Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula One driver who holds a joint-record seven World Drivers’ Championships with Michael Schumacher, along with 105 race victories, 104 pole positions, and 202 podium finishes across 19 seasons. Born January 7, 1985, in Stevenage, Hamilton became Formula One’s first black driver when he debuted with McLaren in 2007, winning his first championship in 2008. Beyond racing, Hamilton advocates for diversity and environmental initiatives, earning a knighthood in 2021 for his contributions to motorsport and society.
A phenomenon in Formula One racing, Lewis Hamilton stands as one of motorsport’s most accomplished and influential drivers, holding the joint-record of seven World Drivers’ Championships alongside Michael Schumacher while maintaining an unparalleled legacy of 105 race victories, 104 pole positions, and 202 podium finishes across a career spanning 19 seasons and 366 Grand Prix entries as of 2025.
Born on 7 January 1985 in Stevenage, United Kingdom, Hamilton began karting at age six, demonstrating exceptional talent through multiple national titles before joining the McLaren-Mercedes Young Driver Programme in 1998. His progression through junior formulae included victories in the Formula 3 Euro Series and GP2 Series, establishing the foundation for his historic entry into Formula One as the sport’s first black driver.
Hamilton’s F1 debut with McLaren in 2007 produced immediate results, securing four race wins in his rookie season and finishing second in the Drivers’ Championship by a single point. The following year brought his first World Championship in 2008, making him the then-youngest champion in the sport’s history. His subsequent championships came during his tenure with Mercedes from 2014-2015 and 2017-2020, contributing greatly to the team’s eight-year Constructors’ Championship streak and technical dominance. Hamilton’s most challenging championship battle occurred during his controversial 2021 finish against Max Verstappen, where he ultimately finished as runner-up despite leading much of the season.
The British driver’s career trajectory includes successful stints with McLaren, Mercedes, and currently Ferrari, where he joined for the 2025 season after accumulating 4941.5 career points. His driving style combines exceptional qualifying speed with superior racecraft and wet-weather prowess, characterized by an aggressive yet controlled approach that has made him instrumental in team feedback and strategic development across different competitive environments.
Beyond racing achievements, Hamilton has established himself as a pioneering figure for diversity in motorsport, advocating for equality, environmental initiatives, and supporting underrepresented communities through philanthropic efforts. His cultural impact earned recognition through knighthood in 2021 for services to motorsport, reflecting his influence as a global public figure extending far beyond racing circuits. Hamilton’s advocacy extends to animal welfare initiatives, where he has launched various projects including a plant-based burger restaurant to promote sustainable eating practices.
Hamilton’s career longevity remains evident through his continued competitive performance, though his 2025 season with Ferrari has yielded sixth place in standings with 79 points after 10 races, marking a period without Grand Prix wins or podiums. His consistency throughout previous seasons, including scoring points in all but two races during 2022, demonstrates the resilience and fighting spirit that have defined his approach throughout nearly two decades of elite competition, cementing his status as one of Formula One’s most notable figures.
