Challenges in the Life of Lewis Hamilton in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Lewis Hamilton's life and career.

Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula One racing driver currently competing for Ferrari. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport. Hamilton has achieved a joint-record seven World Drivers' Championship titles, tying with Michael Schumacher. He also holds numerous records, including the most wins (105), pole positions (104), and podium finishes (202). His career has been marked by exceptional skill, consistent performance, and significant influence on Formula One racing.

Sections (7)

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

2007: Relationship breakdown with Alonso

As a result of the events over the 2007 season, the relationship between Hamilton and Alonso reportedly collapsed.

2007: Qualifying incident at Hungarian Grand Prix

During the final qualifying session of the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton ignored requests to let Alonso pass, leading to Alonso being relegated to sixth and Hamilton starting first. McLaren was docked Constructors' Championship points, and Hamilton reportedly swore at Dennis.

2007: Racist abuse at Chinese Grand Prix

In 2007, Lewis Hamilton suffered racist abuse from Spanish Formula One supporters at the Chinese Grand Prix.

2007: Tensions arise at Monaco

In 2007, after Hamilton finished second behind Alonso at Monaco, tensions arose between the two drivers and McLaren, resulting in an FIA investigation.

2007: First race absence since his debut in 2007

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

2008: Racist abuse at Circuit de Catalunya

In 2008, during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya, Lewis Hamilton was heckled and abused by Spanish spectators wearing black face paint and black wigs, prompting the FIA to launch a "Race Against Racism" campaign.

2009: Finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship

In 2009, Hamilton finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship.

2009: Major Technical Regulation Changes in 2009

In 2009, major technical regulation changes led to a challenging start for McLaren. Hamilton's chances of defending his title became unfeasible. Major upgrades at the German Grand Prix saw a dramatic improvement in performance. Securing two race victories and three additional podium finishes across the remaining nine rounds.

2010: Disqualified at European Grand Prix

In 2010, Hamilton was disqualified in Formula One at the European Grand Prix in Valencia for overtaking the safety car.

2010: Hamilton Engaged in a Four-Way Title Battle in 2010

In 2010, Hamilton was partnered by reigning World Drivers' Champion Jenson Button. He engaged in a four-way title battle with Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber throughout the season. At the Canadian Grand Prix, he secured McLaren's only pole position of the season, and took the championship lead after winning the race. Hamilton finished fourth in the standings as Vettel won his maiden title.

2010: 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 despite the Red Bull-Renault combination prevailing.

2011: Challenging Year for Hamilton in 2011

2011 was a challenging year for Hamilton, marking the first season he had been out-scored by a teammate. Setbacks in his private life, as well as on-track collisions, contributed to his inconsistent performances throughout the season. Hamilton finished fifth in the standings with three race wins.

2013: Finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship

In 2013, Hamilton finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship.

2013: Partnership with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes

In 2013, Lewis Hamilton joined Mercedes and was paired alongside his old karting teammate and friend, Nico Rosberg, leading to a strained relationship over four seasons.

2014: Double standards in media treatment

In 2014, The Guardian journalist Joseph Harker highlighted double-standards in Lewis Hamilton's treatment compared to other British drivers by British newspapers, suggesting that his skin colour played a factor.

2016: Hamilton Finished Runner-Up to Rosberg in 2016

In 2016, Hamilton finished runner-up in the championship to Rosberg by five points. Hamilton won six of seven races mid-season, including the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he overtook his teammate to the championship lead for the first time of the season. Hamilton secured a hat-trick of wins to enter the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Finishing runner-up in the championship, Hamilton broke the record for most wins in a season without becoming the champion.

2016: Finished behind teammate in standings

In 2016, Lewis Hamilton finished behind his teammate in the standings for the first time, ending the season sixth, 35 points behind Russell in fourth.

2017: Rivalry with Sebastian Vettel escalates

In 2017, Ferrari produced a car that was capable of fighting for the championship. Also, during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Vettel accused Hamilton of brake checking and drove into him in retaliation.

2019: Media scrutiny described as having racist undertones

In 2019, footballer Rio Ferdinand described media scrutiny of Lewis Hamilton as having "racist undertones" and contrasted his treatment to that of Jenson Button.

2020: Hamilton Dominated the 2020 Season

Hamilton dominated the 2020 season to win his seventh Drivers' title, equalling the record for most titles set by Schumacher, in a season heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hamilton missed the Sakhir Grand Prix after contracting COVID-19. Hamilton clinched the title at the rain-affected Turkish Grand Prix with three rounds to spare.

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 runner-up to Max Verstappen amidst a controversial finish.

2021: Online racist abuse after British Grand Prix

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton was subjected to online racist abuse following a controversial win at the British Grand Prix, leading to condemnation from Mercedes, Formula One, and the FIA.

2021: Regulation Changes for the 2021 Season

In 2021, regulation changes saw Red Bull make performance gains on Mercedes. Hamilton achieved his 100th pole position and race win at the Spanish and Russian Grands Prix. Hamilton was denied the championship by a last-lap overtake from Verstappen following a late safety car. During the year, Hamilton extended his contract with Mercedes for two additional years.

2022: Winless Season

In 2022, Lewis Hamilton had a winless campaign, a notable challenge in his career.

2023: Another Winless Campaign Amidst Red Bull Dominance

In 2023, Hamilton endured another winless season amidst Red Bull dominance, securing several podium finishes and finishing third in the standings. He also signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes.

2023: Another Winless Season

In 2023, Lewis Hamilton experienced another winless campaign in Formula One.

2024: Triggered exit-clause in contract with Mercedes

In 2024, Hamilton triggered an exit-clause in his contract with Mercedes, allowing him to leave the team at the end of the season, a year before his contract was due to expire. He also secured his ninth British Grand Prix victory, ending his 31-month winless drought, broke the record for most wins at the same Grand Prix and became the first driver to win beyond their 300th start.