At 39, Lewis Hamilton has lost none of his lustre, continuing to write Formula 1 history. In 2024, he remains the center of attention, not only for his on-track exploits but also for his commitment beyond racing. With seven world championship titles, Hamilton is already a living legend, yet stopping isn’t on the agenda. Constantly pushing limits, one of the most competitive drivers on the grid stands firm.
Currently driving for Mercedes, the team with which success has been consistent since 2013, Hamilton is determined to fight for the top spots, even as a new generation of talent emerges. Beyond his sporting achievements, his dedication to racial equality, diversity in motorsport, and the fight against climate change is widely recognized. As the 2024 season unfolds, new challenges arise, but Hamilton’s relentless drive and quest for excellence show he is ready to keep making F1 history.
His early years
Lewis Hamilton’s paternal grandfather, originally from Grenada, moved to England in 1955. After his wife’s death, he returned to Grenada in the 1970s. Lewis was born on January 7, 1985, in Stevenage and grew up in Tewin, north of London. His parents, Anthony Hamilton and Carmen Larbalestier, divorced when he was young, leading him to spend part of his childhood with his mother. In March 2022, he announced plans to add his mother’s surname to his own.
Starting karting at eight, Lewis quickly showed exceptional talent. At nine, a national championship win led to an invitation to the Autosport gala. There, he shared his dream of Formula 1 with McLaren boss Ron Dennis. Impressed, Dennis promised to follow his career. Three years later, a long-term contract was offered, funding Lewis’s first steps into competition. In 2000, the Britton was crowned European Formula A karting champion.
His debut in the British Formula Renault championship was equally successful, winning the title the next year with Manor Motorsport. During his time in British Formula 3, Lewis Hamilton competed internationally in Macau and Korea, securing pole position in both. A full season in the Formula 3 Euroseries followed, where he dominated the 2005 championship with ASM, winning 15 of 20 races.
In 2006, he joined GP2 with ART Grand Prix, replacing Nico Rosberg. Despite facing more experienced rivals, Lewis quickly took control. He held off Nelsinho Piquet’s challenge and claimed the championship title on the final weekend.
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His F1 debut at McLaren
Lewis Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut with McLaren in 2007, showcasing his talent immediately. In his first season, he consistently reached the podium, winning the British and Canadian Grands Prix. Despite an intense championship battle, he finished just one point behind Kimi Räikkönen.
In 2008, Hamilton won his first world title in a dramatic season. He secured the championship in the final lap of the Brazilian Grand Prix, becoming the youngest world champion at the time. However, 2009 proved tougher as his car lacked competitiveness. Despite the difficulties, he still won two races and finished fifth in the standings.
The 2010 season brought more challenges, with strong competition from Jenson Button, Ferrari, and Red Bull. Although Hamilton won in Turkey, retirements and technical issues cost him the title, which went to Sebastian Vettel.
In 2011, despite a few victories, Lewis Hamilton faced criticism for his aggressive driving and struggled against Button’s consistency. He finished the season in fifth place, far behind Vettel.
In 2012, he showed flashes of brilliance, but strategic and mechanical issues derailed his title hopes. At the end of the season, he made the bold decision to leave McLaren for Mercedes, a team with growing ambitions.
From McLaren to Mercedes
The move to Mercedes marked a new chapter in Lewis Hamilton’s career, filled with high expectations. The 2013 season was uneven, starting with fifth in Australia and third in Malaysia. His first win with Mercedes came in Hungary, but a tough second half left him fourth in the championship with 189 points.
In 2014, Mercedes introduced the W05 with a powerful V6 hybrid engine. Despite retiring in Australia, Hamilton secured his first grand slam in Malaysia. He went on to win 11 races, becoming the first double British F1 champion since Sir Jackie Stewart.
The 2015 season was even more successful, with Hamilton building on early victories. Although Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel won in Malaysia, the British driver responded with a hat-trick in China. He also triumphed in Monaco, showcasing his resilience despite a setback with the safety car, and retained his championship lead.
Rising to the Top
Between 2013 and 2015, Lewis Hamilton evolved from a promising driver to an accomplished champion, defying expectations with determination and skill. In 2016, he started strong with pole in Australia but struggled with technical issues, falling 43 points behind Nico Rosberg. Despite wins in Monaco and Canada, Hamilton finished third, 33 points behind Rosberg, who claimed the title.
In 2017, with new teammate Valtteri Bottas, Hamilton won several races, including a wet German Grand Prix. He clinched his fourth world title in Mexico.
The 2018 season began with Ferrari pushing hard, but the Brit secured victories in France and Germany, matching Fangio with five titles after finishing fourth in Mexico. He ended the season with 408 points, a new record.
The 2019 season opened with Lewis taking his 84th pole in Melbourne, though finishing second to Bottas. He quickly rebounded with wins in Bahrain and China, tallying four wins in the first six races. A triumph at Silverstone brought his win count to 80, and in the U.S., he captured his sixth world title. The British driver finished the year with 11 wins, including a final victory in Abu Dhabi.
The last Five seasons
In 2020, Lewis Hamilton continued his dominance, securing his 89th pole and winning races like the British and Tuscan Grands Prix. He matched Schumacher’s record of 91 victories and clinched his seventh championship with a win in Turkey. After missing a race due to Covid-19, Lewis returned to finish third in Abu Dhabi.
During 2021, Hamilton won his 96th Grand Prix in Bahrain and earned his 100th pole. However, Max Verstappen dethroned him after a fierce title battle.
In 2022, Mercedes struggled with performance issues, and for the first time in sixteen seasons, Hamilton finished without a win or pole, ending sixth in the standings.
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The 2023 season began with a fifth-place finish in Bahrain. Despite several podiums and extending his Mercedes contract until 2025, he faced setbacks like a retirement in Qatar and a disqualification in the U.S. His best finish was second in Spain, but the season was dominated by Red Bull and Verstappen.
In 2024, Hamilton left Mercedes for Ferrari. After a slow start, he made a comeback with a second place in the Chinese sprint race and Ferrari’s best result in Montreal. On July 7, he won the British Grand Prix, his first victory in over two years, becoming the first driver to win after 300 starts. The driver celebrated his 200th podium in Hungary and his 105th win in Belgium after George Russell’s disqualification.
History of the Mercedes team
As seen in George Russell’s biography, Mercedes made its Formula 1 debut in 1954 with the legend Juan Manuel Fangio, who immediately led the team to victory. After winning two consecutive titles, the team retired in 1955 and entered a long absence from competition. It wasn’t until 2010, with the purchase of the Brawn GP team, that Mercedes made its comeback.
The turning point came in 2014, when Mercedes launched its W05, powered by an innovative V6 hybrid engine. This single-seater enabled Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg to dominate the season, with Hamilton winning his second world title. This period of success was marked by an intense rivalry between Hamilton and Rosberg, culminating in Rosberg’s victory in 2016 before he retired.
Over the following seasons, Mercedes consolidated its dominance, claiming seven consecutive constructors’ championships between 2014 and 2020. Memorable moments include Hamilton’s crushing victories in 2015, when he won ten of 21 races, and his equalling of Michael Schumacher’s record with 91 wins in 2020. Controversial incidents, such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021, where a race decision drew fierce criticism, have also left their mark on their careers.
A strategic driver
Lewis Hamilton is renowned for his aggressive yet strategic driving style. His ability to anticipate rivals’ moves, combined with incredible speed, enables daring overtakes. Tire management is another major asset, allowing him to conserve rubber in difficult conditions.
Hamilton excels particularly in the rain, where control and precision set him apart from his competitors. However, his aggressiveness can sometimes backfire, leading to errors in judgment, especially in close battles. The pressure of intense rivalries, particularly with drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, has also tested his performance.
Lewis, a committed champion
Lewis Hamilton’s relationships with his teammates have varied over the seasons. With drivers like Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button, intense rivalries have defined past years. Although Alonso was a formidable adversary, a competitive dynamic often prevailed, reinforcing Hamilton’s desire to prove his worth. With Button, a respectful camaraderie developed, allowing both drivers to learn from each other while competing on the track.
His Current partnership with George Russell is promising. Russell, still in the early stages of his career, has quickly earned Hamilton’s respect through solid performances and his ability to challenge one of the sport’s greats. The dynamic between the two seems constructive, fueled by a shared desire to elevate Mercedes’ performance.
Off the track, Hamilton is involved in various projects that extend his influence beyond racing. He is passionate about fashion, regularly attending high-profile events and collaborating with designers to create unique clothing lines that reflect his personal style. His interest in music also shines through; Hamilton has expressed his love for various genres and has collaborated with artists, further showcasing his creativity.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Hamilton actively supports social initiatives. He founded the Hamilton Commission, which aims to increase diversity in motorsport by addressing barriers faced by underrepresented groups. He also champions environmental causes, advocating for sustainability within the sport and beyond. Through his involvement in initiatives like “Mission 44,” he focuses on empowering young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Engaging on social media, Hamilton regularly interacts with fans, sharing moments from his personal life and career. His public image reflects a commitment to using his platform to champion causes close to his heart, such as racial equality and sustainability. By speaking out on issues like climate change and social justice, Hamilton inspires his followers to take action and engage with these critical topics.
Ferrari for Three seasons
Lewis Hamilton’s performance this season has been uneven, facing persistent challenges. While some results showcased his ability to compete at the highest level, several races suffered from technical incidents and questionable strategies. Despite these obstacles, resilience on the track has led to regular podium finishes, underscoring his undeniable talent.
His relationship with the Mercedes team remains strong, built on a long history of collaboration and success. As team leader, Hamilton influences car development and mentors teammate George Russell. Together, they form a dynamic duo, though Russell increasingly competes with Hamilton, which may create future tensions.
In February 2024, Hamilton announced a transfer to Ferrari for three seasons, generating excitement and anticipation among fans. This move marks a significant turning point in his career, offering the chance to reconcile immense talent with Ferrari’s prestigious history. The British driver aims to revitalize his championship ambitions with this new team.
With this transfer, questions about retirement arise, especially if Ferrari’s performance does not improve. Hamilton has made it clear that he wants to stay competitive and continue fighting for titles. However, longevity in F1 will depend on results with Ferrari and the car’s performance. If the situation doesn’t improve, retirement or seeking new opportunities may become viable options.
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Featured image : Moy / XPB Images