Lewis Hamilton is renowned as one of the most successful and influential Formula 1 drivers. From an early age, Hamilton showed promise in racing, leading to his enrolment in the McLaren Driver Development Support program at age 13, making him the youngest contracted F1 driver. Throughout his career, Hamilton has won numerous championships and currently holds several F1 records. Beyond racing, he's known for his activism, particularly around environmental and social issues, as well as his ventures into fashion and business. Hamilton's personal life, including his high-profile relationships, his vegan lifestyle, and his extensive tattoo collection, have also drawn significant public interest.
As one of the most successful and influential drivers in the history of Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton has consistently shattered records and redefined what it means to be a racing icon. Throughout his illustrious career, Hamilton has amassed numerous championships, race wins, and accolades, solidifying his status as a true legend in the world of motorsports.
Beyond his on-track accomplishments, Hamilton has made a significant impact off the track as well. As a prominent figure in sports, he has used his platform to raise awareness for various social and environmental issues, pushing the boundaries of what a professional athlete can accomplish in terms of activism and philanthropy.
Born on January 7, 1985, Lewis Hamilton grew up in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England. Anthony, Lewis Hamilton's father, gifted him a remote-controlled car when he was a young child. By the age of six, he was already competing against and defeating adults. At eight years old, he secured second place in the 1991 national RC championship.
Wondering if his son's abilities could be translated to motorsports, Hamilton's father enrolled him in karting. Within just two years, young Hamilton claimed victory in both the British Karting Championship (cadet class) and the STP Karting Championship.
At an awards ceremony, a self-assured Hamilton approached McLaren F1 team boss Ron Dennis for his autograph, telling him, "One day I want to be driving your cars." Dennis signed his autograph and wrote, "Phone me in nine years; we will work something out then." However, Hamilton's dream of driving for the McLaren F1 team came to fruition much sooner. Only three years after that encounter, Hamilton was signed to the McLaren Driver Development Support program at the age of 13, making him the youngest driver to be contracted by an F1 team. This agreement provided Hamilton with financial and technical backing to advance his training and even included a potential option for a future entry into Formula One.
Hamilton's parents, Carmen and Anthony Hamilton, separated when he was just two years old. His father played a crucial role in his racing career, working multiple jobs to support his son's passion for motorsports. In addition to his father's support, Hamilton's mother and stepmother, Linda, were instrumental in shaping his character and nurturing his ambitions.
Hamilton has a younger half-brother named Nicolas Hamilton, who is also involved in motorsports. Despite living with cerebral palsy, Nicolas has forged a successful career in racing, participating in the British Touring Car Championship.
Another prominent figure in Lewis Hamilton’s life is his former physiotherapist, Angela Cullen. Hamilton and Cullen worked together for nearly a decade before announcing that their working relationship would be ending this season. Angela Cullen played a key role in Lewis Hamilton’s successes as she was considered to be one of his closest confidantes. Despite no longer working together, Cullen has still shown her support for Hamilton at multiple races this year and will supposedly continue to do so.
As of now, Lewis Hamilton is not married. While he has been linked to several high-profile celebrities over the years, including Nicole Scherzinger, the specifics of his current relationship status remain private.
Hamilton has had a number of high-profile relationships in the past, including a long-term on-and-off relationship with singer Nicole Scherzinger. He has also been linked to celebrities like Rita Ora, Nicki Minaj, and model Cindy Kimberly. While Hamilton has been linked to several high-profile celebrities over the years, many of these relationships remain unconfirmed or are simply the subject of tabloid speculation.
Standing at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall, Hamilton's stature is relatively average for a Formula 1 driver.
Hamilton's weight is estimated to be around 150 pounds (68 kilograms). He maintains a rigorous fitness regime that includes cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises, helping him stay in peak physical condition for the demands of Formula 1 racing.
Hamilton has numerous tattoos adorning his body, each carrying a special meaning. Some of his most notable ink includes a cross on his back, a lion on his left shoulder, and an intricate design on his chest representing his family and faith.
As of 2022, Lewis Hamilton's net worth is estimated to be around $285 million, a significant increase from his 2021 net worth of approximately $270 million. His wealth can be attributed to his successful racing career, endorsement deals, and various business ventures.
Hamilton signed a 2-year contract extension with the Mercedes F1 Team in 2021, which covers the 2022 and 2023 seasons. His annual salary is estimated to be around $40 million, making him one of the highest-paid drivers in Formula 1.
Including his salary and various endorsement deals with brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, and Bose, Lewis Hamilton is estimated to make well over $50 million per year.
Throughout his karting days and time with the McLaren Driver Support program, leading up to his professional debut with the McLaren F1 Team in 2007, Hamilton consistently outperformed his peers and earned numerous accolades.
He stayed with McLaren F1 from 2007 to 2012 before making a surprising move to the Mercedes F1 team in 2013, taking over the spot left by the retiring Michael Schumacher. At the time, Mercedes was considered a lesser team than the McLaren F1 Team, which led to skepticism regarding Hamilton's decision. However, in just his second race with the Mercedes F1 Team, Hamilton silenced doubters by securing his first podium finish, and eight races later, he claimed his first victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix.
He won his first World Championship in 2008, and after joining the Mercedes F1 Team in 2013, he went on to win six more championships, becoming one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport.
With seven World Championships to his name, Hamilton is tied with Michael Schumacher for the most championships in Formula 1 history. As of December 2023, he has accumulated 103 Grand Prix victories, the most of any driver in the sport.
In addition to his championships and race wins, Hamilton holds numerous records in Formula 1, including the most pole positions (103), most podium finishes (192), and a plethora of other impressive achievements.
Hamilton has collaborated with fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger on a line of clothing and accessories, showcasing his interest in fashion and design.
As a car enthusiast, Hamilton boasts an impressive car collection that includes several high-end luxury vehicles and supercars, such as the Pagani Zonda, McLaren P1, and the Ferrari LaFerrari.
In recent years, Hamilton has adopted a vegan lifestyle and has become a vocal advocate for animal rights and environmental causes. He has also invested in plant-based restaurants and businesses to promote sustainable living including the global chain, Neat Burger with Leonardo DiCaprio.
Hamilton's personal brand extends to a range of merchandise, including hats, shirts, and accessories, allowing fans to show their support for the racing icon.
Hamilton's helmet design often incorporates elements of his personal life and beliefs, such as his faith and family. In 2022, Hamilton reverted back to his old racing roots and chose a helmet design that featured neon yellow, rather than his signature purple.
Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton competes with the number 44. When the British driver participated in his first kart race, he was unsure of which number to select. Consequently, he chose the number from his father's car license plate: F44. This number laid the groundwork for his thriving career, and he opted to maintain it in Formula 1. Despite being eligible to race with the number 1 as a world champion in certain years, the Briton remained loyal to his iconic number 44.
Hamilton lent his voice to the character of "Lewis Hamilton" in the animated film Cars 2, further expanding his presence in popular culture.
Throughout his career, Hamilton has had several memorable moments, both on and off the track. In the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, he clinched his first World Championship in dramatic fashion, overtaking Timo Glock in the final corners of the last lap to secure the necessary points. Off the track, Hamilton has been seen supporting various sports teams, such as the English Premier League's Chelsea Football Club and the NFL's Denver Broncos.
As Hamilton continues to dominate Formula 1, there are frequent rumors about his potential retirement. While he has not announced any plans to retire, fans eagerly await news on his future in the sport. Lewis Hamilton's illustrious career has made him a true icon in the world of Formula 1, especially with his 10 year tenure with the Mercedes F1 team. With numerous championships, race wins, and records to his name, he has solidified his status as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport. His impact extends beyond the racetrack, as he has used his platform to raise awareness for important social and environmental issues, as well as to pursue interests in fashion and business.
As Hamilton continues to dominate Formula 1, fans eagerly await news on his future plans, whether it be further record-breaking achievements on the track or pursuing new ventures off it. Regardless of what the future holds, Lewis Hamilton's legacy as a racing icon and influential figure in the world of sports will remain firmly intact.
