Childhood and Education Journey of Lewis Hamilton in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Lewis Hamilton. From birth to education, explore key events.

Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula One racing driver currently driving for Ferrari. He is one of the most successful Formula One drivers of all time, having won a joint-record seven World Drivers' Championship titles, tied with Michael Schumacher. Hamilton holds numerous records, including 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

1982: Keke Rosberg's World Championship

In 2013, when Hamilton joined Mercedes, a contrast was made to Nico Rosberg's upbringing, highlighting that Rosberg was the son of 1982 World Drivers' Champion Keke Rosberg.

January 1985: Born in Stevenage, Hertfordshire

In January 1985, Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton was born in Stevenage, Hertfordshire to Anthony Hamilton and Carmen Larbalestier.

January 1985: Lewis Hamilton Born

In January 1985, Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton was born. He is a British racing driver, currently driving in Formula One for Ferrari. He is known for holding a joint-record of seven Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles.

February 2001: Began Studies at Cambridge Arts and Sciences

In February 2001, Lewis Hamilton began his studies at Cambridge Arts and Sciences (CATS), a private sixth-form college in Cambridge.

June 2008: Registration of Lewis Hamilton Foundation

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

2010: Father Ceases Being Manager

In early 2010, Anthony Hamilton stopped being Lewis Hamilton's manager.

March 2012: Visit to the Philippines with UNICEF

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

October 2012: UNICEF Visit in India

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

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.

2014: Response to Tax Concerns

In 2014, Lewis Hamilton addressed concerns about his tax contributions, explaining to The Sunday Times that he pays taxes in multiple countries, including the UK, where he contributes significantly despite earning his income globally.

2014: Haiti film with UNICEF

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

2015: Exhibition for UNICEF

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

June 2017: Participation in UNICEF's Super Dads Initiative

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

August 2017: UNICEF Visit to Havana

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

December 2018: Controversial Comments at BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards

In December 2018, Lewis Hamilton caused controversy at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards when he said, "It really was a dream for us all as a family to do something different. For us to get out of the slums", before correcting himself. He later apologized for his choice of words.

2018: Release of designer clothing line

In 2018, Hamilton traveled to Shanghai and New York to release his designer clothing line with Tommy Hilfiger, between race weekends.

2018: Appearance on Christina Aguilera's Album

In 2018, Lewis Hamilton appeared on Christina Aguilera's album Liberation, featuring on the song "Pipe" under the pseudonym XNDA.

Loading Video...

2018: Criticism of Lack of Diversity in Formula One

In 2018, Lewis Hamilton criticised the lack of diversity in Formula One, noting that "nothing's changed" in the 11 years since his debut.

2018: Launch of TommyXLewis Clothing Line

In 2018, Lewis Hamilton launched the clothing line TommyXLewis with Tommy Hilfiger during New York Fashion Week, alongside models Winnie Harlow and Hailey Baldwin.

2018: Fundraising for Small Steps Project

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

September 2019: Co-founding of Neat Burger

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

September 2019: Sale of Private Jet

In September 2019, Lewis Hamilton sold his private jet.

2019: Fundraising for Small Steps Project

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

January 2020: Donation to Australian Bushfire Relief

In January 2020, Lewis Hamilton donated US$500,000 to causes related to the bushfires in Australia and announced his aim of being carbon neutral by the end of the year, including selling his private jet.

May 2020: Criticism of Formula One's Silence on Racial Issues

In May 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Lewis Hamilton criticised prominent figures in Formula One for their silence on the issue of racial injustice, posting his views on Instagram.

June 2020: Establishment of The Hamilton Commission

In June 2020, Lewis Hamilton established The Hamilton Commission with the Royal Academy of Engineering, to find ways to engage more black people with STEM subjects and increase employment in motorsport or other engineering sectors.

July 2020: Confirmation of XNDA Identity

In July 2020, Lewis Hamilton confirmed that he was the artist XNDA, who was featured on Christina Aguilera's 2018 album Liberation. He also revealed that he had been writing and recording music for ten years.

August 2020: Investment in W Magazine

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

September 2020: Launch of Team X44

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 on.

December 2020: Concerns over Human Rights in Bahrain

In December 2020, Lewis Hamilton confronted human rights issues in Bahrain, addressing allegations of sportswashing. He spoke out after an 11-year-old boy asked him to save his father from the death penalty. Hamilton discussed the case with human rights organisations, legal experts, and Bahraini officials.

2020: Wearing "Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor" T-shirt

During the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix weekend, Lewis Hamilton wore a t-shirt stating "arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor". Subsequently, the FIA barred drivers from wearing unofficial attire on the podium and in media interviews.

2020: Partnership with #TOGETHERBAND

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

2020: Fundraising for Small Steps Project and Vulnerable Children

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

July 2021: Founding of Mission 44

In July 2021, Lewis Hamilton founded Mission 44, a charity to help young people from under-represented backgrounds. He pledged £20 million to support the charity's work. Mission 44 collaborates with Ignite, a joint foundation between Hamilton and Mercedes.

2021: Criticism of Anti-LGBT Law

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton criticised the Hungarian government for their anti-LGBT law before the Hungarian Grand Prix and called out LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia before the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

2021: X44 Finished 2nd in Extreme E championship

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton's X44 team finished 2nd in the inaugural Extreme E championship, behind Nico Rosberg's RXR team.

2021: PORTL hologram tour

Throughout 2021, Lewis Hamilton toured the world via PORTL hologram, first in Europe and then making its U.S. debut in Los Angeles in September.

August 2022: Joins Ownership Group of Denver Broncos

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

October 2022: Founding of Dawn Apollo Films

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

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.

February 2025: Brand Ambassador for Lululemon

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.