2014 decided to change to a mostly white approach.[174] In 2017, Hamilton selected his helmet design from fan submissions.[175] The winning design used a white and yellow base colour with red and orange details, and the addition of three stars, one for each of Hamilton's three Formula One championships at that time, on either side.[176] Over the following seasons, Hamilton continued to add more stars to his helmet on winning further World Championship titles.[177]
Hamilton has worn specially designed one-off helmets for several weekends throughout his career. At the 2010 Monaco Grand Prix, he sported an altered helmet design with the addition of a roulette wheel image on the top.[178] At the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix, Hamilton brought with him a striking blue-and-green design in honour of team sponsor Petronas but was prevented from using the helmet by the FIA.[174] Hamilton has sported gold coloured helmets three times in his career. After winning his fourth title in 2017, he entered 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in a gold helmet with four stars adorning the top of the helmet with the words World Champion.[179] Hamilton wore a gold helmet at the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after sealing his fifth world title, towards which he made reference with five stars on either side of the design,[177] and did so again at the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, this time with six stars following his sixth World Championship title.[180]
Hamilton has also used one-off helmet designs to pay tribute to influential figures in his career. At the 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix, he wore a special helmet in tribute to Ayrton Senna which was auctioned after the race in aid of the Ayrton Senna Foundation.[181] At the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix, Hamilton, like fellow driver Sebastian Vettel, wore a special helmet to pay tribute to Niki Lauda, who died at the start of the week. The helmet was painted red and white, Lauda's classic colours, and had his name printed on the back. After the race, Hamilton reflected on Lauda's career, saying: "Ultimately, as a driver, my goal one day is to hopefully be as respected as he was ... He's definitely someone who led by a great example, left a great example, and was a real hero to so many."[182] Hamilton again wore a special helmet to pay tribute to Ayrton Senna at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix.[183]
Rivalries
Fernando Alonso
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.[184] 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.[185] 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."[185]
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.[17] Hamilton was then delayed in the pits by Alonso and thus unable to set a final lap time before the end of the session.[186] 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.[187] Hamilton was reported to have sworn at Dennis on the team radio following the incident.[188] British motorsport journal Autosport claimed that this "[led] 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";[189] however, McLaren later issued a statement on behalf of Hamilton that denied the use of any profanity.[190]
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.[191][192] In the aftermath it was reported that Hamilton had been targeted by Luca di Montezemolo regarding a Ferrari drive for 2008.[193] The rivalry between the pair led to speculation that either Hamilton or Alonso would leave McLaren at the end of the season;[194][195][196] Alonso and McLaren terminated their contract by mutual consent in November that year, ending his and Hamilton's time as teammates.[197] In subsequent years, tensions between the pair dissipated, and the mutual respect has grown,[198] with Alonso praising Hamilton in 2017 saying "[Hamilton] 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."[157] Alonso later described Hamilton as one of the top five greatest drivers of all time.[129] 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.[199]
In their time together as teammates, Hamilton and Alonso won 8 of 17 races in the 2007 Formula One season. Hamilton had 4 victories, 12 podium finishes and qualified ahead of Alonso 10 times. Alonso also had 4 victories, 12 podium finishes but qualified ahead of Hamilton only 7 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.[200]
Nico Rosberg
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.[201] 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."[202] Sports journalist Paul Weaver contrasts their upbringings;[202] Rosberg, an only child, was born in Germany but brought up in Monaco and was the son of a wealthy former Formula One world champion, Keke Rosberg, whereas Hamilton was born on a council estate in Stevenage, and his father had to work multiple jobs to fund his son's junior racing.[19]
Pundit and commentator Will Buxton compared the character and driving styles of the pair, labelling Hamilton as the faster driver with more natural ability but with an intellect to match Rosberg's.[119] 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.[119]
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.[19] 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.[119] However, 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."[98][203]
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. 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.[204]
Sebastian Vettel
Hamilton describes his rivalry with Sebastian Vettel as his favourite, believing their battles helped bring them closer together.[205] After three years of Mercedes' dominance from 2014 to 2016, Ferrari produced a car that was capable of fighting for the championship in 2017 and 2018.[206][207][208] 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,[209] the pair developed a strong mutual respect in a hard but fairly contested fight.[210][211][212] 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.[213]
Public image and influence
Racist treatment
The first and, as of 2021, 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.[214] 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]".[215] The FIA warned Spanish authorities about the repetition of such behaviour,[216] and launched a "Race Against Racism" campaign.[217] 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.[218] In 2021, Hamilton was subjected to online racist abuse following a dramatic 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.[219]
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.[220] 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.[221] At the start of his Formula One career, Hamilton said that he "tried to ignore the fact [he] was the first black guy ever to race in the sport" but later stated that he had since grown to "appreciate the implications",[222] and changed his approach to promote equality within the sport.[223] In 2019, Toto Wolff, Hamilton's team boss at Mercedes, described how Hamilton was "scarred for life" by racist abuse inflicted during his childhood.[224]
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 [ethnic backgrounds]. I take great pride in that.
—Hamilton in 2017 commenting on his influence on minority representation in Formula One[225]
Hamilton is a prominent advocate against racism and for increased diversity in motorsport.[226][227] He has questioned racial politics in Formula One on several occasions. In 2011, after being summoned to the stewards in five out of the first six races of the season, Hamilton quipped, "Maybe it's because I'm black, that's what Ali G says."[228] In 2018, Hamilton criticised the lack of diversity in Formula One, describing how nothing had changed in his eleven years in the sport before saying: "Kids, people, there are so many jobs in this sport of which anybody, no matter your ethnicity or background, can make it and fit in."[229][230]
Hamilton took the knee before every race he entered in the 2020 Formula One season in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and wore t-shirts bearing the Black Lives Matter slogan.[91] Following the murder of George Floyd while being arrested in May 2020, which sparked national and global protests,[231] 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 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. [...] I do not stand with those looting and burning buildings but those who are protesting peacefully. There can be no peace until our so called leaders make change. This is not just America, this is the UK, this is Spain, this is Italy and all over. [...] The way minorities are treated has to change, how you educate those in your country of equality, racism, classism and that we are all the same. We are not born with racism and hate in our hearts, it is taught by those we look up to.[232][233][234][235]
Following Hamilton's comments, several drivers released statements about Floyd's murder and voiced their support for the Black Lives Matter movement, and support was expressed from other figures in the sport such as Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team boss.[236][232] Ross Brawn, managing director for Formula One, said that the organisation "supports [Hamilton] totally", describing Hamilton as "a great ambassador for the sport". He acknowledged that Hamilton's comments "are very valid" and that the sport "can give greater opportunity for minority and ethnic groups to get involved in motorsport". Brawn stated that Formula One was working to increase diversity within the sport, with efforts targeted at increasing driving opportunities at grassroots level as well as across all roles in Formula One.[237]
During the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix weekend, including on the podium, Hamilton wore a T-shirt bearing "Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor" on the front and "Say her name" with a photo of Taylor on the back, in reference to the killing of Breonna Taylor. Following an investigation, the FIA announced that only race suits done up to the neck can be worn on the podium and that only official team attire can be worn in the media pen.[238] 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 "[didn't] regret a single moment of it" and cited the "really positive ... support ... from the fans".[227]
In June 2020, it was announced that Hamilton had established The Hamilton Commission with the Royal Academy of Engineering. The commission had been in development since December 2019 but publicly launched to coincide with the heightened media and public interest in the Black Lives Matter movement, and greater scrutiny of race inequality in society. The partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering was established to find ways in which motorsport can engage more young people from black backgrounds with science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects and, ultimately, employ them in motorsport or in other engineering sectors.[239][240] In May 2021, Hamilton become the first recipient of the inaugural Laureus Athlete Advocate of the Year Award for his involvement in the fight against racism.[241]
Building on the recommendations of the Hamilton Commission, Hamilton launched Mission 44, a charitable foundation created to help young people from under-represented backgrounds achieve their ambitions in wider society, in July 2021. Hamilton pledged £20m of his personal wealth to support the work of the charity, including supporting organisations and programmes that narrow the gap in employment and education..[242] Mission 44 will work in conjunction with a joint charitable foundation between Hamilton and the Mercedes Formula One team, called Ignite, which was also launched in July 2021.[243] Ignite focuses on increasing diversity in motorsport, by improving educational opportunities and offering financial support[244]
Human rights
In December 2020, Hamilton confronted the Bahrain's human rights abuses and spoke out on the allegations of sportswashing. Hamilton said he "won't let it go unnoticed" after an 11-year-old boy, Ahmed Ramadhan, wrote a letter to Hamilton, asking him to save his father, who was facing the death penalty, after a confession was allegedly extracted through torture for the death of a policeman.[245][246] Hamilton spoke to human rights organisations and legal experts. He also spoke with Bahraini officials about the country's human rights. The F1 champion said that while he had no authority to choose the location for his race, "going to these countries and just ignoring what is happening in those places" is not the right way.[247]
Environmental and animal rights
Hamilton has repeatedly discussed environmental issues and animal rights at conferences, in interviews and in documentaries.[248][249] He also uses his social media platforms to gather support for his initiatives,[250] which range from urging China to reclassify dogs as pets instead of livestock,[251] and backing charities which fight the illegal wildlife trade,[252] to calling for the protection of the Amazon rainforest.[253] In January 2020, he donated US$500,000 (approximately £383,000) to a variety of causes relating to the bushfire crisis in Australia.[254] The money went towards the fire services and animal welfare charities.[255]
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."[256][257] 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."[258]
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.[259][260][261] 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."[262][263][264]
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.[265][266][267] In 2015, Hamilton took part in an exhibition to highlight UNICEF's work and to celebrate its twenty-year partnership with Starwood Hotels.[268][269] 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.[270][271][272] In August 2017, Hamilton visited Havana with UNICEF to learn more about its first development programmes in Cuba.[273][274]
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.[275]
Other charities
Over the past decade, Hamilton has made time for a variety of good causes, such as making hospital visits to sick children.[276][277] He has invited fans, young people, and their families to join him at Grand Prix races and social events.[278][279][280][281][282] In 2013, he became the Global Education Ambassador for Save the Children, supporting and promoting its education campaigns.[283][284][285] Two years later, Hamilton became the first ambassador for the Invictus Games Foundation, supporting wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.[286][287][288] During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hamilton's Neat Burger restaurant donated free meals to frontline NHS workers.[289][290] Neat Burger also launched the "Kids Eat Free" scheme, serving free meals to school children during the half-term break.[291][292]
Hamilton often donates personal and professional paraphernalia for charity auctions.[293][294][295][296] He auctioned a racing kart and raised over £42,000 for baby charity Tommy's.[27] He raised £6,411 for the Small Steps Project in 2018, and £6,000 in 2019.[297] In 2020, he raised another £4,000 for the Small Steps Project, while a donated race suit reportedly raised €20,000 for vulnerable children.[298][299]
Hamilton frequently attends charitable functions[300][301][302][303] and has supported projects and charities such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation,[304] Comic Relief,[305] Rays of Sunshine,[306] Children in Need,[307] and Stevenage's Keech Hospice Care Children's Service, among others.[308] 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.[309][310]
Media reception
In December 2017, Hamilton courted controversy after sharing a video on Instagram of his nephew wearing a princess dress in which he commented: "Why did you ask for a princess dress for Christmas, boys don't wear princess dresses."[311] He was condemned on social media and by LGBT charities for his comments.[312][313] He subsequently deleted the video before later deleting all content from his social media channels,[314] although he returned to actively using his social media accounts on 17 January 2018.[315] Hamilton apologised for his comments, and later appeared at Disneyland Paris with his nephew, who wore a princess dress for the trip, as well as featuring on the front cover of GQ wearing a rainbow tartan kilt he designed with Tommy Hilfiger, saying: "I've done something and then realised the effect I've had ... I want to make amends. I accept it, realise it and I'm glad that I'm accountable for it."[316]
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 noted that people felt "very offended".[317] 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."[318] The town mayor subsequently accepted his "gracious apology".[319]
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.[320][321] 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.[322][323] 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.[324][325][326]
Hamilton was one of several figures whose tax arrangements were singled out in a report by the charity Christian Aid in 2008.[327][328][329] That year, Hamilton received criticism from UK members of parliament for avoiding UK taxes.[330] 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.[331] 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.[331] The jet was sold in September 2019.[332] Despite 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 [in the UK], 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 [UK] as well. I am contributing to the country."[333][334]
Other ventures
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."[335] 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.[336][337] Hamilton also made a guest appearance in the film Cars 2 in which he voices an anthropomorphic version of himself.[338] He then voiced a voice command assistant in Cars 3 used by Cruz Ramirez.[339] Hamilton is credited as an executive producer for the 2018 documentary film The Game Changers.[340]
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.[341] Hamilton stated "[g]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."[342]
In September 2019, Hamilton launched a vegan restaurant named Neat Burger.[343] It claims to be the first international plant-based burger chain.[344] In 2020, Neat Burger was crowned Best Vegan Restaurant of the Year at the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards.[345] In August 2020, Daily Front Row listed Hamilton as one of a group of high-profile investors who purchased W, a troubled fashion magazine.[346]
Hamilton also 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. [347]
In September 2020, Hamilton launched X44 to compete in the all-electric SUV off-road racing series Extreme E from the 2021 season on.[348]
Personal life
In 2017, Hamilton told the BBC that he had become vegan because "[a]s the human race, what we are doing to the world ... the pollution [in terms of emissions of global-warming gases] 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."[349] In 2018 he was named the PETA Person of the Year for his vegan activism.[350] In 2018, Hamilton said in an interview that he gave up drinking "a while ago".[351]
Hamilton is a fan of art and has said that one of his favourite artists is Andy Warhol.[352] 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.[353] 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.[354][355] Hamilton owns two unrestored 1967 AC Cobras, one black and one red,[356] and in February 2015, it was reported that he had purchased a Ferrari LaFerrari from "his rivals in Maranello".[357]
On 18 December 2007, Hamilton was suspended from driving in France for a month after being caught speeding at 196 km/h (122 mph) on a French motorway. His Mercedes-Benz CLK was also impounded.[358][359] 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.[360][361][362]
Residence
Hamilton moved to Luins, Vaud canton, 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.[363][364][365]
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.[366]
Wealth and income
In 2015, Hamilton was ranked as the richest British sportsperson, with an estimated personal fortune of £88 million.[367] In 2018, it was reported that Hamilton had a net worth of £159 million.[368] 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.[369]
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.[71] 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.[79]
Racing 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 Industrie – 100 Junior | 19th | |||||||||||
| Green Helmet Trophy – Cadets | 12th | ||||||||||||
| Italian Open Masters – ICA Junior | 4th | ||||||||||||
| 1999 | Torneo Industrie Open – ICA | 1st | |||||||||||
| South Garda Winter Cup – ICA Junior | 6th | ||||||||||||
| Trofeo Andrea Margutti – 100 Junior | 18th | ||||||||||||
| Italian Open Masters – ICA Junior | 4th | ||||||||||||
| European Championship – ICA Junior | 2nd | ||||||||||||
| 2000 | Trofeo Andrea Margutti – Formula A | 7th | |||||||||||
| World Cup – Formula A | MBM.com | 1st | |||||||||||
| European Championship – Formula A | 1st | ||||||||||||
| World Championship – Formula A | 20th | ||||||||||||
| 2001 | South Garda Winter Cup – Formula Super A | 7th | |||||||||||
| Italian Open Masters – Formula A | MBM.com | 4th | |||||||||||
| World Championship – Formula Super A | 15th | ||||||||||||
Source:[370]
| |||||||||||||
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 | N/A | NC | ||
| Macau Grand Prix | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A | NC | ||
| 2004 | Formula 3 Euro Series | Manor Motorsport | 20 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 69 | 5th |
| Bahrain Superprix | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | N/A | 1st | ||
| Macau Grand Prix | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | N/A | 14th | ||
| Masters of Formula 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A | 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 | N/A | 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 | 17 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 12 | 275.5* | 2nd* |
* Season still in progress.
Complete Macau Grand Prix results
| Year | Team | Car | Qualifying | Quali Race | Main race | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Manor Motorsport
|
Dallara F303 | 18th | N/A | DNF | [372] |
| 2004 | Manor Motorsport
|
Dallara F304 | 2nd | 1st | 14th | [373] |
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 | |
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:[376]
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 | WDC | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Vodafone McLaren Mercedes | McLaren MP4-22 | Mercedes 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 EQ Power+ | Mercedes 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 EQ Power+ | Mercedes 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 EQ Power+ | Mercedes 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 EQ Performance | 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 E Performance | 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 12 |
HUN 2 |
BEL 3‡ |
NED 2 |
ITA Ret |
RUS 1 |
TUR 5 |
USA 2 |
MXC |
SAP |
QAT |
SAU |
ABU |
2nd* | 275.5* |
† 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.
* Season still in progress.
Formula One records
Hamilton debuted at the 2007 Australian Grand Prix becoming the first black driver in Formula One.[377][378] He has set several records throughout his career. Hamilton has the most career wins,[379][380] most pole positions,[381][382] most podium finishes,[383][384] most career points,[385] and most laps led,[386] among other records. When Hamilton won the 2008 F1 World Championship, after finishing fifth in the Brazilian Grand Prix, he had become the youngest driver ever to win the championship at age 23 years and 301 days,[387][388] a triumph that was beaten by Sebastian Vettel in 2010.[389][390]
Honours and achievements
Formula One
- Formula One World Drivers' Championship: 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020[391][392][393]
- Formula One World Constructors' Championship: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020[394][395][396]
- DHL Fastest Lap Award: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020[397][398][399]
- FIA Pole Trophy/Pirelli Pole Position Award: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020[400]
- Hawthorn Memorial Trophy: 2007, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020[401][402][403][404]
- Lorenzo Bandini Trophy: 2009[405]
Other awards
Throughout his career, Hamilton has received several awards and honors. He won the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award in 2008[406] and the Sportsman of the Year Award in 2020.[407] Hamilton also won Pride of Britain Awards (2007),[408] Best Driver ESPY Award (2017),[409] BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award (2014; 2020),[410][411] L'Équipe Champion of Champions (2020),[412] and Gazzetta World Sportsman of the Year (2018; 2020),[413][414] among others prizes and awards. He was elected FIA Personality of the Year three times (2014; 2018; 2020),[415][416][417] and was inducted to FIA Hall of Fame in 2017.[418]
Orders and special awards
Member of the Order of the British Empire[419]
Knight Bachelor[325]- Honorary Award, Grenada[420][421]
Recognition
- A portrait of Hamilton by photographer Dario Mitidieri is held in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, London.[422]
- The Hamilton Straight, Silverstone Circuit.[423]
Notes
- ^ 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.[3] He briefly ran the number 1 on the nose of his car in practice for the 2018 and 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand 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.[4][5]
References
- ^ Hamilton, Lewis (2007). Lewis Hamilton: My Story. HarperSport. p. 33. ISBN 978-0-00-727005-7.
- ^ a b Kelso, Paul (20 April 2007). "Profile: Lewis Hamilton". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 26 June 2008.
- ^ "Hamilton to keep 44 as car number". GP Update. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
- ^ "World champion Hamilton runs number 1 on his Mercedes in Abu Dhabi". Retrieved 27 November 2018.
- ^ Horton, Phillip (29 November 2019). "Lewis Hamilton sports #1 during Abu Dhabi GP FP1". motorsportweek.com. Motorsport Week. Archived from the original on 5 July 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ^ Cary, Tom (3 March 2010). "Anthony Hamilton's massive support makes parting with Lewis easier to understand". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 14 May 2010.
- ^ a b Wolff, Alexander (12 June 2007). "Better Than Sex". Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 21 January 2008. Retrieved 21 August 2007.
- ^ "Being F1's first black driver is important". www.lewishamilton.com. Archived from the original on 8 March 2018. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
- ^ Mathé, Charlotte (12 July 2014). "10 Things About ... Lewis Hamilton". Digital Spy. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
- ^ The Life of Formula 1 Champ Lewis Hamilton (Full Segment) | Real Sports w/ Bryant Gumbel | HBO, retrieved 26 October 2020
- ^ Matt Dickinson (3 November 2008). "Lewis Hamilton admits: 'I just don't know how I kept my cool'". The Times. London. Archived from the original on 9 May 2009.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton Biography – Trivia". The Biography Channel. London: thebiographychannel.co.uk. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 7 May 2013.
- ^ a b "BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 in Four - Race to the top: Lewis Hamilton". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
- ^ a b c d "Who's Who: Lewis Hamilton". F1Fanatic.co.uk. 2007. Archived from the original on 6 October 2007. Retrieved 6 October 2007.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton: I had a lot of bullying and racism at school". Eurosport. 25 September 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
- ^ "20 things you don't know about Lewis Hamilton". Nuts. 22 June 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f Benson, Andrew. "Challenger, champion, change-maker: The real Lewis Hamilton story". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
- ^ "'Thanks dad!' Lewis Hamilton reflects on his F1 championship journey". Wheels. 22 May 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
- ^ a b c d Owen, Oliver (3 June 2007). "The real deal". The Observer. London. Retrieved 5 July 2007.
- ^ Callow, James (14 March 2011). "Lewis Hamilton signs with Simon Fuller's XIX Entertainment". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 22 March 2011.
- ^ "Words from Lewis Hamilton's father inspired Hungarian Grand Prix pace, says Wolff | Formula 1®". www.formula1.com. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton fact file". BBC Southern Counties. BBC. 19 June 2007. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
- ^ Davies, Gareth A (5 July 2007). "A salute to the real Lewis Hamilton". The Daily Telegraph. London.
- ^ Younge, Gary (10 July 2021). "Lewis Hamilton: 'Everything I'd suppressed came up – I had to speak out'". theguardian.co.uk. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton: I could have been a footballer". The Daily Telegraph. 29 October 2007. Archived from the original on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
- ^ Hamilton, Lewis (2007). Lewis Hamilton: My Story. HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0-00-727005-7.
- ^ a b c "Hamilton's kart sells for £42,100". BBC News. 19 June 2007. Retrieved 5 July 2007.
- ^ Baker, Andrew (29 October 2008). "Lewis Hamilton's karting days have helped him become one of F1's best drivers". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2 November 2008. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
- ^ Nottage, Jane; Rae, Richard (17 June 2007). "Teams target the next generation of stars". The Times. London. Retrieved 25 March 2011.
- ^ Westcott, Kathryn (9 July 2012). "The curious world of long-term bets". BBC News.
- ^ "Schumacher Tips Hamilton for Future Glory". AtlasF1. 28 October 2001. Archived from the original on 24 October 2007. Retrieved 5 July 2007.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton Biography". Vodafone McLaren Mercedes official website. Archived from the original on 13 March 2010. Retrieved 5 July 2007.
- ^ "When Hamilton raced Schumacher". F1Fanatic.co.uk. 2007. Retrieved 10 June 2007.
- ^ "Formula Renault 2.0 UK 2002 standings". driverdb.com. Driver Database. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ "Formula Renault 2.0 UK 2003 standings". driverdb.com. Driver Database. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ "British Formula 3 Championship 2003 standings". driverdb.com. Driver Database. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ Thomas, Stella-Maria; Waite, Lynne (10 October 2003). "Brands Hatch round 23 race report". Motorsport.com. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 5 July 2007.
- ^ Thomas, Stella-Maria; Waite, Lynne (13 October 2003). "Brands Hatch round 24 race report". Motorsport.com. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 5 July 2007.
- ^ "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". CAR Magazine. July 2002. pp. 146–149.
- ^ "Formula 3 Euro Series 2004 standings". driverdb.com. Driver Database. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ "1st Bahrain F3 Superprix 2004 Race". Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ^ "Hamilton misses podium". Autosport. 16 November 2003. Archived from the original on 19 July 2018. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
- ^ "Macau: Bad day for the Brits". Autosport. 21 November 2004. Archived from the original on 21 July 2018. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
- ^ "Williams 'came close to Lewis deal'". ITV-F1.com. 2 March 2008. Archived from the original on 2 March 2008.
- ^ "New McLaren bad news for Wurz". crash.net. 16 December 2004. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton portrait". Formula 3 Euro Series. 28 August 2005. Archived from the original on 6 December 2010. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton biography and information". F1 Fanatic. Keith Collantine. Archived from the original on 6 October 2007. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton". Sky Sports. Sky. 10 February 2010. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
- ^ "2006 GP2 SERIES - Standings". motorsportmagazine.com. Motor Sport Magazine. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ "Nurburgring 2006: Hamilton beats penalty and rest". crash.net. Crash. 6 May 2006. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ "Silverstone: DAMS team race two report". motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. 14 June 2006. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ "Istanbul 2006: Zuber win overshadowed by Hamilton". crash.net. Crash. 27 August 2006. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ "GP2 Series – History". GP2 Series (official website). Archived from the original on 17 May 2008. Retrieved 5 July 2007.
- ^ "McLaren agree to release Montoya". BBC Sport. 11 July 2006. Retrieved 28 February 2009.
- ^ "Ferrari reveal Räikkönen signing". BBC Sport. 10 September 2006. Retrieved 28 February 2009.
- ^ "Hamilton gets 2007 McLaren drive". BBC Sport. 24 November 2006. Retrieved 28 February 2009.
- ^ Tremayne, David (25 November 2006). "Hamilton's F1 drive is a dream come true". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 16 September 2019. Retrieved 25 November 2006.
- ^ "Grenadian roots of first black F1 driver". BBC. 27 November 2006. Retrieved 12 December 2006.
The first black driver named to race in Formula One
- ^ Garside, Kevin; Britten, Nick (13 September 2006). "Formula One's first black driver to take his place on grid". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 31 August 2008. Retrieved 26 June 2008.
- ^ Smith, Adam (12 April 2007). "Lewis Hamilton: The Tiger Woods of Racing?". Time. Archived from the original on 29 April 2007. Retrieved 26 June 2008.
- ^ "Hamilton signs new McLaren deal". BBC Sport. 18 January 2008. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
- ^ Benson, Andrew (2 November 2008). "Last-gasp Hamilton takes F1 crown". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 November 2012.
- ^ "Hamilton speechless after dramatic title finale". Formula One. Archived from the original on 5 December 2008. Retrieved 26 November 2008.
- ^ "2008 Brazilian Grand Prix". BBC Sport. 2 November 2008. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Donaldson, Gerald. "Lewis Hamilton - Hall of fame". formula1.com. FIA Formula One World Championship Limited. Retrieved 5 November 2019.
- ^ Cary, Tom (28 September 2012). "Lewis Hamilton to join Mercedes in $100m move from McLaren, signing a three-year deal". The Telegraph. telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
- ^ Gill, Pete (4 October 2012). "Lewis Hamilton joins Mercedes for 2013". Sky Sports. skysports.com. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton takes pole to flag victory in Hungary". Racecar. Racecar New Media Services Ltd. 28 July 2013. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
- ^ "Numbers up for 2014 Formula One drivers". MSN News. 10 January 2014. Archived from the original on 13 January 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
- ^ Collantine, Keith (25 November 2014). "Hamilton won't have number one on his car in 2015". F1 Fanatic. Archived from the original on 3 March 2015. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
- ^ a b Johnson, Daniel (20 May 2015). "Lewis Hamilton signs £100m deal with Mercedes". The Telegraph. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
- ^ Weaver, Paul (20 May 2015). "Lewis Hamilton agrees £100m deal to stay at Mercedes for three years". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
- ^ Johnson, Daniel (20 May 2015). "Lewis Hamilton signs £100m deal with Mercedes". The Telegraph. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
- ^ "Hamilton did nothing wrong in Abu Dhabi decider". BBC Sport. 29 November 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ a b Scott, Matthew. "Lewis Hamilton Biography". gpfans.com. GP Fans. Retrieved 5 November 2019.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton: This is my best season". skysports.com. Sky Sports. 5 October 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
- ^ "2018 Formula 1: The fight for five". foxsportsasia.com. Fox Sport. 6 April 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
- ^ "Two four-time champions – Hamilton and Vettel – has turned into a one-horse race". economictimes.indiatimes.com. The Economic Times. 8 October 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
- ^ a b "Lewis Hamilton signs £40m-a-year Mercedes contract to become best-paid driver in F1 history". The Telegraph. 19 July 2018. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes driver agrees £40m-a-year deal until 2020". BBC Sport. 19 July 2018. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ^ "Hamilton crowned F1 world champion for sixth time as Bottas wins in Austin". formula1.com. Formula One World Championship Limited. 3 November 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton hails 'best and toughest season' after sixth F1 world title". Guardian. 3 November 2019. Retrieved 5 November 2019.
- ^ "F1 2019 season guide: championship standings, grand prix winners, remaining races". theweek.com. The Week. 6 November 2019. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ^ "Hamilton rounds off title-winning season with dominant Abu Dhabi win". formula1.com. FIA Formula One World Championship Limited. 1 December 2019. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
- ^ Baldwin, Alan (13 December 2020). "Winners and losers of 2020 Formula One season". reuters.com. Reuters. Reuters. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
- ^ Benson, Andrew (15 November 2020). "Lewis Hamilton wins seventh Formula 1 title - equalling Michael Schumacher". bbc.co.uk. BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
- ^ Richards, Giles (25 October 2020). "Lewis Hamilton wins Portuguese GP to break Michael Schumacher's F1 record". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton to miss Sakhir GP after testing positive for coronavirus". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
- ^ "TRENDING TOPICS: Hamilton's absence, Russell's big opportunity, F1 debutants and more talking points ahead of the Sakhir GP | Formula 1®". www.formula1.com.
- ^ "2020 Driver Standings". formula1.com. FIA Formula One World Championship Limited. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
- ^ a b "Hamilton set for knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II – reports". espn.com. ESPN. 23 November 2020. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
- ^ name="blacklivery">Media, PA (29 June 2020). "Mercedes to race in black F1 livery in message against racism". theguardian.com. The Guardian. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
- ^ Collantine, Keith (8 February 2021). "Hamilton and Mercedes finally announce new deal for 2021 season". RaceFans. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
- ^ Richards, Giles (9 May 2021). "Lewis Hamilton makes history by claiming 100th F1 pole at Spanish GP". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
- ^ "Hamilton signs new Mercedes contract". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
- ^ Benson, Andrew. "George Russell: Mercedes sign British F1 driver to partner Lewis Hamilton from 2022". www.bbc.co.uk. BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ a b "THE DEBATE: How much better can Lewis Hamilton get?". formula1.com. FIA Formula One World Championship Ltd. 8 November 2019. Retrieved 9 November 2019.
- ^ a b "Lewis Hamilton". Sky News. 26 November 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: A subtle difference in driving style". Formula One. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ a b Hughes, Mark. "LONG READ: The constant evolution behind Hamilton's greatness". formula1.com. FIA Formula One World Championship Limited. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
- ^ "The real differences: Hamilton vs Senna vs Schumacher vs Alonso". motorsport.com. 9 September 2015. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: A subtle difference in driving style". Formula One. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton fulfills 'dream' after becoming five-time F1 champion". skysports.com. Sky Sports. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
- ^ ""The Lewis we have seen in the past two seasons here is flawless." –James Allison". bbc.co.uk. BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
- ^ Brawn, Ross (30 November 2018). "Ross Brawn reflects on 'intense' 2018 season". Formula One Official website. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
- ^ "Hamilton could bow out with 150 race wins". planetf1.com. Planet F1. 2 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton most memorable races". Bailiwick Express. 2016. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ "Lewis shows his class". grandprix.com. 2008. Archived from the original on 1 April 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ Horton, Phillip. "FORMULA 1 Remember when ... Lewis Hamilton last missed a wet weather F1 win". motorsportweek.com. Motorsport Week. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
- ^ a b c Saward, Joe (15 November 2020). "Lewis Hamilton's F1 Turkish Grand Prix Drive Is One for the Ages". Autoweek. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
- ^ a b Smith, Luke (29 December 2020). "Hamilton: Turkish GP my "stand-out performance" of F1 2020". Motorsport.com. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
- ^ Richards, Giles (15 November 2020). "Lewis Hamilton wins Turkish GP to clinch record-equalling seventh F1 title". theguardian.com. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
- ^ Duncan, Philip (15 November 2020). "Turkish Grand Prix result: Lewis Hamilton wins seventh F1 world title". independent.co.uk. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
- ^ Majendie, Matt (30 December 2020). "My sporting moment of 2020: Lewis Hamilton's Turkish GP triumph was the mark of a true champion". standard.co.uk. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
- ^ "Senna – The genuine hero". Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton has Ayrton Senna's speed but not ruthlessness". Autosport. 14 June 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ "Top Gear: Episode #15.5 (2010) Summary". Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- ^ "Ayrton Senna's top ten defining moments". Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- ^ a b c d "The Complete Driver". NBC Sports. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ Medland, Chris. "Hamilton '100% box office' – Ecclestone". f1i.com. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
- ^ a b c Gregory, Sean (20 December 2016). "The fastest man on wheels". Time Magazine. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ a b Coulthard, David (26 October 2015). "Lewis Hamilton has proved himself to be the best F1 driver of his generation". The Telegraph. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ "'Hamilton megastar of generation' – Brundle". gpupdate.net. 6 March 2009. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ Horton, Phillip. "Hamilton is comfortably the best Formula 1 driver in the current era". motorsportweek.com. Motorsport Week. Archived from the original on 29 October 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
- ^ Benson, Andrew (22 May 2012). "Formula One's Greatest Drivers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
- ^ "Formula 1's Greatest Drivers – Lewis Hamilton". Autosport. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
- ^ "Top 15 All Time Drivers". F1-Grand Prix. 21 October 2010. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
- ^ Moore, Justin (25 May 2018). "Who's The Best Formula One Driver Of All Time?". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ a b c "Lewis Hamilton is in Formula 1's top five, says Fernando Alonso". BBC. 19 October 2018. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
- ^ a b "Hamilton among F1's greatest drivers – Carlos Sainz". Wheels. 19 October 2018. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ "Felipe Massa: 'Lewis Hamilton just as good as Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher'". sportsmole. 2017. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ a b c Maltby, Matt. "Hamilton x5: The stats that prove his greatness". formula1.com. Formula One World Championship Limited. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
- ^ Nicholls, Jack. "Lewis Hamilton is comfortably one of the greatest racing drivers the world has ever seen". bbc.co.uk/sport. BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
- ^ "Carey: Drivers are our heroes, Lewis among the greatest". GRAND PRIX 247. 20 December 2019. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ Lewin, Andrew (6 November 2019). "Hamilton 'one of the greatest of all time', declares Brundle". F1i.com. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ Dieter Rencken & Fergal Walsh (17 December 2019). "Grosjean: Hamilton one of the top five drivers of all time". GPToday.net. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ a b Herbert, Johnny (3 November 2019). "Six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton is the best driver I have seen". The Guardian. Retrieved 5 November 2019.
- ^ McCague, Niall (27 November 2019). "Lewis Hamilton has already surpassed Michael Schumacher as greatest of all time, says Eddie Jordan". sport360.com. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ Aggarwal, Bharat (8 December 2020). "Lewis Hamilton Anointed the Greatest Driver of All-time by Another Ex-Schumacher Rival". EssentiallySports. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ Staff, Frontstretch (30 November 2019). "'Lewis Hamilton's the Best Racer That's Ever Been:' Eddie Irvine Speaks Out". Frontstretch. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ "Damon Hill hails 'best of all time' Lewis Hamilton". uk.news.yahoo.com. 15 November 2020. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ Smart, Ryan (6 August 2020). "'Lewis Hamilton is the greatest F1 driver in history because he's a clean racer' Murray Walker". GiveMeSport. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ Adedokun, Naomi (30 November 2020). "Lewis Hamilton is 'the greatest' because he 'doesn't have Schumacher's ruthlessness!'". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ Pringle, Ben (22 November 2019). "Lewis Hamilton 'greatest ever' F1 driver ahead of Michael Schumacher – Sam Bird". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ Kinard, Kyle (16 November 2020). "Lewis Hamilton Is the Greatest of All Time". Road & Track. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ Sinclair, Adam (2020). "Hamilton Officially Greatest F1 Driver of All Time According to New Statistical Study". speedwaydigest.com. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ a b c Holder, Jim (4 November 2019). "Is Lewis Hamilton the greatest British sportsman of all time?". autocar.co.uk. Autocar. Retrieved 5 November 2019.
- ^ a b c Mitchell, Scott (26 June 2019). "Hamilton may be 'best driver that has ever existed' – Wolff". motorsport.com. Motorsport. Retrieved 5 November 2019.
- ^ Grez, Matias (4 November 2019). "Lewis Hamilton 'could go on until he's 40,' says dad Anthony". edition.cnn.com. CNN Sport. CNN. Retrieved 5 November 2019.
- ^ a b Powell, Nick (3 November 2019). "Formula One: Lewis Hamilton very likely to become motor racing's greatest champion". news.sky.com. Sky News. Sky. Retrieved 5 November 2019.
- ^ Richard, Giles (29 November 2019). "Lewis Hamilton is not only a peerless champion, he is the face of F1". theguardian.com. Retrieved 5 December 2019.
- ^ a b "Lewis Hamilton is a great example for the other F1 drivers, says Emerson Fittipaldi". The Guardian. 30 October 2016. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
- ^ a b Renesis, Alessandro (17 April 2019). "Let's open up the debate: Is Lewis Hamilton the GOAT?". drivetribe.com. DRIVETRIBE. Retrieved 5 November 2019.
- ^ Slater, Luke. "After a sixth world title, should Lewis Hamilton be considered greater than seven-time winner Michael Schumacher?". telegraph.co.uk. The Telegraph. Retrieved 9 November 2019.
- ^ "Speedy Sir: Lewis Hamilton knighted in year-end royal honours". Hindustan Times. 31 December 2021. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
- ^ "Arise Sir Lewis! Hamilton to be awarded knighthood after historic seventh world title". formula1.com. FIA Formula One World Championship Limited. 30 December 2020. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ a b c d "Lewis Hamilton: Why the all-time F1 great shines above the numbers". BBC. 30 October 2017. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
- ^ Owen, Owen (3 June 2007). "The real deal". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ a b Walthert, Matthew (10 December 2014). "Where Does Lewis Hamilton Rank on List of F1's Greatest Drivers?". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ Nicholls, Jack. "Hamilton just has the best car, doesn't he?". bbc.co.uk/sport. BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
- ^ Barretto, Tremayne, Lawrence, David. "THE DEBATE: Should Hamilton now be considered the greatest of all time?". formula1.com. Formula One World Championship Limited. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
- ^ "The reason why Hamilton is the best qualifier in F1 history". GRAND PRIX 247. 12 October 2017. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ Richards, Giles (29 October 2017). "Why Lewis Hamilton has secured his place among the greatest F1 drivers | Giles Richards". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ "Hamilton is champion once more and will now rightly be considered one of the greatest drivers of all time". formula1.com. Formula One World Championship Limited. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
- ^ Horton, Phillip. "Champion Hamilton proves his greatness". motorsportweek.com. Motorsport Week. Archived from the original on 29 October 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
- ^ "Hamilton just as good as Senna, Schumacher – Massa". Wheels. 9 November 2017. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ Cooper, Adam (24 April 2019). "Hamilton the only F1 driver to reach same level as Senna – Berger". Autosport.com. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ Thorn, Dan (3 November 2017). "Lewis Hamilton Is One Of The All-Time Great F1 Drivers According To Ross Brawn". WTF1. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ Barretto, Lawrence; Tremayne, David. "THE DEBATE: Should Hamilton now be considered the greatest of all time?". formula1.com. Formula One World Championship Limited. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
- ^ Edmondson, Laurence (29 October 2018). "Is Lewis Hamilton F1's G.O.A.T.?". espn.co.uk. ESPN. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
- ^ Watson, John (16 November 2020). "Lewis Hamilton's bravery stood out at 10 – what he has done since is extraordinary". theguardian.com. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
- ^ Richards, Giles (15 November 2020). "'Hopefully this sends a message to kids'. Lewis Hamilton wants F1 feats to inspire". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 17 November 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
- ^ "Hamilton's helmet". asiaone.com. 23 July 2007. Archived from the original on 24 October 2008. Retrieved 2 November 2008.
- ^ a b Horton, Phillip (16 January 2019). "Remember when ... Hamilton's Petronas helmet was banned". motorsportweek.com. Motorsport Week. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ^ "Hamilton asks fans to design 2017 F1 helmet". motorsport.com. Retrieved 27 January 2017.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton reveals F1 2017 helmet competition design winner". Autosport. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
- ^ a b "HAMILTON TO USE GOLD HELMET FOR ABU DHABI SEASON FINALE". grandprix247.com. Grand Prix 24/7. 23 November 2018. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ "McLaren's Lewis Hamilton looks to repeat Monaco 2008 with new Helmet". F1 Chronicles. 13 May 2010. Archived from the original on 18 May 2010. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton: Formula One world champion unveils GOLD helmet for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix". The Express. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
- ^ Benson, Andrew (30 November 2019). "Lewis Hamilton takes dominant Abu Dhabi pole position". bbc.co.uk/sport. BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
- ^ Heublein, Stephan (25 November 2011). "Hamilton proud of Senna Helmet Design". Autoblog. AOL. Archived from the original on 23 January 2012. Retrieved 5 December 2011.
- ^ Mitchell, Scott (28 May 2019). "Hamilton's Monaco GP Lauda tribute helmet made last-minute". Autosport. autosport.com. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
- ^ Bradley, Charles (15 November 2019). "Hamilton reveals latest Senna tribute helmet". motorsport.com. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
- ^ "Hamilton 2007 Pre-season interview". Sporting Life. 30 August 2007. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 30 August 2007.
- ^ a b "The FIA's McLaren-Monaco statement in full". Formula One. 30 May 2007. Archived from the original on 9 July 2008. Retrieved 5 June 2007.
- ^ "Dennis: Hold up is Hamilton's fault". GPUpdate. 4 August 2007. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
- ^ "Chequered Flag (podcast)". BBC Radio Five Live. 5:56 minutes in.
- ^ Baldwin, Alan (5 August 2007). "Hamilton handed pole after Alonso punished". The Times. London. Retrieved 7 August 2007.
- ^ "Hamilton apologises to McLaren". Autosport. 5 August 2007. Retrieved 7 August 2007.
- ^ "McLaren: Lewis didn't swear at Dennis". itv-f1.com. 9 August 2007. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 9 August 2007.
- ^ Williams, Richard (25 August 2007). "Hamilton calls for truce and targets the bigger battles ahead". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 25 August 2007.
- ^ "Alonso is ignoring me – Hamilton". BBC Sport. 6 August 2007. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
- ^ Cooper, Steve (August 2007). "McLaren dream team turns into nightmare". Autosport. Vol. 189 no. 6. pp. 6–8.
- ^ "The future of Fernando Alonso". grandprix.com. 6 August 2007. Retrieved 12 September 2007.
- ^ "Alonso cool on future at McLaren". BBC. 5 August 2007. Retrieved 13 September 2007.
- ^ Irvine, Eddie (8 August 2007). "Million dollar babies". Virgin Media. Virgin Group. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
- ^ Benson, Andrew (2 November 2007). "Alonso secures exit from McLaren". BBC. Retrieved 2 November 2007.
- ^ "Hamilton 'grateful' for congratulatory text message from old foe Alonso". formula1.com. FIA Formula One World Championship Limited. Retrieved 15 November 2019.
- ^ "Alonso "grateful" for Hamilton & Vettel gesture". formulaspy.com. 25 November 2018. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
- ^ "Teammate – Fernando ALONSO". statsf1.com. Stats F1. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
- ^ Saunders, Nate (5 July 2016). "Lewis Hamilton-Nico Rosberg rivalry: A timeline". ESPN. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
- ^ a b Weaver, Paul (25 November 2016). "Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: how friendship turned to fiercest of rivalries". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
- ^ Hughes, Mark (12 January 2019). "Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: A subtle difference in driving style as well as set-up". skysports.com. Sky Sports. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton vs Nico Rosberg: Statistics of the Confrontation Between Teammates at Mercedes". Daily Auto Sport. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
- ^ Larkam, Lewis (15 April 2021). "Why Vettel rivalry is the favourite of Hamilton's F1 career - so far". Crash. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
- ^ Collantine, Keith (6 August 2018). "2018 F1 car performance: Are Mercedes or Ferrari quickest?". RaceFans. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
- ^ Gill, Pete (10 April 2017). "Who's fastest in F1 2017: Mercedes or Ferrari, Vettel or Hamilton?". Sky Sports. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
- ^ "Vettel: I believe we have the best car". GRAND PRIX 247. 29 August 2017. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
- ^ Wood, Will (25 June 2017). "Vettel handed three penalty points for Hamilton clash". RaceFans. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
- ^ Galloway, James (4 December 2018). "Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton: F1's respectful rivals". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
- ^ "Vettel acknowledges 'mutual respect' in Hamilton rivalry". News24 Sport. 20 October 2018. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
- ^ Galloway, James (11 December 2018). "Lewis Hamilton: Sebastian Vettel respect higher since Baku 2017". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
- ^ Richards, Giles (15 April 2021). "Lewis Hamilton describes F1 title rivalry with Vettel as greatest in his career". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
- ^ Baldwin, Alan (10 February 2008). "Hamilton also suffered abuse in China, says Mosley". Reuters. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
- ^ Gray, Sadie (4 February 2008). "Lewis Hamilton 'saddened' by racist abuse". The Times. London. Retrieved 27 July 2009.
- ^ "Hamilton saddened by racist abuse". BBC Sport. 4 February 2008. Retrieved 4 February 2008.
- ^ "FIA to launch anti-racism initiative". Formula1.com. Archived from the original on 8 July 2008. Retrieved 4 November 2008.
- ^ Tremlett, Giles (1 November 2008). "Website used to abuse Lewis Hamilton owned by global ad agency". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
- ^ "Hamilton subjected to racist abuse online after British GP". Reuters. 19 July 2021. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
- ^ Harker, Joseph (24 November 2014). "Lewis Hamilton's lack of popularity: is it cos he is black?". The Guardian. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
- ^ "Ferdinand points to 'racist' element in criticism of Lewis Hamilton". jerseyeveningpost.com. Jersey Evening Post. 14 July 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
- ^ Mitchell, Scott (28 March 2019). "Mercedes F1's Lewis Hamilton: Racism won't change for a long time". www.autosport.com. Autosport. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
- ^ de Menezes, Jack (28 March 2019). "Bahrain Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton says racism remains 'all around the world' after England players abused". www.independent.co.uk. The Independent. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
- ^ Media, PA (25 October 2019). "'Lewis Hamilton scarred for life by childhood racist abuse,' says Wolff". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
- ^ Brown, Oliver (22 March 2018). "Lewis Hamilton criticises lack of diversity in F1: 'Nothing has changed in 11 years I've been here'". telegraph.co.uk. The Telegraph. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
- ^ Garside, Kein (30 December 2020). "Spare us the carping over Lewis Hamilton's tax exile, the F1 champion is as deserving of a knighthood as any". inews.co.uk. i newspaper. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
- ^ a b "Hamilton expects FIA to stop action like Breonna Taylor shirt". 24 September 2020.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton launches attack on Monaco stewards". BBC Sport. 30 May 2011. Retrieved 7 August 2011.
- ^ Archer, Bruce (22 March 2018). "Lewis Hamilton launches racial attack on F1 in social media post before Australian GP". express.co.uk. The Express. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton calls for greater diversity in Formula One, says 'nothing has changed'". ESPN. 22 March 2018. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
- ^ "Black Lives Matter: F1 champion Lewis Hamilton attends peaceful protest at Hyde Park and urges people to 'keep pushing' for change". uk.finance.yahoo.com. 22 June 2020. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
- ^ a b "F1 news: Lewis Hamilton calls out silence on racial protests". Motorsport.com. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
- ^ "Hamilton 'overcome with rage' at US events". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
- ^ Ramsay, George. "Lewis Hamilton 'completely overcome with rage' following George Floyd's death". CNN. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton hits out at F1 for 'silence' over George Floyd death". Sky Sports. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
- ^ Barretto, Lawrence (6 June 2020). "Toto Wolff on reverse grids, aero sliding scale, cost cap and diversity". formula1.com. Formula One. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
- ^ "'We support Hamilton completely', says Brawn as he explains how F1 is trying to broaden diversity". formula1.com. Formula One. 8 June 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
- ^ "FIA bans acts like Hamilton's Breonna Taylor top on podium". 27 September 2020.
- ^ Hamilton, Lewis. "Lewis Hamilton: I won't keep quiet about the unspoken racism in this country". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
- ^ "The Hamilton Commission". The Hamilton Commission. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton awarded special Laureus prize for fight against racism | Formula 1®". www.formula1.com. 6 May 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
- ^ "Sir Lewis Hamilton pledges £20 million to empower young people through Mission 44 initiative". Voice Online. 28 July 2021. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
- ^ "Mercedes and Lewis Launch Joint Charitable Initiative, Ignite". www.mercedesamgf1.com. July 2021. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
- ^ Noble, Johnathan (28 July 2021). "Hamilton, Mercedes F1 launch charitable diversity initiative". Motor1.com. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
- ^ Rose, David. "Boy's death row plea drives Lewis Hamilton to make human rights pledge". The Times. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton says Bahrain 'death-row' letter hit home". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
- ^ "Hamilton spoke to Bahrain officials about human rights". Reuters. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
- ^ "This Earth Day, Lewis Hamilton is fighting climate change". WE. 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ Hope, Russell (7 August 2018). "F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton cleans up plastic littered beach". ca.finance.yahoo.com. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- ^ Priya (15 November 2020). "7 Amazing Things 7-Time F1 Champ Lewis Hamilton Is Doing for Animals". PETA UK. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- ^ Gilliver, Liam (10 April 2020). "Lewis Hamilton Urges Followers To Help China Reclassify Dogs As Pets Rather Than Livestock". Plant Based News. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- ^ Ledger, Emma (27 November 2020). "Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton draws on 21m followers to back our Art for Animals drive". London Evening Standard. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- ^ Green, Alex (16 September 2020). "Lewis Hamilton calls for protection of Amazon rainforest in WWF film". belfasttelegraph. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- ^ "Australian fires: Lewis Hamilton pledges more than £380,000 to aid fight against disaster". BBC Sport. 9 January 2020.
- ^ Starostinetskaya, Anna (12 March 2020). "Lewis Hamilton Goes to Australia to Help Baby Animals Devastated by Wildfires". VegNews.com. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- ^ Pritchet, Liam (12 December 2019). "Mercedes to Ditch Leather for Vegan Interiors Thanks to Lewis Hamilton". LIVEKINDLY. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- ^ "Mercedes Responds to Lewis Hamilton's Pleas to Stop Leather, Other Luxury Automotive Brands Follow". vegconomist – the vegan business magazine. 16 June 2020. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- ^ Harris, Sam (11 October 2020). "Lewis Hamilton: Cultural icon, activist and musician". bbc.co.uk. BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
- ^ "Hamilton travels to Manila with UNICEF". Pitpass. 30 March 2012. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton visits street children in The Philippines". HELLO!. 30 March 2012. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ Elks, Sonia (29 March 2012). "Lewis Hamilton snubs F1 party to visit poverty-stricken children in Far East". Metro. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ Admin (3 November 2012). "Lewis Hamilton in India with UNICEF". GRANDPRIX20.COM. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton visits UNICEF nutrition centre in India – XIX Press Centre". 8 November 2012. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ Weaver, Paul (29 October 2012). "Lewis Hamilton stays after India Grand Prix to help children left behind". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton visits underprivileged children in Haiti for UNICEF". Business Standard India. 17 May 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ Eason, Kevin (16 May 2014). "Lewis Hamilton touched by plight of starving children in Haiti". The Times. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton Meets Children Suffering With Malnutrition In Haiti For Soccer Aid". Wired-gov.net. 20 May 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ "Stars come together to exhibit 20 years of life changing work with children". Wired-gov.net. 18 November 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ Pullam, Christina (18 November 2015). "Unicef celebrity ambassadors exhibition". The Daily Mirror. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ "Stars to join Super Dads campaign to highlight fathers' critical role in children's early develop". Unicef. 6 June 2017. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
- ^ "Stars from the world of entertainment and sport joined UNICEF's Super Dads campaign to celebrate fatherhood". UNICEF. 18 June 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ "Tendulkar, Beckham, Djokovic, Hamilton join UNICEF's 'Super Dads' campaign". Deccan Chronicle. 6 June 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton visits Cuba as UN ambassador". News from Havana. 21 August 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ "Formula One Lewis Hamilton visits Cuba as UNICEF ambassador". Agencia Cubana de Noticias. 21 August 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ Rochell, Hannah (16 November 2020). "Everyone Deserves an Education". #TOGETHERBAND. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton treats young patients to an afternoon in the fast lane at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital". www.chelwest.nhs.uk. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
- ^ "Formula One star visits sick kids at Royal Children's Hospital". au.news.yahoo.com. 12 March 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
- ^ "A HUGE congratulations". Twitter. 15 July 2019. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ Bagdi, Annabal (24 July 2019). "Wolverhampton schoolgirl's dreams come true after meeting F1 ace Lewis Hamilton". www.expressandstar.com. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ Bunce, Alan (6 January 2011). "Help us boost charity funds". BerkshireLive. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ "Klaas Prinsloo (18) – Reach for A Dream". 22 September 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ "Hospice makes patient's dream come true with Lewis Hamilton meeting". ehospice.com. 7 March 2018. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ "Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton signs up to our global education campaign". Save the Children. 29 March 2013. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton named Save the Children ambassador". Sportspromedia.com. 15 November 2013. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
- ^ Tahir, Tariq (30 October 2013). "F1's Lewis Hamilton meets child labourers". Metro. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton Unveiled as First Ambassador for Invictus Games Foundation – Invictus Games Foundation". 26 June 2015. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton Inspires Veterans With Driving Masterclass". Forces Network. 30 September 2015. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
- ^ "Invictus Games Foundation". Twitter. 3 July 2015. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton donates free vegan burgers to hospital workers – Be More Elephant". Retrieved 15 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton's vegan burger chain is giving free vegan meals to NHS workers". Vegan Food and Living. 14 April 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
- ^ Abernethy, Laura (30 March 2020). "Deliveroo gives 500,000 free meals to NHS workers fighting coronavirus". Metro. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
- ^ Pointing, Charlotte (2020). "Cheers to These Leaders Helping Kids Facing Food Insecurity". LIVEKINDLY. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
- ^ "Celebrity donations boost sick children". Gazette. 23 October 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
- ^ Cooper, Goolistan (24 January 2016). "Olympic & F1 heroes, rock Gods & a Python give hats for St Mungo charity auction". MyLondon. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
- ^ "Stars on the ball for charity sale". www.scotsman.com. 9 October 2011. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
- ^ Miles, Tina (11 August 2008). "Well-heeled stars in shoe sale". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
- ^ "ABOUT CELEBRITY SHOES". Small Steps Project. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
- ^ "celebrity leaderboard". www.instagram.com. 24 November 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "▷ 2020: Ronaldo, Hamilton and Lindenberg with unique auctions for children in need ..." World Today News. 28 December 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
- ^ "Oh what a night: the A-list party set leave Cannes and grace the amfAR". www.standard.co.uk. 23 May 2014. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ Admin (5 January 2013). "Lewis Hamilton with Samuel L. Jackson at a charity event". GRANDPRIX20.COM. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ "2012". BGC Partners. 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ Simpson, Menelik (12 February 2015). "Lewis Hamilton steps out at the amfAR NY Gala". mirror. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
- ^ "I wish to meet Lewis Hamilton | Make-A-Wish". www.makeawish.ie. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton | Comic Relief". www.comicrelief.com. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton is a ray of sunshine for six seriously ill children". Rays of Sunshine. 31 July 2019. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton among celebrities in Star Wars sketch for Children In Need". belfasttelegraph. 13 November 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ "Charity of Stevenage-born Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton makes 'substantial donation' to hospice". The Comet. 19 March 2010. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton Foundation - TotalGiving™ - Donate to Charity | Online Fundraising for Charity UK". Total Giving. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton Foundation :: OpenCharities". OpenCharities. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton under fire for telling nephew 'boys don't wear princess dresses'". www.independent.co.uk. The Independent. 26 December 2017.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton apologies for 'boys don't wear dresses' remark". www.bbc.co.uk. BBC. 26 December 2017.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton mocks nephew for wearing a 'princess dress' on Christmas". www.huffingtonpost.com. Huffington Post. 26 December 2017.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton deletes social media messages on Twitter and Instagram". www.skysport.com. SkySports. 4 January 2018.
- ^ "Lewis returns to social media". www.espn.com. ESPN. 17 January 2018.
- ^ van den Broeke, Teo (26 August 2018). "'I want to make amends' Lewis Hamilton refuses to skirt the issue". gq-magazine.co.uk. GQ. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
- ^ Britton, Alexander (19 December 2018). "Lewis Hamilton 'chose the wrong words' about Stevenage during BBC Sports Personality of the Year". independent.co.uk. The Independent. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
- ^ "Hamilton's lukewarm apology for home town Stevenage slur". news.sky.com. Sky News. 19 December 2018. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
- ^ Younge, Gary (20 December 2018). "Lewis Hamilton misspoke on Stevenage's 'slums'. In fact, this town can teach us a lot". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
- ^ "Tom Ilube named the most powerful man in Britain | The Voice Online". archive.voice-online.co.uk. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
- ^ "HuffPost". consent.yahoo.com. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
- ^ Siddique, Haroon (17 November 2020). "Lewis Hamilton named most influential black person in UK". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
- ^ "The Powerlist 2020 | Powerful Media". www.powerful-media.co.uk. 2020. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton: The 100 Most Influential People of 2020". Time. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
- ^ a b "New Year Honours: Lewis Hamilton knighted as Rob Burrow becomes MBE". bbc.co.uk. BBC Sport. BBC. 30 December 2020. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
- ^ "No. 63218". The London Gazette (Supplement). 31 December 2020. p. N2.
- ^ O'grady, Sean (12 May 2008). "Tax evasion 'costs lives of 5.6m children'". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 8 May 2010. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
- ^ Weaver, Paul (23 May 2012). "Lewis Hamilton feels content in Monaco after getting rid of baggage". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
- ^ "Monaco profile". BBC News. 14 May 2014. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
- ^ "Ecclestone urges more recognition for F1 champ Hamilton". 6 November 2008. Archived from the original on 17 January 2010. Retrieved 6 November 2008.
- ^ a b BBC Panorama, Paradise Papers reporting team (6 November 2017). "Paradise Papers: F1 champion Lewis Hamilton 'dodged' VAT on £16.5m private jet". BBC. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton: Social media post says he feels 'like giving up on everything'". BBC Sport. 15 October 2019. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
- ^ Dunan, Philip (31 December 2020). "UK should be 'very proud' of 'champion and ambassador' Lewis Hamilton, says Toto Wolff". The Independent. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "Hamilton: I pay a lot of tax in UK". belfasttelegraph. 14 December 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton is secret singer on new Christina Aguilera track". Sky News. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
- ^ Vazquez, Ana (29 July 2020). "Hamilton breaks his anonymity in the music industry: "XNDA is me"". SoyMotor (in Spanish). Retrieved 29 July 2020.
- ^ Percy, Robert (29 July 2020). "LEWIS HAMILTON HAS CONFIRMED THAT HE WAS XNDA". drivetribe.com. DRIVETRIBE. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton stars in the Disney Pixar film Cars 2". 28 March 2011. Retrieved 11 November 2019.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton Voices A Character in Cars 3". 13 March 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- ^ "A revolutionary new documentary about meat, protein, and strength". Retrieved 6 December 2019.
- ^ Richards, Giles (31 October 2018). "Lewis Hamilton is F1's supreme, and perhaps only, show in town". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
- ^ Gustashaw, Megan (20 September 2018). "Lewis Hamilton and Tommy Hilfiger Walk You Through Their New Collaboration". gq.com. GQ. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
- ^ Fletcher, Harry (29 August 2019). "Lewis Hamilton is launching a vegan burger restaurant in London". Evening Standard. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
- ^ Dawson, Rob; Milligan, Ellen (29 August 2019). "Lewis Hamilton is launching a vegan burger restaurant in London". Evening Standard. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
- ^ Gilliver, Liam (14 December 2020). "Lewis Hamilton-Backed Burger Chain Crowned 'Best Vegan Restaurant Of The Year'". Plant Based News. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
- ^
Freya Drohan (14 August 2020). "Investor Group including Karlie Kloss and Kaia Gerber acquire W magazine". Fashion Week Daily. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
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.
- ^ Stern, Adam (29 September 2021). "Watchmaker IWC, Mercedes F1 Team Up for Lewis Hamilton Activation". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton launches his own Extreme E offroad racing team | Formula 1®". F1. 8 September 2020. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
- ^ Benson, Andrew (16 September 2017). "Lewis Hamilton: F1 driver on going vegan and his fears for the planet". BBC. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
- ^ Watson, Jack (6 December 2018). "Lewis Hamilton named Peta's 2018 Person of the Year". The Independent. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
- ^ Buxton, Will. "F1 Paddock Pass: Post-Race at the 2018 Mexican Grand Prix - Lewis Hamilton". YouTube. FORMULA 1. Retrieved 30 October 2018.
- ^ "2014 United States Grand Prix – Thursday Press Conference". Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. 30 October 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^ Hamilton, Lewis. "Lewis Hamilton column: 'It's business as usual in Austin'". BBC Sport. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
- ^ Sperling, Daniel (17 March 2014). "Nicole Scherzinger & Lewis Hamilton: Their on/off romance relived". Digital Spy. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
- ^ Harley, Nicola (4 February 2015). "Nicole Scherzinger splits up with Lewis Hamilton over 'marriage row'". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 4 February 2015.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton: Nigel Mansell's comments flattering and incredible". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 November 2014.
- ^ Joseph, Noah (24 March 2015). "Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton buys LaFerrari". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
- ^ Rajan, Amol (19 December 2007). "Hamilton gets one-month driving ban for 122mph jaunt in France". The Independent. London: Independent Print Limited. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
- ^ Samuel, Henry (19 December 2007). "Lewis Hamilton caught Speeding in France". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 4 November 2008.
- ^ Hough, Andrew (26 March 2010). "Lewis Hamilton: Formula 1 driver's Mercedes impounded by police in Melbourne". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 26 March 2010.
- ^ "F1's Hamilton charged over 'loss of vehicle control'". BBC News. 23 May 2010. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
- ^ Cary, Tom (24 August 2010). "Lewis Hamilton fined after 'acting like a hoon' in Australia". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
- ^ "Hamilton makes tax move admission". BBC News. 11 November 2007. Retrieved 11 November 2007.
- ^ "Formula One drivers find peace in Switzerland". Swissinfo. SRG SSR idée suisse. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
- ^ Parsons, Adam (29 October 2007). "Hamilton decides to leave Britain". BBC News. Retrieved 29 October 2007.
- ^ Moloney, Aisling (7 November 2017). "Where does Lewis Hamilton live? The Formula One champion has more than one place". Metro. Metro. Retrieved 30 October 2018.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton stays top of 2015 Sunday Times Sport Rich List". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 March 2016.
- ^ "The Sunday Times Rich List 2018: Lewis Hamilton net worth". thetimes.co.uk. The Sunday Times. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
- ^ McCall, Alastair (14 May 2020). "Lewis Hamilton is the richest British sportsman of all time — Rich List 2020". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
- ^ a b c "Career overview – years in numbers". driverdb.com. Driver Database. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
- ^ a b "Lewis Hamilton – Biography". MotorSportMagazine. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
- ^ "Formula 3 Grand Prix – Circuto de Guia: 13th – 16th November 2003" (PDF). MST World. 16 November 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 November 2003. Retrieved 17 July 2018.
- ^ "51st Formula 3 Grand Prix – Circuto de Guia: 18–21 November 2004" (PDF). MST World. 22 November 2004. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 January 2016. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
- ^ "2004 Formula 3 Euro Series Classification". motorsportstats.com. Motorsports Stats. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
- ^ "2005 Formula 3 Euro Series Classification". motorsportstats.com. Motorsports Stats. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
- ^ "2006 GP2 Series Classification". motorsportstats.com. Motorsports Stats. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
- ^ "Hamilton to be first black driver in F1". East Bay Times. 28 November 2006. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
- ^ "Grenadian roots of first black F1 driver". BBCCaribbean.com. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
- ^ James Galloway. "Portuguese GP: Lewis Hamilton breaks F1's all-time wins record". Sky Sports. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
- ^ Andrew Benson. "Lewis Hamilton breaks Michael Schumacher's win record at the Portuguese Grand Prix". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
- ^ Gary Rose. "Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton breaks pole record - how he did it in numbers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton breaks Michael Schumacher's all-time pole position record with dramatic last lap in Pista Magica". ABC News. 2 September 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
- ^ James Galloway. "Lewis Hamilton breaks Michael Schumacher F1 podium record". Sky Sports. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton wins Spanish GP, achieves most podium finishes in F1 history". The Indian Express. 16 August 2020. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
- ^ "Statistics Drivers – Points – By number". statsf1.com. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
- ^ "2021 Bahrain Grand Prix race report & highlights: Hamilton wins epic season opener by just 0.7s after thrilling battle with Verstappen in Bahrain". Formula 1®. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
- ^ Richard Williams (3 November 2008). "This is first of many says Hamilton as he becomes youngest champion". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
- ^ Kavin Garside. "Lewis Hamilton keeps cool to become youngest ever world champion in rainy Brazil". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
- ^ "Sebastian Vettel wins Formula One world championship in Abu Dhabi". The Guardian. 14 November 2010. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
- ^ "Sobbing Vettel is F1's youngest champion". Reuters. 14 November 2010. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
- ^ "Hamilton takes F1 title after last lap drama". The Independent. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton wins World Championship in Abu Dhabi". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton wins Third Title after US Grand Prix victory". The Guardian. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton". Archived from the original on 15 August 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton, Bio". Retrieved 4 September 2017.
- ^ "#44 Lewis Hamilton". Retrieved 13 October 2019.
- ^ "DHL Fastest Lap Award – 2014 Results". formula1.com. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
- ^ "2015 DHL Fastest Lap Award". formula1.com. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
- ^ "Hamilton and Red Bull collect 2019 DHL Awards". formula1.com. FIA Formula One World Championship Limited. Retrieved 3 December 2019.
- ^ "FIA Pole Trophy". Retrieved 16 August 2017.
- ^ "Hamilton receives Hawthorn Memorial Trophy". GPUpdate. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
- ^ "Hamilton receives Hawthorn Memorial". Autosport. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton receives Hawthorn Memorial Trophy". Motor Sports Association UK. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton receives Hawthorn Memorial Trophy". Motor Sports Association UK. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
- ^ "Hamilton to receive Lorenzo Bandini trophy". motorsport.com. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton – Breakthrough – 2008". Laureus. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
- ^ Nair, Rohith (18 February 2020). "Messi, Hamilton joint winners of Sportsman of the Year at Laureus Awards". Reuters. Retrieved 31 December 2020.[dead link]
- ^ "Displaying items by tag: 2007 - Pride of Britain Awards". www.prideofbritain.com. 2007. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
- ^ "Full list of 2017 ESPYS winners". ESPN. 12 July 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
- ^ "BBC Sports Personality of the Year – Lewis Hamilton". BBC. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
- ^ "Sports Personality of the Year 2020: Lewis Hamilton crowned winner". BBC. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
- ^ Bielderman, Erik (27 December 2020). "Lewis Hamilton, Champion des champions Monde 2020 : " Dieu, Senna et moi ! "". L'Équipe. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
- ^ "Hamilton, Shiffrin, Francia: i migliori del 2018 secondo Gazzetta". La Gazzetta dello Sport - Tutto il rosa della vita (in Italian). 31 December 2018. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
- ^ "Referendum Gazzetta: Hamilton, Brignone e Bayern Monaco i migliori del mondo nel 2020". La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). 30 December 2020. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
- ^ Thomas Maher (6 December 2014). "Hamilton crowned Champion at FIA Gala in Doha - Gallery". Formula Spy. Archived from the original on 31 May 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2016.
- ^ "Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes receive their title trophies at the FIA Prize Giving ceremony - VIDEO | Formula 1®". www.formula1.com. Retrieved 8 December 2018.
- ^ "Hamilton crowned World Champion at virtual FIA Prize Giving ceremony". Motorsport Week. 18 December 2020. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ "F1 champions gather in Paris for Hall of Fame inauguration". F1. 5 December 2017. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
- ^ "No. 58929". The London Gazette (Supplement). 31 December 2008. p. 17.
- ^ Noble, Jonathan (8 February 2008). "Grapevine: Hamilton honoured by Grenada". Autosport. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
- ^ "Congressional Record, Volume 154 Issue 49 (Monday, March 31, 2008)". Govinfo.gov. 31 March 2008. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
- ^ "NPG x131991; Lewis Hamilton - Portrait - National Portrait Gallery". National Portrait Gallery. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
- ^ "Silverstone renames International Pits Straight in recognition of Lewis Hamilton's outstanding achievements". Silverstone. 12 December 2020. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
Further reading
- Hamilton, Lewis (2007). Lewis Hamilton: My Story (Hardback). 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). 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.)
- Worral, Frank (2007). Lewis Hamilton: The Biography (hardback). 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). 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). 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). London: Carlton Books Ltd. p. 128. ISBN 978-1-84442-027-8.
- Apps, Roy (2008). Lewis Hamilton (Dream to Win) (paperback). London: Franklin Watts Ltd. p. 48. ISBN 978-0-7496-8233-0.
- Townsend, John (2008). Lewis Hamilton (hardback). 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 978-1407521046.
- Worrall, Frank (2016). Lewis Hamilton: Triple World Champion: The Biography (paperback). London: John Blake Publishing Ltd. p. 388. ISBN 978-1-7860-6033-4.
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lewis Hamilton. |
 |
Wikiquote has quotations related to: Lewis Hamilton |
- Official website
- Lewis Hamilton career summary at DriverDB.com
- Lewis Hamilton biography – McLaren.com
- Lewis Hamilton at IMDb
| |||||
| |||||
|
| McLaren | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
Authority control  | |
|---|---|
| General |
|
| National libraries | |
| Other | |
- Lewis Hamilton
- 1985 births
- Living people
- BBC Sports Personality of the Year winners
- Black British sportspeople
- BRDC Gold Star winners
- British Formula Renault 2.0 drivers
- English expatriates in Monaco
- English expatriates in Switzerland
- English Formula One drivers
- English human rights activists
- English humanitarians
- English male karateka
- English people of Grenadian descent
- English philanthropists
- English racing drivers
- English Roman Catholics
- Formula 3 Euro Series champions
- Formula 3 Euro Series drivers
- Formula One World Drivers' Champions
- Formula Renault Eurocup drivers
- German Formula Renault 2.0 drivers
- GP2 Series Champions
- GP2 Series drivers
- Karting World Championship drivers
- Knights Bachelor
- McLaren Formula One drivers
- Members of the Order of the British Empire
- Mercedes-Benz Formula One drivers
- Motorsport team owners
- People from Stevenage
- People in sports awarded knighthoods
- Segrave Trophy recipients
- Sportspeople from Hertfordshire
- People named in the Paradise Papers
- British Catholics