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.

Sir Lewis Hamilton is a highly accomplished British Formula One racing driver currently racing for Ferrari. He holds a joint-record of seven Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles, sharing the distinction with Michael Schumacher. Hamilton also boasts the most wins (105), pole positions (104), and podium finishes (202) in Formula One history, establishing him as one of the sport's most dominant and successful figures.

Sections (7)

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

2007: Relationship collapse with Alonso

As a result of the events over the 2007 season, the relationship between Hamilton and Alonso reportedly collapsed. It was reported that Hamilton had been targeted by Luca di Montezemolo regarding a Ferrari drive for 2008.

2007: Tensions at the Hungarian Grand Prix

At the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix, tensions between Hamilton and Alonso resurfaced when Hamilton ignored team requests to let Alonso through during the final qualifying session. Alonso then delayed Hamilton in the pits, preventing him from setting a final lap time. Alonso was relegated to sixth place, and McLaren was docked Constructors' Championship points.

2007: Racist abuse at the Chinese Grand Prix

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

2007: Tensions arise with Alonso after Monaco Grand Prix

In 2007, tensions arose between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso after Hamilton finished second behind Alonso at Monaco. Post-race comments by Hamilton suggested he was forced into a supporting role, leading to an FIA investigation into whether McLaren had broken rules by enforcing team orders.

2008: Racist abuse during pre-season testing

In 2008, Lewis Hamilton was heckled and abused during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya by Spanish spectators who wore black face paint and black wigs, as well as shirts bearing racist messages.

2009: Drivers' Championship Result

In 2009, Hamilton did not finish higher than fourth in the Drivers' Championship. This marked a period where his resolve was tested professionally and personally. The 2009 season was part of a stretch where his championship results were not as high.

2009: Challenging Start and Dramatic Improvement

In 2009, major technical regulation changes led to a challenging start for McLaren, with Hamilton often qualifying outside the top ten. His title defense became unfeasible, but major upgrades at the German Grand Prix dramatically improved the MP4-24 car's performance. From that point onward, Hamilton secured two race victories and three additional podium finishes, advancing from eleventh to fifth in the standings.

2010: Involved 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: Four-Way Title Battle and Missed Opportunities

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

2011: Challenging Season with Setbacks

2011 was a challenging year for Lewis Hamilton, marking the first season he was out-scored by a teammate, Jenson Button. Setbacks in his private life and on-track collisions, contributed to inconsistent performances. Hamilton finished fifth in the standings with three race wins and secured the only non-Red Bull pole position of the season at the Korean Grand Prix.

2012: Title Contention and Mechanical Failures

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

2013: Drivers' Championship Result

In 2013, Hamilton did not finish higher than fourth in the Drivers' Championship. This marked a period where his resolve was tested professionally and personally. The 2013 season was part of a stretch where his championship results were not as high.

2014: Start of Mercedes's Dominance

From 2014, Mercedes started a period of dominance for three years.

2014: Double standards in media treatment

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

2016: Finished Behind Teammate

In 2016, Lewis Hamilton finished behind his teammate in the standings for the first time. This marked a notable point in his Formula One career, contrasting with his typical dominance within his teams. His 2016 season culminated with him placing behind his teammate in the championship standings.

2016: Runner-Up Finish and Record-Breaking Season

In 2016, Lewis Hamilton finished runner-up in the championship to Rosberg. He won six of seven races mid-season and secured a hat-trick of wins towards the end. Despite defying team orders in Abu Dhabi, he finished second in the championship and broke the record for most wins in a season without becoming the champion.

2016: End of Mercedes's Dominance

Until 2016, Mercedes had a period of dominance for three years.

2017: Rivalry with Sebastian Vettel

In 2017, Ferrari produced a car that was capable of fighting for the championship.

2018: Rivalry with Sebastian Vettel

In 2018, Ferrari produced a car that was capable of fighting for the championship, continuing the rivalry from 2017.

2019: End of Wet Weather Streak

In 2019, at the German Grand Prix, Max Verstappen broke Hamilton's almost five-year streak of being unbeaten in wet weather races. This race marked the end of a significant period of dominance for Hamilton in wet conditions. The 2019 German Grand Prix saw the end of his remarkable streak.

2019: Accusations of racist undertones in media scrutiny

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

2020: Seventh Drivers' Title

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton dominated the season to win his seventh Drivers' title, equalling the record set by Schumacher. He secured 10 pole positions and 11 race victories. Hamilton missed the Sakhir Grand Prix after contracting COVID-19. He clinched the title at the rain-affected Turkish Grand Prix.

2021: Finished Runner-Up in Formula One World Championship

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton became the first driver to surpass 100 race wins and pole positions but finished runner-up to Max Verstappen amidst a controversial finish to the Formula One World Championship.

2021: Last Pole Until 2023

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton secured a pole position at an event. This pole marked the last one he would obtain until the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix. This highlights a period of time without achieving pole position, showcasing the challenges faced during those racing seasons.

2021: Online racist abuse following British Grand Prix win

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton was subjected to online racist abuse following a controversial win at the British Grand Prix. Mercedes, Formula One, and the FIA issued a joint statement condemning the abuse.

2021: Intense Title Battle and Controversial Finish

In 2021, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton emerged as title favorites. Amidst their intense battle, they engaged in several on-track collisions. Hamilton achieved his 100th pole position and race win. He was denied the championship by a last-lap overtake from Verstappen in Abu Dhabi following a late safety car. During the year, Hamilton extended his contract with Mercedes.

2022: Winless Campaign

In 2022, Lewis Hamilton had a winless campaign in Formula One.

2022: Challenging Season with Mercedes

In 2022, partnered with George Russell, Hamilton experienced his first Formula One season without a race win or pole position. Technical regulation changes and the W13 car's porpoising issues led to a challenging campaign, resulting in a back injury at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He finished sixth in the standings, behind his teammate for the first time since 2016.

2023: Winless Campaign

In 2023, Lewis Hamilton had a winless campaign in Formula One.

2024: Departure from Mercedes

In 2024, Hamilton triggered an exit clause in his contract to leave Mercedes at the end of the season, a year before it was due to expire. He cited the need for a new challenge and environment, ending his Mercedes career after struggling to adapt to the W15 car. He won the British Grand Prix, ending a 31-month winless drought, and finished the season seventh in the championship.