Childhood and Education Journey of Lewis Hamilton in Timeline

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Lewis Hamilton

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 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.

1982: Keke Rosberg wins World Drivers' Championship

In 1982, Keke Rosberg, the father of Nico Rosberg, won the World Drivers' Championship.

January 1985: Lewis Hamilton's Birth

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

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.

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.

June 2008: Registration of the Lewis Hamilton Foundation

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

2010: Father Ceased as Manager

In early 2010, Anthony Hamilton stopped being Lewis Hamilton's manager, after having supported his racing career since childhood.

2011: Guest Appearance in Cars 2

In 2011, Hamilton made a guest appearance in Cars 2, providing the voice for an anthropomorphic version of himself.

Loading Video...

2011: Ali G Comment

In 2011, after repeated summons to the stewards, Hamilton quipped, referencing Ali G, "maybe it's because I'm black."

March 2012: Travel to the Philippines with UNICEF

In March 2012, Hamilton traveled to the Philippines with UNICEF and created a short film about street children in Manila, which helped raise over £4.9 million for UNICEF during Soccer Aid.

October 2012: Visit to UNICEF-funded Center in India

In October 2012, while in India for the Grand Prix, Hamilton visited a UNICEF-funded newborn care unit and nutrition center, advocating for the well-being of vulnerable children.

2013: Global Education Ambassador for Save the Children

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

2013: Move from McLaren to Mercedes

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

2014: Defense of Tax Contributions

In 2014, Hamilton told The Sunday Times that he pays taxes in the UK, while also earning money and paying taxes in various other countries due to racing in 19 different countries.

2014: Travel to Haiti with UNICEF

In 2014, Hamilton traveled to Haiti where he created a short film addressing child malnutrition. The film was showcased on ITV1 during Soccer Aid and raised over £6 million for UNICEF.

2015: Participation in UNICEF Exhibition

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

June 2017: Joining the Super Dads Initiative

In June 2017, Hamilton joined the Super Dads initiative, a UNICEF campaign emphasizing the significance of fathers in early childhood development.

August 2017: Visit to Cuba with UNICEF

In August 2017, Hamilton visited Havana with UNICEF to learn about its initial development programs in Cuba.

2017: Transition to Veganism

In 2017, Hamilton told the BBC that he had become vegan, citing concerns about environmental pollution, animal cruelty, and a desire to live a healthier life.

2017: Voice Command Assistant in Cars 3

In 2017, Hamilton voiced a voice command assistant in Cars 3.

Loading Video...

2017: Maestro of Gran Turismo

Since 2017, Hamilton served as the "maestro" of the Gran Turismo series beginning with Gran Turismo Sport.

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

In December 2018, Hamilton caused controversy at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards by saying "to get out of the slums" when referring to his upbringing, before correcting himself and apologizing for his choice of words.

Loading Video...

2018: Criticism of F1 Diversity

In 2018, Hamilton criticized the lack of diversity in Formula One, stating that "nothing's changed" since his debut 11 years prior.

2018: Executive Producer for The Game Changers

In 2018, Hamilton is credited as an executive producer for the documentary film The Game Changers.

Loading Video...

2018: Launch of TommyXLewis Clothing Line

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

2018: Fundraising for the Small Steps Project

In 2018, Hamilton raised £6,411 for the Small Steps Project.

2018: Feature on Christina Aguilera's Song "Pipe"

In 2018, Hamilton was featured on Christina Aguilera's song "Pipe" under the pseudonym XNDA.

Loading Video...

2018: Named PETA Person of the Year

In 2018, Hamilton was named the PETA Person of the Year for his vegan activism.

September 2019: Co-founding of Neat Burger

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

September 2019: Sale of Private Jet

In September 2019, Hamilton sold his private jet, which had been the subject of controversy due to alleged VAT avoidance.

November 2019: Release of Time Trial Challenge DLC pack for Gran Turismo Sport

On 28 November 2019, Hamilton's Time Trial Challenge DLC pack was released for the game Gran Turismo Sport.

2019: Fundraising for the Small Steps Project

In 2019, Hamilton raised £6,000 for the Small Steps Project.

January 2020: Donation to Australian Bushfire Relief and Commitment to Carbon Neutrality

In January 2020, Hamilton donated US$500,000 to Australian bushfire relief efforts. He also announced his aim to be carbon neutral by the end of the year, detailing steps like using recyclable items and selling his private jet.

May 2020: Criticism of F1's Silence on Racial Issues

In May 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Hamilton criticized prominent figures in Formula One for their silence on the issue via a post on Instagram.

June 2020: Establishment of The Hamilton Commission

In June 2020, Hamilton established The Hamilton Commission with the Royal Academy of Engineering, aiming to increase black representation in STEM fields and motorsport.

July 2020: Confirmation as XNDA

In July 2020, Hamilton confirmed he was XNDA, who features on Christina Aguilera's 2018 song "Pipe", and revealed he had been writing and recording music for ten years.

Loading Video...

August 2020: Investment in Fashion Magazine W

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

September 2020: Launch of Team X44

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

December 2020: Speaking Out on Human Rights in Bahrain

In December 2020, Hamilton addressed human rights issues in Bahrain, including the case of a boy whose father faced the death penalty. Hamilton engaged with human rights organizations and Bahraini officials.

2020: Partnership with #TOGETHERBAND and visit to Alperton Community School

In 2020, Hamilton partnered with the charity campaign #TOGETHERBAND to promote the United Nations' 17 Global Goals. As part of his involvement, Hamilton visited Alperton Community School to emphasize the value of education to students.

2020: Fundraising for the Small Steps Project

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

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

In 2020, during the Tuscan Grand Prix weekend, 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.

May 2021: Laureus Athlete Advocate of the Year Award

In May 2021, Hamilton received the inaugural Laureus Athlete Advocate of the Year Award.

July 2021: Founding of Mission 44 and Launch of Ignite

In July 2021, Hamilton founded Mission 44, a charity to support young people from under-represented backgrounds, pledging £20 million. He also launched Ignite, a joint foundation with Mercedes, to increase diversity in motorsport.

2021: Criticism of Anti-LGBT Law and Saudi Arabia's LGBT Rights

In 2021, Hamilton criticized the Hungarian government for its anti-LGBT law and described LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia as "terrifying".

2021: Team X44 in Extreme E Championship

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

2021: Touring via PORTL Hologram

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

January 2022: X44 Wins Extreme E Sustainability Award

In January 2022, Hamilton's X44 team was crowned the inaugural winners of the Extreme E Sustainability Award.

August 2022: Joined Ownership Group of Denver Broncos

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

October 2022: Founding of Dawn Apollo Films

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

2022: Declined Role in Top Gun: Maverick

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

Loading Video...

November 2023: Addition of Hamilton Player Skin to Fortnite

In November 2023, Epic Games added a cosmetic Hamilton player skin to Fortnite. A likeness of Hamilton's dog, Roscoe, was also included in the game.

2024: Executive Producer on Motorcycle Mary

In 2024, Hamilton was one of the executive producers on Motorcycle Mary, a short documentary film about Mary McGee.

Loading Video...

2025: Co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala

Hamilton was one of the co-chairs of the 2025 Met Gala in Manhattan, with the theme of Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.

2025: Joined Ferrari

In 2025, Ferrari announced they had reached a multi-year agreement with Hamilton to join the team, replacing Carlos Sainz Jr. to partner Charles Leclerc.

2025: Release of F1 on Apple TV+

In 2025, Hamilton's production company, Dawn Apollo Films, will release F1, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski, on Apple TV+.

Loading Video...

2025: Shut Down of Neat Burger

In 2025, Neat Burger shut down after recording over US$24 million in net losses.