History of Lewis Hamilton in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 16, 2026

Lewis Hamilton is a British racing driver widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula One drivers in history. Competing for Mercedes, he has secured a record-tying seven World Drivers' Championship titles, sharing the milestone with Michael Schumacher. Known for his exceptional speed, race craft, and consistency, Hamilton broke numerous records throughout his career, including the most race victories, pole positions, and podium finishes in the history of the sport. Beyond his racing success, he is a prominent advocate for diversity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability within motorsport, using his global platform to promote social change. After a long-standing tenure with Mercedes, he is set to join Ferrari for the 2025 season, marking a significant transition in his illustrious career. His influence extends beyond the track, making him a major cultural icon and one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.

Sections (7)

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

January 1985: Birth of Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton was born in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, in January 1985, marking the beginning of the life of the future professional racing driver.

1993: Beginning of Karting Career

In 1993, Lewis Hamilton started his journey in karting, where he rapidly achieved success by winning various races and securing cadet class championships.

1998: Signed to McLaren-Mercedes Young Driver Programme

In 1998, after impressing Ron Dennis with his karting performances, Lewis Hamilton was officially signed to the McLaren-Mercedes Young Driver Programme.

1999: Progression in Intercontinental A

In 1999, Lewis Hamilton continued his development in karting by competing in the Intercontinental A racing ranks.

2000: European Champion and Rising Star

During 2000, Hamilton achieved the title of European Champion with maximum points and was recognized by the British Racing Drivers' Club as a 'Rising Star' member.

2000: Karting World Cup and European Championship victories

During the year 2000, Lewis Hamilton achieved significant success in karting by winning both the Karting World Cup and the European Championship.

February 2001: Enrollment at Cambridge Arts and Sciences

In February 2001, Lewis Hamilton commenced his studies at Cambridge Arts and Sciences (CATS), a private sixth-form college located in Cambridge, following his time at The John Henry Newman School.

2001: Competition against Michael Schumacher

In 2001, Hamilton competed in karting against F1 legend Michael Schumacher, finishing in seventh place and earning praise from the veteran driver.

2001: British Formula Renault Winter Series Debut

In 2001, Lewis Hamilton officially launched his car racing career by participating in the British Formula Renault Winter Series, where he secured a fifth-place finish in the overall standings.

2002: Formula Renault UK and Eurocup Campaign

During the 2002 season, Hamilton competed in the full Formula Renault UK campaign with Manor Motorsport, achieving a third-place finish, and additionally placed fifth in the Formula Renault Eurocup after participating in only four rounds.

2002: Perspective on Entering Formula One

In 2002, Lewis Hamilton expressed his perspective on his career path, stating that his primary goal was not to become the youngest Formula One driver, but rather to gain sufficient experience before demonstrating his true capabilities on the track.

2004: Formula 3 Debut and Success

During the 2004 season, Lewis Hamilton made his debut in the Formula 3 Euro Series with Manor, finishing fifth overall. Additionally, in 2004, he achieved a victory at the Bahrain F3 Superprix and competed twice in the Macau F3 Grand Prix.

2004: First Formula One Test

In late 2004, Lewis Hamilton participated in his inaugural Formula One test session with the McLaren team at the Silverstone circuit.

2005: Contractual Conflict and McLaren Re-signing

Following a disagreement in 2005 between his father and McLaren executive Martin Whitmarsh regarding his career progression, Hamilton's contract was temporarily voided. However, after six weeks in 2005, Hamilton reconciled with the team and re-signed with McLaren to continue his development.

2005: Dominant Euro Series and Marlboro Masters Victory

Throughout 2005, Lewis Hamilton dominated the Euro Series while racing for ASM, winning 15 of 20 rounds and securing 13 pole positions. He also claimed victory at the Marlboro Masters of Formula 3 in Zandvoort and was recognized as the 24th best driver in Autosport magazine's "Top 50 Drivers of 2005" issue.

2006: Lewis Hamilton Wins GP2 Championship

During the 2006 season, Lewis Hamilton joined the ART Grand Prix team and successfully won the GP2 championship in his debut attempt. His performance throughout the year included a dominant victory at the Nürburgring despite a pit lane speeding penalty, a notable overtaking maneuver at Silverstone, and an impressive recovery from a spin in Istanbul. He ultimately clinched the title in 2006 after a post-race technicality involving Giorgio Pantano at Monza.

2007: Formula One debut at the Australian Grand Prix

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

2008: First World Drivers' Championship title

In 2008, Lewis Hamilton secured his maiden World Drivers' Championship title following a dramatic final-lap overtake, becoming the youngest champion at that time.

2010: Change in Management

In early 2010, Anthony Hamilton concluded his long-standing tenure as the manager for his son, Lewis Hamilton, marking a significant transition in Lewis's professional racing career.

2010: Four-way title battle in Formula One

Throughout the 2010 season, Lewis Hamilton was a key participant in a competitive four-way battle for the Formula One World Championship title.

2012: Contract extension with McLaren

Following his debut season and the subsequent internal team tensions, Lewis Hamilton secured his future by signing a £50 million contract to remain with McLaren through the conclusion of the 2012 racing season.

2013: Signing with Mercedes

In 2013, Lewis Hamilton ended his 15-year association with McLaren to join the Mercedes Formula One team, where he became teammates with Nico Rosberg.

2013: Mercedes Teammate Reunion

Starting in 2013, Hamilton reunited with his former karting teammate Nico Rosberg to race together for the Mercedes Formula One team.

2014: First Mercedes Title

During the 2014 Formula One season, Hamilton secured his first world championship title with the Mercedes team following the introduction of new engine regulations.

2015: Back-to-Back Titles

In 2015, Lewis Hamilton successfully defended his world championship title, marking his second consecutive win with Mercedes.

2016: Conclusion of Mercedes Partnership

The partnership between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg as teammates for the Mercedes F1 team concluded in 2016.

2017: Fourth World Championship

In 2017, Hamilton overcame a mid-season points deficit against Sebastian Vettel to secure his fourth career world championship title.

2018: Fifth World Championship

Hamilton claimed his fifth Formula One title in 2018 after another hard-fought battle against Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari.

2019: Sixth World Championship

In 2019, Lewis Hamilton continued his dominant streak by securing his sixth Formula One world championship title.

2020: Named to Time 100 Most Influential People

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world due to his impact on sports and his vocal activism regarding social justice.

2020: Seventh World Championship and Win Record

Throughout his 2020 campaign, Hamilton set multiple records, including the all-time win record at the Portuguese Grand Prix, ultimately claiming his seventh world championship title.

2021: Recognition as Most Influential Black Briton and Knighthood

During 2021, Hamilton achieved two major milestones: he was named the most influential Black Briton on the Powerlist 2021 and received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in the 2021 New Year Honours.