Lewis Hamilton is one of the best professional racing drivers from Britain who races in the elite and high octane adrenaline-fueled highest division of single class auto racing, the Formula One. Often regarded as the best in the sports, Hamilton who has six World Championship to his name is known for his energy, unique driving style and his concrete-will to achieve success. The reigning World champion has conquered several rivalries with fellow race drivers to emerge as one of the very best in the sport. We review the rise of this incredible sportsman who has won the hearts of millions across the globe and who is hailed as the best racing driver in the world in our Lewis Hamilton Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth and Personal Life.
Table of Contents
Lewis Hamilton Biography Facts, Age, Nickname, Family, Team, Zodiac
- Full Name: Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton
- Nickname: Billion Dollar Man
- Date of Birth: 7 January 1985
- Age: 39 years
- Place of Birth: Stevenage, England
- Nationality: English
- Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.74 m)
- Weight: 68 kg
- Father: Anthony Hamilton
- Mother: Carmen Larbalestier
- Siblings: Nicolas Hamilton (half-brother), Samantha Lockhart (half-sister), Samantha Lockhart (half-sister)
- Marital Status: Single
- Occupation: Racing Driver
- Team: Mercedes
- Car Number: #44
- Net Worth: $285 Million
- Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
- Official Website: lewishamilton.com
Lewis Hamilton Childhood/Early Life & Family Background
The only child born to Anthony Hamilton, a black British man and Carmen Larbalestier, a white British woman, Hamilton is mixed race but refers to himself as black. When he was two years old, his parents separated and thus young Hamilton moved in with his mother. While living with his mother, Hamilton and his half-sisters were together. When he clocked 5, Hamilton took up Karate to defend himself from bullies.
Hamilton got his first taste of car racing in 1991 when his father bought him a radio-controlled car which he used in competing in the British Radio Car Association Championship, where he finished second. Hamilton soon became interested in racing and thus his father promised to support him in his career, as long as he excelled at school. Aside from racing, Hamilton was interested in associative football and cricket in school. As a kid, Hamilton supported the English club, Arsenal. He still supports the club.
Lewis Hamilton Early Career Profile
At just eight years old, Hamilton had already started winning Championship for cadet class. At age 10, Hamilton met Ron Dennis, the boss of the McLaren Formula One and requested for an autograph. He expressed his desire to drive one of McLaren’s car one day, and Dennis responds that Hamilton should call him in 9 years. Hamilton who had a knack for racing progressed to becoming one of the youngest racing prodigies in the sport.
After winning the Super Series and the British Championship for the second time in 1998, McLaren called Hamilton and signed him to the McLaren driver development programme. The contract Hamilton signed, had the option of a future Formula One seat. Hamilton continued to progress in various divisions of racing such as the Formula A and the Formula Super A. In 2000, Hamilton became European Champion. For his success, he was named Rising Star Member by the British Racing Drivers’ Club. His early racing career began properly in 2002 with Manor Motorsport in the 2002 Formula Renault UK.
In the first year, Hamilton finished third and won the championship, for the second time. Following speculations that Williams, will sign Hamilton, he re-signed with McLaren and participated in the Formula 3 Euro Series in 2004, where he finished 5th. He went on to win the Bahrain F3 Superprix and the Marlboro Masters of Formula 3. Autosport thus ranked him among the Top 50 Drivers of 2005.
Following his success in the Formula 3, he went on to the GP2, where he raced for the ART Grand Prix and won the GP2 Championship. Following the departure of certain drivers from McLaren, Hamilton was made the team’s second driver.
Lewis Hamilton Racing Career, Accomplishments & Awards
McLaren (2007–2012)
In 2007, Hamilton debuted in the Formula One for McLaren. His partner was two times defending Champion, Fernando Alonso. During his debut season, he made several records for a debut driver such as the joint most wins in a debut season. He and his partner, Alonso were involved in several confrontations which resulted in Alonso parting ways with McLaren under mutual agreement. After a spectacular debut season in the Formula One, Hamilton and McLaren agreed to a multimillion-dollar deal which will end in 2012.
In his second season, Hamilton defeated Felipe Massa by a point to become the youngest Formula One Champion. After his Championship win in 2008, Hamilton struggled to win another Championship with McLaren.
Mercedes (2013–date)
In 2013, Hamilton signed with Mercedes and became teammates with Nico Rosberg, his childhood karting teammate and friend. In his first season with Mercedes, he won the Hungarian Grand Prix. In his second season, he won 11 races for Mercedes and fought hard against teammate, Nico Rosberg to win his second Formula One Championship. According to new regulations, drivers had to choose a number to be used throughout their career, and Hamilton chose #44, his karting number. Though as the reigning world champion, he had the opportunity to change it to #1 in 2015, he opted to remain with #44.
He went on to win 10 races and was involved in a tense rivalry with Nico Rosberg, but eventually won his third championship. Hamilton went on to sign a three-year contract with Mercedes, worth £100 million. He also granted the privilege to retain his image rights, as well as keep his winning cars and trophies.
In 2016, Nico Rosberg got his win over Hamilton, after he won the 2016 Championship. Following his win, Rosberg announced his retirement from racing. Ferrari racer, Sebastian Vettel, thus became Hamilton greatest rival in Formula One after Nico Rosberg retirement.
Hamilton was able to secure a fourth title in 2017. But in 2018, it was such an intense one for both drivers as they were both competing to secure a fifth Championship. The struggle for a fifth title which journalists referred to as Fight for Five, Hamilton set the record for the most points scored in a season to win his fifth Championship. He thus signed a two-year contract with Mercedes which will see him receive as much as £40 million annually.
In 2019, Hamilton claimed his 6th career grand slam to the admiration of fans.
Lewis Hamilton Salary, Endorsement & Net Worth
Hamilton’s 2018 contract with Mercedes contained an agreement that the star will earn £40 million annually. Throughout his career, he has earned as much as $489 million. He is the 13th highest-paid celebrity in the world with annual earnings valued at $55 million by Forbes. He has endorsement and sponsorship deals with brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Bose, Mercedes-Benz, Monster Energy, Sony, Puma and others. Hamilton’s net worth is valued at $285 Million.
Hamilton is one of the Top-10 Highest-Paid Athletes Of The Decade
Lewis Hamilton Personal Life & Relationship
Hamilton who was raised Roman Catholic became a vegan in 2017 and revealed that he had stopped drinking in 2018.
It appears Lewis Hamilton is currently not in a relationship. However, he has been romantically linked with several women such as Nicole Scherzinger, whom he began dating in 2007. After several splits, the couple finally parted ways in 2015 according to London Evening Standard. He has been linked with singers such as Rita Ora and Nicki Minaj.
SEE MORE: Biography facts and profile of famous racing drivers
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