Career Timeline of Lewis Hamilton: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Lewis Hamilton made an impact.

Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula One racing driver currently driving for Ferrari. He is statistically one of the most successful F1 drivers of all time, holding a joint-record seven World Drivers' Championship titles, tied with Michael Schumacher. He also holds records for the most wins (105), pole positions (104), and podium finishes (202).

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1993: Began karting career

In 1993, Lewis Hamilton began his karting career, rapidly achieving success in races and cadet class championships.

1995: Largest Victory Margin Recorded Since 1995 Australian Grand Prix

The 2008 British Grand Prix victory was the largest margin of victory recorded since the 1995 Australian Grand Prix.

1998: Signed to McLaren-Mercedes Young Driver Programme

In 1998, Lewis Hamilton's karting success attracted the attention of Ron Dennis, who signed him to the McLaren-Mercedes Young Driver Programme.

1999: Progressed in karting ranks

In 1999, Lewis Hamilton continued his progress in the Intercontinental A karting ranks, advancing his career.

2000: Racing for Mercedes Benz McLaren in Formula A

In 2000, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were teammates in karting, racing for Mercedes Benz McLaren in Formula A, where Hamilton became European champion.

2000: Became European Champion

In 2000, Lewis Hamilton became the European Champion in karting with maximum points, racing for TeamMBM.com with teammate Nico Rosberg.

2000: Karting World Cup and European Championship

In 2000, Lewis Hamilton won the direct-drive Karting World Cup and European Championship, marking a significant achievement in his early career.

2001: Started car racing career

In 2001, Lewis Hamilton began his car racing career in the British Formula Renault Winter Series, finishing fifth in the standings.

2001: Competed against Michael Schumacher in karts

In 2001, Michael Schumacher made a one-off return to karts and competed against Lewis Hamilton and other future Formula One drivers.

2002: Full Formula Renault UK campaign

In 2002, Lewis Hamilton participated in a full Formula Renault UK campaign with Manor Motorsport, finishing third overall.

2002: Goals for Formula One

In 2002, Lewis Hamilton stated that his goal was to be experienced and then show what he could do in Formula One.

2004: Debut in Formula 3 Euro Series

In 2004, Lewis Hamilton made his debut with Manor in the Formula 3 Euro Series, ending the year fifth in the championship.

2004: First Formula One Test

In late 2004, Lewis Hamilton had his first Formula One test with McLaren at Silverstone, marking a significant step in his career.

2005: Dominated the Formula 3 Euro Series

In 2005, Lewis Hamilton dominated the Formula 3 Euro Series, winning 15 of the 20 rounds and securing 13 pole positions.

2005: Re-signed with McLaren

In 2005, after initial contract disputes, Lewis Hamilton re-signed with McLaren, continuing his development with the team.

2006: Won the GP2 Championship

In 2006, Lewis Hamilton won the GP2 championship at his first attempt with ART Grand Prix, demonstrating his racing prowess.

2007: Formula One Debut

In 2007, Lewis Hamilton debuted at the Australian Grand Prix, becoming the first black driver to compete in Formula One.

2007: First Black Driver in Formula One

In 2007, Lewis Hamilton signed for McLaren and became the first black driver to compete in Formula One at the Australian Grand Prix.

2007: Debut Race

In 2020, Hamilton missed the Sakhir Grand Prix after contracting COVID-19, it was his first race absence since his debut in 2007.

June 2008: Lewis Hamilton Foundation Registered

In June 2008, the Lewis Hamilton Foundation was registered, providing grants and donations to a number of charitable causes.

2008: Five race victories and maiden title

In 2008, Hamilton partnered with Heikki Kovalainen, achieving five race victories and 10 podium finishes. He won his maiden title at the Brazilian Grand Prix, overtaking Timo Glock for fifth-place on the last lap and becoming the youngest World Drivers' Champion at the time, narrowly defeating Felipe Massa.

2008: Maiden Title Win

In 2008, Lewis Hamilton won his maiden title, becoming the youngest World Drivers' Champion at the time.

2008: Victory at the 2008 British Grand Prix

In the 2008 British Grand Prix, Hamilton won by over a minute, the largest margin of victory since 1995.

2008: Wins World Drivers' Championship

With his victory at the 2008 World Drivers' Championship, Lewis Hamilton became the then-youngest driver to win the title, aged 23 years and 301 days.

2009: Not Finishing Higher Than Fourth

From 2009 to 2013, Lewis Hamilton did not finish higher than fourth in the Drivers' Championship.

2009: Winning with a Bad Car

In 2009, Hamilton was able to win with a bad car, a feat not all champions can achieve.

2009: Challenging start and MP4-24 car upgrade

In 2009, McLaren faced a challenging start due to major technical regulation changes. Hamilton struggled initially, but major upgrades at the German Grand Prix dramatically improved the performance of the MP4-24 car. He then advanced from eleventh to fifth in the standings, securing two race victories.

2010: Four-way title battle and misfortunes

In 2010, Hamilton partnered with Jenson Button and engaged in a four-way title battle with Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, and Mark Webber. He secured McLaren's only pole position at the Canadian Grand Prix and led the championship after winning the race. However, misfortunes and mechanical failures led to him losing vital points and ultimately finishing fourth in the standings as Vettel won the title.

2010: Winning with a Good Car

In 2010, Hamilton was able to win with a good car, a feat not all champions can achieve.

2010: Involvement in Four-Way Title Battle

In 2010, Lewis Hamilton was involved in a four-way title battle during his time at McLaren, achieving multiple race wins.

2010: Split with his father as manager

In early 2010, Anthony Hamilton stopped being Lewis Hamilton's manager, concluding a long-standing professional relationship.

2011: Challenging season and inconsistent performances

In 2011, Hamilton had a challenging year, marked by setbacks in his private life and on-track collisions, leading to inconsistent performances. He finished fifth in the standings with three race wins but secured the only non-Red Bull pole position at the Korean Grand Prix.

2011: Winning with a Bad Car

In 2011, Hamilton was able to win with a bad car, a feat not all champions can achieve.

March 2012: UNICEF Film in the Philippines

In March 2012, Lewis Hamilton travelled to the Philippines to make a short film about Manila's street children for UNICEF, which was shown on ITV1 during Soccer Aid and helped raise over £4.9 million.

October 2012: Visit to UNICEF-funded Center in India

In October 2012, while in India for the Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton visited a UNICEF-funded newborn care unit and nutrition centre.

2012: Winning with a Good Car

In 2012, Hamilton was able to win with a good car, a feat not all champions can achieve.

2012: Title contention and mechanical failures

In 2012, McLaren was a title contender, with Hamilton remaining in contention during the first half of the season. However, he endured a challenging latter half with inconsistent results and mechanical failures, leading to five retirements. He finished fourth in the standings with four race wins and seven pole positions. He announced he would be joining Mercedes for the 2013 season.

2012: Contract Expiry with McLaren

Lewis Hamilton signed a contract to stay with McLaren until the end of 2012.

2013: Highest paid F1 Driver

According to Forbes, from 2013 Lewis Hamilton was the highest-paid Formula One driver.

2013: Joining Mercedes

For the 2013 season, Hamilton announced that he would be joining Mercedes, expressing gratitude for the opportunities and support he had received throughout his career, ending his 15-year association with McLaren.

2013: Not Finishing Higher Than Fourth

From 2009 to 2013, Lewis Hamilton did not finish higher than fourth in the Drivers' Championship.

2013: First season with Mercedes

In 2013, Hamilton signed with Mercedes, reuniting with Nico Rosberg. He finished fourth in the standings, securing five podium finishes and pole positions, with one race victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The latter half of the season was difficult, with only one podium finish.

2013: Move from McLaren to Mercedes

In 2013, Hamilton's move from McLaren to Mercedes was considered one of the most unexpected driver transfers in Formula One history.

2013: Global Education Ambassador for Save the Children

In 2013, Lewis Hamilton became the Global Education Ambassador for Save the Children, supporting and promoting its education campaigns.

2013: Joining Mercedes and pairing with Nico Rosberg

In 2013, Lewis Hamilton joined Mercedes and was paired alongside his old karting teammate and friend Nico Rosberg.

2013: Teamed up with Nico Rosberg for Mercedes

In 2013, Lewis Hamilton teamed up with Nico Rosberg again for Mercedes, having previously been karting teammates.

2014: Wet Weather Dominance

From the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, Hamilton remained unbeaten in wet weather races until 2019.

2014: Second World Championship Title

In 2014, Lewis Hamilton clinched his second World Championship title with Mercedes, leading to declarations that he was the best driver of his generation.

2014: UNICEF Film in Haiti

In 2014, Lewis Hamilton traveled to Haiti to make a short film about child malnutrition for UNICEF, which was shown on ITV1 during Soccer Aid and helped raise over £6 million.

2014: Won the Title

In 2014, amidst the fierce rivalry with Nico Rosberg, Lewis Hamilton won the title, driving for Mercedes.

2014: Chooses number 44 for career

In 2014, new Formula One regulations allowed drivers to select a unique car number for their careers, and Lewis Hamilton chose to use his old karting number, 44, which was inspired by his father's Vauxhall Cavalier's number plate "F44".

2014: Second World Drivers' Championship

The 2014 season saw the start of a successful era for Hamilton with turbo-hybrid engines. He secured a career-best 11 victories and won his second World Drivers' Championship at the final round in Abu Dhabi after a season-long duel with teammate Rosberg.

2015: Signs contract with Mercedes

Ahead of the 2015 Monaco Grand Prix weekend, Lewis Hamilton signed a contract to stay with Mercedes until the end of the 2018 season in a deal reportedly worth more than £100 million over the three years.

2015: Continues to race with No. 44

Before the start of the 2015 season, Lewis Hamilton, the reigning World Champion, announced he would not switch his car number to 1, opting to continue racing with his career number 44 instead.

2015: Third World Drivers' Championship

In 2015, Hamilton secured his first back-to-back championships, winning 10 races and leading the championship throughout the season. He clinched the title at the United States Grand Prix and extended his contract with Mercedes for three additional years.

2015: Won the Title Again

In 2015, Lewis Hamilton secured another title with Mercedes amidst his ongoing rivalry with Nico Rosberg.

2015: Third World Championship Title

In 2015, Lewis Hamilton secured his third World Championship title with Mercedes, solidifying his status as the best driver of his generation.

2015: UNICEF Exhibition

In 2015, Lewis Hamilton took part in an exhibition to highlight UNICEF's work and to celebrate its twenty-year partnership with Starwood Hotels.

2015: Richest British sportsperson

In 2015, Lewis Hamilton was ranked as the richest British sportsperson, with an estimated personal fortune of £88 million.

2016: Final year teaming with Nico Rosberg for Mercedes

2016 was the final year that Lewis Hamilton teamed up with Nico Rosberg for Mercedes.

2016: Runner-up in the championship

In 2016, Hamilton finished runner-up in the championship to Rosberg. He secured a season-highest 10 race victories and broke the record for most wins in a season without becoming the champion, along with the record for most career points of all-time. He finished the season 12 points adrift of Rosberg. He defied team orders in Abu Dhabi.

2016: Finished Behind Teammate

In 2016, Lewis Hamilton finished behind his teammate in the standings for the first time in his Formula One career.

June 2017: Joins Super Dads Initiative

In June 2017, Lewis Hamilton joined the Super Dads initiative, a UNICEF campaign that highlighted the critical role played by fathers in early childhood development.

August 2017: Visit to Havana with UNICEF

In August 2017, Lewis Hamilton visited Havana with UNICEF to learn more about its first development programmes in Cuba.

2017: Fourth World Drivers' title

In 2017, Hamilton was partnered by Valtteri Bottas. With Ferrari emerging as a strong contender, Vettel led the standings in the first half of the season. Benefitting from Vettel's misfortunes and Mercedes's resurgence after the summer break, Hamilton won his fourth World Drivers' title at the Mexican Grand Prix, securing 11 pole positions and nine race victories.

2017: Hamilton becomes vegan

In 2017, Lewis Hamilton declared that he had become vegan, citing concerns about the environmental impact of the global-warming gases emitted from the production of cows, the cruelty to animals, and his desire to lead a healthier life.

2017: Won the Title

In 2017, Lewis Hamilton overturned a mid-season point deficit to Sebastian Vettel and claimed his fourth title.

2017: Consecutive Races in Point-Scoring Positions

Starting in 2017, Lewis Hamilton finished 33 consecutive races in point-scoring positions.

2018: Fifth World Drivers' title

In 2018, Hamilton and Vettel engaged in a close battle for their fifth title, but Vettel's season unravelled after the German Grand Prix. Hamilton clinched his fifth title at the Mexican Grand Prix, securing 11 pole positions and race victories. He signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes, becoming the best-paid Formula One driver.

2018: TommyXLewis Clothing Line Launch

In 2018, Lewis Hamilton launched the clothing line TommyXLewis with Tommy Hilfiger during New York Fashion Week.

2018: Won the Title

In 2018, Lewis Hamilton overcame another mid-season deficit to Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari to secure his fifth title.

2018: Donation to the Small Steps Project

In 2018, Lewis Hamilton raised £6,411 for the Small Steps Project through charity auctions.

2018: Named PETA Person of the Year

In 2018, Lewis Hamilton was named PETA's Person of the Year for his vegan activism. Also in 2018, Hamilton mentioned in an interview that he gave up drinking alcohol a while ago.

2018: Net worth reported

In 2018, it was reported that Lewis Hamilton had a net worth of £159 million.

2018: Signs two-year contract with Mercedes

In the week leading up to the 2018 German Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton signed a two-year contract with Mercedes, reported to be worth up to £40 million per year.

September 2019: Neat Burger Co-Founded

In September 2019, Lewis Hamilton co-founded Neat Burger, a vegan restaurant chain.

2019: Sixth World Drivers' Championship Title

In 2019, Hamilton clinched his sixth World Drivers' Championship title, leading to acclaim as the greatest driver ever.

2019: Sixth World Drivers' title

In 2019, Hamilton led the championship standings and clinched his sixth title at the United States Grand Prix. He ended the season with 11 race wins and broke his own record for most points.

2019: Fundraising for the Small Steps Project

In 2019, Lewis Hamilton raised £6,000 for the Small Steps Project through charity auctions.

2019: Won his sixth title

In 2019, Lewis Hamilton won his sixth title, further solidifying his position as a leading driver in Formula One.

2019: End of Wet Weather Streak

In the 2019 German Grand Prix, Max Verstappen broke Hamilton's almost five-year streak of remaining unbeaten in wet weather races.

January 2020: Donation to Australian Bushfire Relief

In January 2020, Lewis Hamilton donated US$500,000 to causes relating to bushfires in Australia and announced his intention to be carbon neutral by the end of the year.

June 2020: The Hamilton Commission Established

In June 2020, Lewis Hamilton established The Hamilton Commission with the Royal Academy of Engineering, aimed at increasing black people's engagement with STEM subjects and employment in motorsport and engineering.

August 2020: Investment in W Magazine

In August 2020, Daily Front Row listed Lewis Hamilton as one of the high-profile investors who purchased fashion magazine W.

September 2020: Team X44 Launched

In September 2020, Lewis Hamilton launched Team X44 to compete in the all-electric SUV off-road racing series Extreme E from the 2021 season.

2020: Seventh Drivers' title

In 2020, Hamilton dominated the season to win his seventh Drivers' title, equalling Schumacher's record. He secured 10 pole positions and 11 race victories, breaking the record for all-time most wins at the Portuguese Grand Prix. He missed the Sakhir Grand Prix after contracting COVID-19.

2020: Victory at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix

In 2020, Hamilton's performance at the Turkish Grand Prix, where he clinched his seventh world title, was widely acclaimed as one of his greatest performances, using a one-stop strategy to win by over 30 seconds in mixed conditions.

2020: Broke records and Claimed record-equalling seventh title

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton broke several records, including the all-time win record at the Portuguese Grand Prix, and claimed his record-equalling seventh title.

2020: #TOGETHERBAND Partnership

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton partnered with the charity campaign #TOGETHERBAND to promote the United Nations' 17 Global Goals and visited Alperton Community School to speak to students about education, acting as a GOAL 4 Ambassador.

2020: Additional Fundraising for the Small Steps Project

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton raised another £4,000 for the Small Steps Project. A donated race suit reportedly raised €20,000 for vulnerable children.

2020: Richest British sports star

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton's fortune was an estimated £224 million, making him the richest British sports star in the history of the Sunday Times Rich List.

July 2021: Launch of Mission 44 and Ignite

In July 2021, Lewis Hamilton founded Mission 44, a charity to support young people from under-represented backgrounds, and pledged £20 million. Mission 44 collaborates with Ignite, a joint foundation with Mercedes focusing on diversity in motorsport.

2021: Highest paid F1 Driver

According to Forbes, until 2021 Lewis Hamilton was the highest-paid Formula One driver.

2021: Surpassed 100 race wins and pole positions

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton became the first driver to surpass 100 race wins and pole positions, finishing as runner-up to Max Verstappen amidst a disputed finish.

2021: Pole at Hungarian Grand Prix

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton secured his first pole since the Hungarian Grand Prix, surpassing Senna and Schumacher for the most pole positions at the same Grand Prix.

2021: Team X44 Competition

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton's X44 team competed in the all-electric SUV off-road racing series Extreme E, finishing 2nd in the inaugural Extreme E championship.

2021: Championship Denied in Abu Dhabi

In 2021, regulation changes led to Red Bull challenging Mercedes, with Verstappen and Hamilton emerging as title favorites. Hamilton achieved his 100th pole position and race win. Entering the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix level on points, Hamilton was denied the championship by a last-lap overtake from Verstappen. He extended his contract with Mercedes for two additional years.

August 2022: Joins Denver Broncos Ownership

In August 2022, Lewis Hamilton joined the ownership group of the National Football League's Denver Broncos.

October 2022: Dawn Apollo Films Founded

In October 2022, Lewis Hamilton founded the production company Dawn Apollo Films.

2022: Net worth increases to £300 million

By 2022, Lewis Hamilton's net worth had increased to £300 million.

2022: Winless Campaign

In 2022, Lewis Hamilton had a winless campaign, marking a challenging season in his career.

2022: Declined Role in Top Gun: Maverick

In 2022, Lewis Hamilton revealed he was offered a role as a fighter pilot in the film Top Gun: Maverick by Tom Cruise but had to decline due to Formula One commitments.

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2022: Challenging Season with Mercedes

In 2022, partnered with George Russell, Lewis Hamilton experienced his first Formula One season without a race win or pole position. Enduring a challenging campaign due to significant changes in technical regulations and issues with the W13 car, Hamilton finished sixth in the standings, behind his teammate for the first time since 2016.

2023: Another Winless Season Amidst Red Bull Dominance

In 2023, Hamilton endured another winless season due to Red Bull's dominance, despite securing several podium finishes and finishing third in the standings. He also secured his record ninth pole at the Hungarian Grand Prix, his first since 2021 and signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes.

2023: Co-founded Almave

In 2023, Lewis Hamilton co-founded Almave, a non-alcoholic blue agave spirit brand. Pernod Ricard acquired a minority stake to support global distribution.

2023: Another Winless Campaign

In 2023, Lewis Hamilton experienced another winless campaign, continuing a period of challenges in his career.

2024: Difficulties with W15 Car

In 2024, Hamilton struggled to adapt to the W15 car, leading to inconsistent qualifying performances and a challenging season.

2024: Departure from Mercedes and British Grand Prix Victory

In 2024, Hamilton triggered an exit clause in his contract to leave Mercedes at the end of the season. He achieved his ninth British Grand Prix victory, ending a 31-month winless streak, and secured his 200th podium finish in Hungary. He finished the season a career-lowest seventh in the championship.

2024: Record-Breaking Ninth British Grand Prix Victory

In 2024, Lewis Hamilton achieved his record-breaking ninth British Grand Prix victory, during his twelfth and final season with Mercedes.

February 2025: Lululemon Brand Ambassador

In February 2025, Lululemon announced Lewis Hamilton as one of its brand ambassadors, including collaboration with their research and design teams as well as advocacy initiatives.

2025: Future Racing in Formula One

As of 2025, Lewis Hamilton is the only black driver to have raced in the Formula One series.

2025: Signed for Ferrari

In 2025, Lewis Hamilton is set to sign for Ferrari, marking a new chapter in his Formula One career.

2026: Contributing to Ferrari's Competitiveness

In 2026, Hamilton is reported to be contributing to shaping Ferrari's competitiveness ahead of the new regulation changes, participating in meetings focused on structural changes and car development.