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Born in Stevenage, England, to a working-class family, Lewis Hamilton's racing career ignited at the tender age of eight. By ten, he had already clinched the British Kart Championship, capturing the attention of motorsport elites. At thirteen, he signed with the McLaren and Mercedes-Benz Young Driver Support Programme, a pivotal moment that would accelerate his career. By fifteen, he made history as the youngest driver ever ranked number one in Karting. The years leading up to 2007 saw him ascend through the ranks of Formula Renault, dominating Formula 3 and GP2, setting the stage for his entry into Formula One.
Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut in 2007 with McLaren, where he secured a podium finish and continued to impress by winning races in Montreal and Indianapolis. His remarkable performance that year established him as a serious contender, culminating in his 2008 World Championship win, which made him the youngest world champion in history.
His victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2008 was particularly dramatic; finishing fifth in the race allowed him to edge out Felipe Massa by just one point in the overall standings. However, the following years were challenging as Hamilton navigated through his contract with McLaren. After a rocky start with Mercedes in 2013, he quickly silenced any doubts by clinching his second title in 2014. Over the next six years, excluding 2016, Hamilton dominated the sport, surpassing Ayrton Senna's record and equaling Michael Schumacher's seven championships. In 2021, he achieved his historic 100th Formula 1 victory at the Russian Grand Prix, although that same year saw the championship crown pass to Max Verstappen. Looking ahead, Hamilton has announced his move to Ferrari for the 2025 season, remaining optimistic about his future in racing.
Beyond his racing accolades, Hamilton is a multifaceted individual involved in various personal advocacies. As a brand ambassador for prominent companies like Tommy Hilfiger and Puma, he has successfully launched exclusive product lines. His talents extend to entertainment, where he starred in a Camila Cabello music video and co-produced Brad Pitt’s upcoming F1 movie.
Hamilton is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in motorsport. As the first black driver in Formula One, he uses his platform to combat racism and support movements like Black Lives Matter. He is committed to environmental sustainability, actively working to reduce his carbon footprint through a plant-based diet and promoting eco-friendly practices within the racing community. His philanthropic efforts focus on providing educational opportunities for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds through his foundation.
Lewis Hamilton continues to inspire, embodying resilience with his motto, "Still I Rise," tattooed as a symbol of his commitment to personal growth. His unwavering dedication to effecting positive change amplifies his influence, making him not only a champion on the racetrack but also a powerful advocate for progress and empowerment in society.