Few names in Formula 1 carry the same weight as Lewis Hamilton. With seven World Championships, a record number of race wins, and an undeniable influence both on and off the track, he has cemented his status as one of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history. From his early days in karting to his meteoric rise through the ranks of motorsport, Hamilton has consistently redefined what is possible in Formula 1.
His time with Mercedes saw him dominate the turbo-hybrid era, securing six titles and setting records that may stand for generations. Now, in 2025, he embarks on a bold new chapter with Ferrari, a move that has sent shockwaves through the paddock. With a fresh challenge ahead and a chance to claim an unprecedented eighth championship, Hamilton’s career continues to be one of relentless ambition and evolution.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Lewis Hamilton was born on January 7 1985 in Stevenage, England. His passion for racing started at an early age when his father, Anthony Hamilton, bought him a remote-controlled car. By the age of eight, he was already competing in karting, a sport where he quickly stood out. His natural speed and determination led to multiple karting championships, including victories in the British Cadet Kart Championship and the European Karting Championship.
His rapid rise through the junior racing categories saw him dominate in Formula Renault, winning the 2003 title with ease. This success paved the way for a move to Formula 3 Euro Series, where he clinched another championship in 2005. A year later, Hamilton made a statement in GP2 (now Formula 2) by winning the title in his rookie season, beating future F1 drivers like Nelson Piquet Jr. and Timo Glock. His performances convinced McLaren to promote him from their junior programme directly to F1.
F1 Debut with McLaren
In 2007, Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut with McLaren, and despite being a rookie, he stunned the paddock by finishing on the podium in his first race. A sweeping move around the outside of his reigning double world champion teammate Fernando Alonso at the first corner in the first race announced his arrival, and a star was born. His arrival on the scene was so impactful that he well and truly ruffled Alonso’s feathers and led McLaren to rethink their driver priorities. Over the next four races, Hamilton took four consecutive second-place finishes to leave him tied on points with Alonso at the top of the Championship standings. As Alonso’s leadership of the team faltered, rifts began to appear.
In just his sixth F1 race, Hamilton took his first pole position and first victory in Canada, following a chaotic race. Another pole and win at the very next race, in the US, and two more third places put him clear at the top of the Championship by the mid-way point. However, an error from the McLaren pit team during qualifying at the European GP led to a loose wheel causing a crash, leaving him in 10th place on the grid. Then, after making his way up to 4th through the first two corners, an unlucky puncture caused by two BMWs colliding set Hamilton back and contributed to his first non-podium finish of the season as he came home 9th and out of the points.
Destined for Greatness
With his teammate Alonso winning, the gap at the top of the standings was closed to just two points going into the 11th round in Hungary. At this point, McLaren looked set to sweep up both championships, the big question was which driver would come out on top. Then, Hungarian GP Qualifying happened. As the McLaren drivers were due to perform their final runs, Fernando Alonso delayed his exit in order to prevent Hamilton having enough time to set his final flying lap. McLaren were furious, the FIA weren’t impressed, and Alonso was given a 5-place grid penalty, promoting Hamilton to pole. Hamilton promptly won the race and stretched out his championship lead, but another unfortunate puncture in the next race in Turkey limited him to 5th place. This was followed by 4th in Belgium and then a fourth win of the season in Japan that left him within touching distance of the World Championship.
Leading in China, and in position to be crowned World Champion, McLaren left Hamilton out too long on worn wet tyres. When he was finally called in, he slid his car slid off the road in the cold and slippery pit lane and ended up beached in a gravel trap. This first and only retirement of the season was a setback for Hamilton, but he still had the opportunity to clinch the title in his rookie season in Brazil. However, after locking up at the start of the race and dropping back down the field, Hamilton’s car suffered a mechanical failure and, although he was able to get going again, he was only able to recover to 7th place.
Given all the on-and-off-track action, this was undoubtedly one of the best F1 seasons of all time, which would have been capped by Hamilton becoming the one and only driver to win the title in his first season. However, bad luck, poor decision-making, and a rift in the team all lead to Hamilton ultimately losing the title by just one point, marking the beginning of a spectacular career.
First F1 Title
Hamilton would go on to win his first WDC at the second time of asking in 2008. In as dramatic fashion as he had lost the title the year before, he managed to clinch the title on the last corner of the last lap in Brazil.
The 2008 F1 World Championship wasn’t without difficulty for Hamilton either. In the heat of a season-long battle with Massa over the lead of the WDC, Hamilton took victory in Spa to extend his Championship lead to 6 points. However, several hours after the race, the FIA controversially judged that Hamilton had overtaken Raikkonen illegally, and decided to conveniently add 25 seconds to his race time – classifying him third behind title rival Massa and Nick Heidfeld, and closing the gap at the top of the standings to just two points.
Just two races later, another controversy broke out, this time at the inaugural Singapore GP. Fernando Alonso, now at Renault, would take the victory, although only with the assistance of a spot of race manipulation. As we later found out, Alonso’s teammate Nelson Piquet Jr. was ordered by his team to crash in order to bring out a safety car and benefit Alonso. Although Hamilton only finished 3rd, Felipe Massa was leading up until the safety car period and a botched pit stop dropped him back down the field and he ultimately ended up 13th and out of the points.
Despite the controversies, Hamilton held his nerve all the way through to Brazil and swooped in to finally take his first title on the final corner of the final lap.
Dominance with Mercedes
After continuing to be in title conversations every season after 2008, despite being let down by an underperforming McLaren car and poor pit lane support, Hamilton eventually took the decision to move on in 2013. May initially questioned the decision. Was it motivated by money? Would Hamilton ever win again? At the time, Mercedes had not yet established itself as a dominant force in Formula 1, and leaving McLaren – where he had won his one and only World Championship and managed to come close on so many occasions – seemed like a gamble. However, this bold switch proved to be one of the most strategic moves in F1 history.
With the introduction of the turbo-hybrid era in 2014, Mercedes emerged as the clear frontrunner, and Hamilton became the face of their dominance. He won six World Championships (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) with the team, bringing his total to seven titles, equalling Michael Schumacher’s record. During this period, he set multiple records, including the most race wins, pole positions, and podium finishes in F1 history.
However, controversy struck again in 2021 as Hamilton was cruelly denied his record-breaking 8th WDC when race director Michael Masi incorrectly applied the rules to a safety car period on the final lap of the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi. Hamilton was left defenceless as Max Verstappen swept past to prevent Hamilton taking the title. Mercedes protested, and even despite Verstappen having overtaken Hamilton under the safety car, the stewards dismissed the complaints and crowned the Dutchman champion. The incident left a bitter taste in the mouth of many drivers and fans after one of the most exciting F1 seasons of all time.
Ferrari as the Next Step
Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari was officially announced in early 2024, when the British driver signed a multi-year contract that extends through to the end of the 2026 season. This contract, reportedly valued at £48 million ($60 million) per year, underscores Ferrari’s commitment to leveraging Hamilton’s experience and talent to reclaim championship glory.
Upon joining Ferrari, Hamilton expressed enthusiasm about this new endeavour, stating that the time felt right for a fresh challenge. He has been proactive in integrating into the team’s culture, including learning Italian to enhance communication and rapport with team members and fans.
The 2025 Formula 1 season will commence with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16. Hamilton aims to secure a record-breaking eighth World Championship title, a feat that would further cement his legacy in the sport. Partnering with Leclerc, Ferrari aspires to capitalise on the combined expertise of their drivers to challenge reigning champions and re-establish their dominance in the Constructors’ Championship.
Lewis Hamilton’s Next Move
As Lewis Hamilton embarks on his Ferrari journey, the motorsport world watches with anticipation. His ability to adapt, innovate, and push the limits has defined his career, and this new chapter is set to test those qualities like never before. Whether he can bring Ferrari back to championship glory remains to be seen, but his presence alone elevates the team’s prospects and adds a new level of excitement to the sport.
For bettors, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari creates an entirely new landscape. Once a safe bet for victories and championships, his odds are now shaped by Ferrari’s performance, his adaptation to a new car, and his rivalry with Leclerc. Those who follow his career closely and analyse track-specific data will find plenty of opportunities in the evolving Formula 1 betting market.
Regardless of the outcome, Hamilton’s legacy as one of the greatest drivers in history is already secure. His Ferrari era is not just about chasing an eighth title—it’s about proving, once again, that he remains a force to be reckoned with on the grid.
