Full History Of Lewis Hamilton In Timeline From 1982

1982: Keke Rosberg's World Championship

In 1982, Keke Rosberg, Nico Rosberg's father, was the World Drivers' Champion.

January 1985: Lewis Hamilton's Birth

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

1993: Alain Prost wins World Driver's Championship

Alain Prost won his fourth and final World Drivers' Championship title in 1993.

1993: Beginning of Karting Career

In 1993, Lewis Hamilton started his karting career, quickly achieving success in races and championships.

1994: First F1 season since 1994 without car bearing the No. 1

The 2015 Formula 1 season was the first season since 1994 that the field did not contain a car bearing the No. 1 due to Alain Prost's retirement.

1995: Reference to the 1995 Australian Grand Prix

The 2008 British Grand Prix saw Hamilton best second place Nick Heidfeld by over a minute. It was the largest margin of victory since the 1995 Australian Grand Prix.

1996: Damon Hill wins the World Drivers' Championship

In 1996, Damon Hill became the first British driver to win the World Drivers' Championship since the creation of this event.

1998: Offer from McLaren-Mercedes Young Driver Programme

In 1998, Ron Dennis offered Lewis Hamilton a role in the McLaren-Mercedes Young Driver Programme after his Super One series and British championship wins.

1999: Progress in Intercontinental A Ranks

In 1999, Lewis Hamilton continued his karting progression in the Intercontinental A ranks.

2000: Teammates in Karting

In 2000, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were teammates in karting, racing for Mercedes Benz McLaren in Formula A, where Hamilton became European champion.

2000: European Championship Win

In 2000, Lewis Hamilton won the European Championship with maximum points in Formula A, racing for TeamMBM.com with teammate Nico Rosberg.

2000: Karting World Cup and European Championship Wins

In 2000, Lewis Hamilton won the direct-drive Karting World Cup and European Championship, marking significant achievements in his early career.

February 2001: Studies at Cambridge Arts and Sciences (CATS)

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

2001: Start of Car Racing Career

In 2001, Lewis Hamilton began his car racing career in the British Formula Renault Winter Series, finishing fifth overall.

2001: Competition Against Michael Schumacher

In 2001, Michael Schumacher made a one-off return to karts and competed against Lewis Hamilton, with Hamilton finishing seventh in the final.

2002: Full Formula Renault UK Campaign

In 2002, Lewis Hamilton participated in a full Formula Renault UK campaign with Manor Motorsport, finishing third overall.

2002: Hamilton's Perspective on Joining Formula One

In 2002, when asked about potentially becoming one of the youngest Formula One drivers, Hamilton expressed that his goal was not just to be the youngest but to be experienced and ready to perform.

2004: Debut in Formula 3 Euro Series

In 2004, Lewis Hamilton made his debut with Manor in the Formula 3 Euro Series, finishing the year fifth in the championship. He also won the Bahrain F3 Superprix.

2004: First Formula One Test with McLaren

In late 2004, Lewis Hamilton had his first Formula One test with McLaren at Silverstone.

2005: Domination in Formula 3 Euro Series

In 2005, Lewis Hamilton dominated the Formula 3 Euro Series with ASM, winning 15 of 20 rounds and securing 13 pole positions. He also won the Marlboro Masters of Formula 3 at Zandvoort. Autosport ranked him 24th in their "Top 50 Drivers of 2005" issue.

2005: Disagreement and Re-signing with McLaren

In 2005, a dispute between Anthony Hamilton and Martin Whitmarsh about Lewis's career progression led to a torn-up contract, but Hamilton later re-signed with McLaren.

2006: GP2 Championship Win

In 2006, Lewis Hamilton won the GP2 championship in his first attempt, driving for ART Grand Prix. He secured a dominant win at the Nürburgring and overtook two rivals at Becketts in Silverstone. He ultimately won the title after Giorgio Pantano was stripped of the fastest lap in the Monza feature race.

November 2007: Hamilton starts relationship with Nicole Scherzinger

In November 2007, Lewis Hamilton began an on-and-off relationship with Nicole Scherzinger.

December 2007: Hamilton suspended from driving in France

In December 2007, Hamilton was suspended from driving in France for a month after being caught speeding at 196 km/h (122 mph) on a French motorway. His Mercedes-Benz CLK was also impounded during the incident.

2007: Hungarian Grand Prix Qualifying Incident

During the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying session, Lewis Hamilton ignored team requests to let Fernando Alonso pass, leading to Alonso delaying Hamilton in the pits. Alonso received a grid penalty, and McLaren lost Constructors' Championship points. Hamilton expressed regret over the points loss and was reported to have sworn at Dennis, which McLaren later denied.

2007: Hamilton Debuts in Formula One

In 2007, Hamilton debuted at the Australian Grand Prix, becoming the first black driver to compete in Formula One.

2007: Hamilton moves to Switzerland

In 2007, Hamilton moved to Luins, Vaud, Switzerland, citing privacy as the main reason for leaving the UK. He later mentioned that taxation was also a factor.

2007: Formula One Debut

In 2007, Lewis Hamilton debuted in Formula One with McLaren at the Australian Grand Prix, becoming the first black driver to compete in Formula One.

2007: Racist Abuse at Chinese Grand Prix

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

2007: Tensions with Alonso at Monaco

In 2007, at the Monaco Grand Prix, tensions arose between Lewis Hamilton and his teammate Fernando Alonso after Hamilton finished second. His post-race comments suggested he was forced into a supporting role, leading to an FIA investigation into potential team order violations by McLaren.

2007: Relationship with Alonso Collapses

In 2007, the relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso reportedly collapsed, leading to speculation about their future with McLaren.

2007: K. Räikkönen wins

K. Räikkönen wins in 2007.

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.

2008: Racist Abuse at Circuit de Catalunya

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

2008: Hamilton wins Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award

In 2008, Hamilton won the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award.

2008: Hamilton wins his maiden title

In 2008, Lewis Hamilton partnered with Heikki Kovalainen and achieved five race victories and ten podium finishes. He won his maiden title at the Brazilian Grand Prix, overtaking Timo Glock for fifth place on the last lap, becoming the youngest World Drivers' Champion at the time and the first British driver to win the World Drivers' Championship since 1996.

2008: First World Drivers' Championship

In 2008, Lewis Hamilton won his maiden World Drivers' Championship, making a crucial overtake on the last lap of the last race.

2008: Tax Arrangements Criticism

In 2008, Lewis Hamilton's tax arrangements were singled out in a report by Christian Aid and received criticism from UK members of parliament for avoiding UK taxes.

2008: Alonso Leaves McLaren

In November 2008, Fernando Alonso and McLaren mutually terminated their contract, ending his time as Lewis Hamilton's teammate.

2008: Victory at the British Grand Prix

In the 2008 British Grand Prix, Hamilton secured a dominant victory, besting second-place Nick Heidfeld by over a minute, marking the largest margin of victory since 1995.

2008: L. Hamilton wins

L. Hamilton wins in 2008.

2008: Hamilton wins the 2008 World Drivers' Championship

With his victory at the 2008 World Drivers' Championship, Hamilton became the then-youngest driver to win the title, aged 23 years and 301 days.

2009: Drivers' Championship Ranking

Following Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel's four-year dominance of the sport, Hamilton's resolve was tested and he did not finish higher than fourth in the Drivers' Championship from 2009 to 2013.

2009: Winning with a bad car

He was able to win with a dominant car, with a good car like 2010 or 2012, or with bad cars like 2009 and 2011. Not all the champions can say that.

2009: Alonso mentions Hamilton's winning with a bad car

In 2009, Alonso mentioned Hamilton's ability to win with a bad car during an interview.

2009: McLaren's challenging start and improvement

In 2009, major technical regulation changes led to a challenging start for McLaren. However, major upgrades at the German Grand Prix dramatically improved the performance of the MP4-24 car, resulting in Hamilton securing two race victories and three additional podium finishes.

2010: Overtaking the safety car at the 2010 European Grand Prix

Earlier in his career, Hamilton was criticised for being hot-headed at times. He overtook the safety car at the 2010 European Grand Prix in Valencia. The same thing he did in Imola in the GP2 Series

2010: Winning with a good car

He was able to win with a dominant car, with a good car like 2010 or 2012, or with bad cars like 2009 and 2011. Not all the champions can say that.

2010: Alonso mentions Hamilton's winning with a good car

In 2010, Alonso mentioned Hamilton's ability to win with a good car during an interview.

2010: Drove Senna's McLaren MP4/4

In 2010, Hamilton drove Ayrton Senna's McLaren MP4/4 as part of a tribute documentary by Top Gear and named Senna as the number one driver ever.

2010: Hamilton moves to Monaco

In 2010, Hamilton moved to Monaco, following the trend of many Formula One drivers, and purchased a house worth a reported £10 million.

2010: Involvement 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: Hamilton's Title Challenge and Setbacks

In 2010, Lewis Hamilton was partnered by Jenson Button and engaged in a four-way title battle. He secured McLaren's only pole position of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix and took the championship lead after winning the race. However, misfortunes in the latter half of the season led to him finishing fourth in the standings.

2010: End of Father's Management

In early 2010, Anthony Hamilton ceased being Lewis Hamilton's manager, marking a change in their professional relationship.

2010: P. Maldonado wins

P. Maldonado wins in 2010.

2010: Hamilton's car impounded in Australia

Two days before the 2010 Australian Grand Prix, Victoria Police witnessed Hamilton "deliberately losing traction" in his silver Mercedes-AMG C63, and impounded the car for 48 hours. He was later fined A$500 and described as a "hoon" by the magistrate.

2011: Challenging year for Hamilton

2011 was a challenging year for Lewis Hamilton. He was out-scored by his teammate, Jenson Button. Setbacks in his private life, as well as on-track collisions, contributed to inconsistent performances. Hamilton finished fifth in the standings with three race wins.

2011: Winning with a bad car

He was able to win with a dominant car, with a good car like 2010 or 2012, or with bad cars like 2009 and 2011. Not all the champions can say that.

2011: Alonso mentions Hamilton's winning with a bad car

In 2011, Alonso mentioned Hamilton's ability to win with a bad car during an interview.

2011: Hamilton appears in Cars 2

In 2011, Lewis Hamilton made a guest appearance in Cars 2, voicing an anthropomorphic version of himself.

Loading Video...

2011: Ali G Comment

In 2011, after being summoned to the stewards in five of the opening six rounds, Lewis Hamilton quipped, "maybe it's because I'm black, that's what Ali G says."

March 2012: Hamilton visits the Philippines with UNICEF

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

October 2012: Hamilton visits UNICEF-funded center in India

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

2012: Winning with a good car

He was able to win with a dominant car, with a good car like 2012, or with bad cars like 2009 and 2011. Not all the champions can say that.

2012: Alonso mentions Hamilton's winning with a good car

In 2012, Alonso mentioned Hamilton's ability to win with a good car during an interview.

2012: Hamilton's final year with McLaren

In 2012, Lewis Hamilton remained in title contention during the first half of the season, but a challenging latter half with mechanical failures led to a fourth-place finish. Motorsport.com analysis found that Hamilton had lost an estimated 110 points due to race retirements and other misfortunes. He announced he would join Mercedes for the 2013 season.

2012: Contract Extension with McLaren

Lewis Hamilton signed a £50 million contract to remain with McLaren until the end of 2012.

2013: Highest-paid Formula One driver from 2013

According to Forbes, Hamilton was the highest-paid Formula One driver starting in 2013.

2013: Drivers' Championship Ranking

Following Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel's four-year dominance of the sport, Hamilton's resolve was tested and he did not finish higher than fourth in the Drivers' Championship from 2009 to 2013.

2013: Hamilton becomes 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.

2013: Joining Mercedes with Rosberg

In 2013, Lewis Hamilton joined Mercedes and was paired with his former karting teammate and friend, Nico Rosberg. Their relationship became strained during their time as teammates.

2013: Hamilton's first season with Mercedes

In 2013, Lewis Hamilton joined Mercedes. He finished fourth in the standings, securing five podium finishes and pole positions, with one race victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Pirelli's switch in tyre construction contributed to his victory in Hungary, but Hamilton and Mercedes faced a difficult latter half of the season.

2013: Signing with Mercedes

In 2013, Lewis Hamilton signed with Mercedes to partner with Nico Rosberg, ending his 15-year association with McLaren.

2013: Teammate with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes

In 2013, Lewis Hamilton teamed up again with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes, renewing their karting partnership in Formula One.

2013: Move from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013

In parallel to his move from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013, his move to Ferrari in 2025 was noted as one of the most unexpected driver transfers in Formula One history.

2013: S. Vettel wins

S. Vettel wins in 2013.

2014: Second World Championship Title

After Hamilton clinched his second and third World Championship titles with Mercedes in 2014 and 2015, David Coulthard declared Hamilton the best driver of his generation, calling him "the Ayrton Senna of his era".

2014: Mercedes's Dominance

From 2014, Lewis Hamilton drove for Mercedes which began a period of dominance.

2014: Start of Wet Weather Dominance

From the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, Hamilton remained unbeaten in every race affected by wet weather up to 2019, showcasing his exceptional skill in challenging conditions.

2014: Switch to White Helmet Design

In 2014, Hamilton switched from a predominantly yellow helmet design to a white design with three red ribbons on the side, marking a significant change in his visual identity on the track.

2014: Hamilton wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year and PAP European Sportsperson of the Year

In 2014, Hamilton won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award and PAP European Sportsperson of the Year.

2014: Double Standards in Media Treatment

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

2014: Hamilton Addresses Tax Concerns

In 2014, Lewis Hamilton addressed concerns about his tax contributions, stating that he pays tax in the UK and other countries where he earns money.

2014: Hamilton travels to Haiti with UNICEF

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

2014: Hamilton wins his second World Drivers' Championship

In 2014, changes to engine regulations marked the start of a successful era for Hamilton. He secured a career-best 11 victories and won his second World Drivers' Championship at the final round in Abu Dhabi, prevailing in a season-long duel against teammate Rosberg.

2014: Hamilton chooses to race under number 44

In 2014, new Formula One driver number regulations allowed drivers to pick a unique car number, with Lewis Hamilton electing to compete under his old karting number 44.

2014: L. Hamilton wins

L. Hamilton wins in 2014.

2014: Hamilton wears gold-framed Warhol painting

Prior to the 2014 United States Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton wore a gold-framed version of Andy Warhol's Cars, Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe painting.

February 2015: Hamilton ends relationship with Nicole Scherzinger

In February 2015, Lewis Hamilton ended his on-and-off relationship with Nicole Scherzinger.

2015: Third World Championship Title

After Hamilton clinched his second and third World Championship titles with Mercedes in 2014 and 2015, David Coulthard declared Hamilton the best driver of his generation, calling him "the Ayrton Senna of his era".

2015: Hamilton signs contract with Mercedes until 2018

Before the 2015 Monaco Grand Prix weekend, Hamilton signed a contract to stay with Mercedes until the end of the 2018 season in a deal reportedly worth more than £100 million over the three years, making him one of the best-paid drivers in Formula One.

2015: Hamilton continues racing with number 44

Before the start of the 2015 season, Lewis Hamilton announced he would not be switching his car number to 1, and would instead continue to race with his career No. 44.

2015: Richest British sportsperson in 2015

In 2015, Hamilton was ranked as the richest British sportsperson, with an estimated personal fortune of £88 million.

2015: Hamilton wins his third World Drivers' Championship

In 2015, Lewis Hamilton fended off Rosberg's challenge for the title for a second year running, winning 10 races. He achieved his first back-to-back championships, clinching the title at the United States Grand Prix with three races to spare. Hamilton also extended his contract with Mercedes.

2015: Hamilton takes part in exhibition to highlight UNICEF's work

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

2015: L. Hamilton wins

L. Hamilton wins in 2015.

2016: Addition of Championship Stars to Helmet

In 2016, Hamilton added three stars beneath the ribbons on his helmet, representing each of his World Drivers' Championships, showcasing his achievements.

2016: Finished Behind Teammate

In 2016, Hamilton finished behind his teammate in the standings for the first time since joining Mercedes, signaling a shift in team dynamics and performance challenges.

2016: Partnership with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes

In 2016, Lewis Hamilton continued his partnership with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes, further developing their Formula One careers.

2016: Mercedes's Dominance

In 2016, Lewis Hamilton drove for Mercedes which began a period of dominance.

2016: Hamilton finishes runner-up to Rosberg

In 2016, Lewis Hamilton finished runner-up to Rosberg in the championship. Despite winning six of seven races mid-season, including the Hungarian Grand Prix, an engine blowout in Malaysia and team order defiance in Abu Dhabi led to Rosberg taking the title. Hamilton broke the record for most wins in a season without becoming the champion.

2016: Powerlist Top 10 Ranking

In 2016, Lewis Hamilton ranked in the top 10 of the Powerlist, an annual list of the most influential Black Britons.

June 2017: Hamilton joins the Super Dads initiative

In June 2017, Lewis Hamilton joined the Super Dads initiative, a UNICEF campaign that highlighted the role of fathers in early childhood development.

August 2017: Hamilton visits Havana with UNICEF

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

November 2017: Paradise Papers Leak

Following the leak of the Paradise Papers in November 2017, it was reported that Lewis Hamilton had avoided paying £3.3 million of VAT on his private jet, worth £16.5 million.

2017: C. Leclerc wins

C. Leclerc wins in 2017.

2017: Alonso Praises Hamilton

In 2017, Fernando Alonso praised Lewis Hamilton, highlighting his ability to win with various levels of car performance.

2017: Championship Battle with Vettel

In 2017, Ferrari produced a car capable of challenging Mercedes' dominance, leading to a championship battle between Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. Despite some on-track incidents, they developed a strong mutual respect.

2017: Hamilton buys an apartment in New York

In 2017, Hamilton purchased an apartment in Manhattan, New York, for US$40 million.

2017: Fan-Selected Helmet Design

In 2017, Hamilton selected his helmet design from fan submissions, using a white and yellow base color with red and orange details, engaging with his fan base.

2017: Hamilton wins Best Driver ESPY Award and is inducted into FIA Hall of Fame

In 2017, Hamilton won the Best Driver ESPY Award and was inducted into the FIA Hall of Fame.

2017: 44IP opposes Swatch Group's trade mark application

In 2017, Hamilton's rights management company, 44IP, opposed Swatch Group's application to register a trade mark for "HAMILTON INTERNATIONAL" in Europe for watches, alleging bad faith and unfair competition.

2017: Fourth World Title

In 2017, Lewis Hamilton overcame a mid-season deficit to claim his fourth World Championship title, battling against Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari.

2017: Powerlist Top 10 Ranking

In 2017, Lewis Hamilton ranked in the top 10 of the Powerlist, which lists the most influential Black Britons.

2017: Hamilton becomes the maestro of Gran Turismo series

In 2017, Lewis Hamilton served as the "maestro" of the Gran Turismo series since Gran Turismo Sport.

2017: Hamilton becomes vegan

In 2017, Lewis Hamilton stated he had become vegan due to concerns about the environmental impact and cruelty of animal agriculture.

2017: Hamilton voices a voice command assistant in Cars 3

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

Loading Video...

2017: Hamilton wins his fourth World Drivers' title

In 2017, Lewis Hamilton was partnered by Valtteri Bottas. He won his fourth World Drivers' title at the Mexican Grand Prix with two races to spare, registering 11 pole positions and nine race victories.

December 2018: BBC Sports Personality of the Year Controversy

In December 2018, Lewis Hamilton caused controversy at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards by saying "to get out of the slums", when referring to his childhood, before correcting himself. He later apologized for his remarks on Instagram.

2018: Consecutive Races in Point-Scoring Positions

From 2017 to 2018, Hamilton finished 33 consecutive races in point-scoring positions. In 2018, Ross Brawn praised Hamilton for winning races even when the opposition was stronger.

2018: G. Russell wins

G. Russell wins in 2018.

2018: Return to White-and-Red Helmet Design

In 2018, Hamilton switched back to a 2014-inspired white-and-red helmet design, showcasing a sense of nostalgia and consistency in his visual branding.

2018: Hamilton wins Gazzetta World Sportsman of the Year

In 2018, Hamilton won the Gazzetta World Sportsman of the Year.

2018: Continued Championship Battle with Vettel

In 2018, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel continued their championship battle, with Mercedes and Hamilton ultimately winning the championship.

2018: Hamilton wins his fifth title at the Mexican Grand Prix

In 2018, Lewis Hamilton and Vettel engaged in a close battle for their fifth title, with Hamilton ultimately winning at the Mexican Grand Prix for a second year running. He secured 11 pole positions and race victories, setting a new record for most points scored in a season (408). Hamilton also signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes.

2018: Gold Helmet with Five Stars

In 2018, Lewis Hamilton continued the practice of wearing gold helmets for season finales, sporting one with five stars, representing his five World Championship titles.

2018: Criticism of Lack of Diversity

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

2018: Hamilton featured on Christina Aguilera's song "Pipe"

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

Loading Video...

2018: Hamilton is executive producer for The Game Changers

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

Loading Video...

2018: Hamilton launches clothing line TOMMYXLEWIS

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

2018: Hamilton raises money for the Small Steps Project

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

2018: Fifth World Title

In 2018, Lewis Hamilton secured his fifth World Championship title, again overturning a mid-season deficit against Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari.

2018: Hamilton named PETA Person of the Year

In 2018, Lewis Hamilton was named the PETA Person of the Year for his vegan activism and stated he gave up drinking.

2018: Tribute to Alonso

In 2018, after Alonso's final race before his hiatus, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel paid tribute to Alonso by performing donuts on the start-finish straight.

2018: Designer Clothing Line Release

In 2018, after winning the Italian Grand Prix, Hamilton flew to Shanghai and New York to release his designer clothing line with Tommy Hilfiger, before winning the next race in Singapore. This demonstrated his jet-set lifestyle and interests outside Formula One.

2018: Hamilton's net worth reported at £159 million

In 2018, it was reported that Hamilton had a net worth of £159 million.

2018: Hamilton signs a two-year contract with Mercedes

In the week leading up to the 2018 German Grand Prix, Hamilton signed a two-year contract with Mercedes, reported to be worth up to £40 million per year, making him the best-paid driver in the history of Formula One.

September 2019: Hamilton launches Neat Burger

In September 2019, Lewis Hamilton launched Neat Burger, a vegan restaurant chain claiming to be the first international plant-based burger chain.

September 2019: Sale of Private Jet

Lewis Hamilton's private jet, which was involved in a VAT avoidance scheme, was sold in September 2019.

November 2019: Release of Hamilton's Time Trial Challenge DLC pack

On November 28, 2019, Lewis Hamilton's Time Trial Challenge DLC pack was released in Gran Turismo Sport.

2019: Sixth World Drivers' Championship Title

Following Hamilton clinching his sixth World Drivers' Championship title in 2019, ex-Formula One driver and pundit Johnny Herbert acclaimed Hamilton as the greatest driver ever.

2019: End of Wet Weather Winning Streak

Hamilton's streak of remaining unbeaten in wet weather races from the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix ended at the 2019 German Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen broke the streak.

2019: Hamilton wins PAP European Sportsperson of the Year

In 2019, Hamilton won the PAP European Sportsperson of the Year.

2019: Hamilton Clinches Sixth Title

In 2019, Lewis Hamilton led the championship standings and clinched his sixth title at the United States Grand Prix. He ended the season with 11 race wins and broke his own record for most points scored.

2019: Hamilton raises money for the Small Steps Project

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

2019: Sixth World Title

In 2019, Lewis Hamilton won his sixth World Championship title, further solidifying his legacy in Formula One.

2019: Media Scrutiny with Racist Undertones

In 2019, Rio Ferdinand described media scrutiny of Lewis Hamilton as having "racist undertones", contrasting it to the treatment of Jenson Button.

2019: Recognition as a Representative of the Sport

In 2019, journalist Luke Slater argued that few have represented the sport better than Hamilton, both on and off the track, praising his ability to connect with fans.

2019: Gold Helmet with Six Stars

Lewis Hamilton sported a gold helmet with six stars at the season finale in 2019, commemorating his six World Championship titles.

2019: Tribute to Niki Lauda

Prior to the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix, following the death of Niki Lauda, Lewis Hamilton wore a special helmet featuring Lauda's classic red-and-white palette with his name on the back, honoring Lauda's influence on his career.

January 2020: Hamilton donates to Australian bushfire relief

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

May 2020: Criticism of Formula One's Silence

Following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, Lewis Hamilton criticized prominent figures in Formula One for their silence on the issue, using Instagram to express his views.

June 2020: Hamilton establishes The Hamilton Commission

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

July 2020: Hamilton confirms pseudonym on Christina Aguilera's song

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

Loading Video...

August 2020: Hamilton invests in fashion magazine W

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

September 2020: Hamilton launches 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.

December 2020: Hamilton confronts human rights in Bahrain

In December 2020, Lewis Hamilton spoke out on human rights in Bahrain and allegations of sportswashing, addressing the case of an 11-year-old boy whose father was facing the death penalty.

2020: Seventh World Title

After Hamilton won his seventh title in 2020, John Watson stated that Hamilton "is, by a million miles, the greatest driver of his generation and you can argue he will go on to be the greatest Formula One driver of all time".

2020: Wet Weather Win at Turkish Grand Prix

At the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix, Hamilton clinched his seventh world title with a widely acclaimed wet weather drive. He cited the race as his "stand-out" performance of the season, gambling on a one-stop strategy in mixed conditions.

2020: Hamilton's Knighthood

Following Hamilton's knighthood in 2020, Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali praised Hamilton as "a true giant of our sport" and highlighted his significant influence.

2020: Matte Black Helmet with Black Lives Matter Emblem

In 2020, Hamilton opted for a matte black helmet design with purple details and added a Black Lives Matter emblem, demonstrating his support for the movement.

2020: Hamilton shares Sportsman of the Year Award with Lionel Messi

In 2020, Hamilton shared the Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award with Lionel Messi, and also won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, L'Équipe Champion of Champions, and Gazzetta World Sportsman of the Year.

2020: Hamilton wins his seventh title

In 2020, Hamilton won his seventh World Drivers' Championship, tying the all-time record set by Michael Schumacher.

2020: Hamilton becomes richest British sports star

In 2020, Hamilton's fortune was an estimated £224 million, making him the richest British sports star in the history of the Sunday Times Rich List.

2020: Gold Accented Helmet

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton altered his gold helmet design, opting for his base helmet with gold outlines and accents, instead of a full gold design, for the season finale.

2020: Record-Equaling Seventh Title

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton claimed his record-equaling seventh World Championship, breaking the all-time win record at the Portuguese Grand Prix.

2020: Hamilton partners with #TOGETHERBAND campaign

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton partnered with the #TOGETHERBAND charity campaign to promote the United Nations' 17 Global Goals, visiting Alperton Community School to discuss the importance of education.

2020: Hamilton raises money for the Small Steps Project and auction of race suit

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

2020: Time 100 Most Influential People

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton was listed as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people globally.

2020: Listed as one of Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton was recognized by Time as one of the 100 most influential people globally, acknowledging his broader impact beyond Formula One.

2020: Wearing "arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor" t-shirt and FIA ban on unofficial attire

In 2020, during the Tuscan Grand Prix weekend, Lewis Hamilton wore a t-shirt stating "arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor", which led to the FIA barring drivers from wearing unofficial attire on the podium and in media interviews.

2020: EUIPO rejects 44IP's arguments

In 2020, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) ruled against 44IP's arguments in the trade mark dispute, stating there was no bad faith by Swatch Group, as "HAMILTON INTERNATIONAL" had been in use since 1892, and that the "LEWIS HAMILTON" trade mark did not solely protect the word "HAMILTON".

2020: L. Hamilton wins

L. Hamilton wins in 2020.

May 2021: Hamilton receives Laureus Athlete Advocate of the Year Award

In May 2021, Lewis Hamilton was the first recipient of the Laureus Athlete Advocate of the Year Award.

July 2021: Hamilton founds Mission 44

In July 2021, Lewis Hamilton founded Mission 44, a charity designed to help young people from under-represented backgrounds achieve their ambitions and pledged £20 million to support the charity's work.

2021: Highest-paid Formula One driver until 2021

According to Forbes, Hamilton was the highest-paid Formula One driver until 2021.

2021: Commentary on Hamilton's Consistency

Ahead of the 2021 season, Martin Brundle of Sky Sports highlighted Hamilton's consistency, noting his lack of mistakes and completeness as a driver.

2021: Rainbow Helmet for LGBTQ Rights

During the Qatar, Saudi Arabian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix of 2021, Lewis Hamilton used rainbow helmet designs in support of LGBTQ rights in the Middle East.

2021: Online Racist Abuse After British Grand Prix

Following a controversial win at the 2021 British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton was subjected to online racist abuse, which was condemned by Mercedes, Formula One, and the FIA.

2021: Pole Position at Hungarian Grand Prix

In 2021, Hamilton secured his first pole position since 2021 at the Hungarian Grand Prix, surpassing Senna and Schumacher for the most pole positions at the same Grand Prix.

2021: Hamilton wins Best Driver ESPY Award

In 2021, Hamilton won the Best Driver ESPY Award.

2021: Hamilton denied the championship

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton battled Max Verstappen for the title, engaging in on-track battles and collisions. He achieved his 100th pole position and race win. Despite leading the majority of the race in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton was denied the championship by a last-lap overtake from Verstappen. During the year, Hamilton extended his contract with Mercedes.

2021: Surpassing 100 Race Wins and Pole Positions

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton became the first driver to surpass 100 race wins and 100 pole positions, finishing runner-up to Max Verstappen amidst a controversial finish.

2021: Hamilton criticizes anti-LGBT law and LGBT rights

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

2021: Hamilton reflects on Vettel Rivalry

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton looked back on his rivalry with Sebastian Vettel, considering it as his favorite.

2021: Most Influential Black Briton

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton was named the most influential Black Briton in the Powerlist for his sporting success and advocacy in the Black Lives Matter movement and was knighted in the 2021 New Year Honours.

2021: Neat Burger wins awards and Hamilton tours via PORTL hologram

In 2021, Neat Burger was crowned Best Vegan Restaurant at the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards for the second consecutive year and named PETA's Company of the Year. Throughout 2021, Hamilton toured the world via PORTL hologram.

2021: Knighthood

In the 2021 New Year Honours, Lewis Hamilton was knighted, recognizing his achievements and contributions to motorsport.

2021: Team X44 finishes second in Extreme E championship

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

2021: M. Verstappen wins

M. Verstappen wins in 2021.

January 2022: X44 wins Extreme E Sustainability Award

In January 2022, X44 were crowned inaugural winners of Extreme E Sustainability Award.

March 2022: Hamilton to legally change his name

In March 2022, Lewis Hamilton revealed he was in the process of legally changing his name to include his mother's maiden name, Larbalestier, as a middle name.

June 2022: Hamilton made an honorary citizen of Brazil

On June 9, 2022, Lewis Hamilton was made an honorary citizen of Brazil after a proposal was passed in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies.

August 2022: Hamilton joins ownership group of Denver Broncos

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

October 2022: Hamilton founds Dawn Apollo Films

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

2022: Winless Season

2022 was a challenging year for Lewis Hamilton as he experienced a winless season.

2022: Hamilton's fortune increases to £300 million

By 2022, Hamilton's net worth had increased to £300 million.

2022: F. Drugovich wins

F. Drugovich wins in 2022.

2022: Japanese Grand Prix Helmet by Takashi Murakami

For the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton used a unique helmet design created by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.

2022: Fluorescent Yellow Helmet Design

In 2022, Hamilton moved to a fluorescent yellow helmet design, retaining the purple details and championship stars, maintaining a consistent visual theme.

2022: Challenging Season with Mercedes

In 2022, Hamilton, partnered by George Russell, experienced his first Formula One season without a race win or pole position. Technical regulation changes and issues with the Mercedes W13 car, including porpoising, led to a challenging campaign where he finished sixth in the standings, behind his teammate Russell.

2022: Hamilton declines role in Top Gun: Maverick

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

Loading Video...

November 2023: Hamilton player skin added to Fortnite

In November 2023, Epic Games added a cosmetic Hamilton player skin to Fortnite, including a likeness of Hamilton's dog, Roscoe.

2023: Winless Campaign and Contract Extension

In 2023, Hamilton endured another winless Formula 1 campaign despite several podium finishes. He secured his record ninth pole at the Hungarian Grand Prix and signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes worth over £100 million.

2023: Another Winless Season

In 2023, Lewis Hamilton faced another season without a race win, marking a difficult period in his career.

2023: Japanese Grand Prix Helmet by Hajime Sorayama

In the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton sported a special helmet design by Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama.

September 2024: Hamilton reveals battling depression

In an interview in September 2024, Lewis Hamilton stated he has been battling depression from the age of 13.

2024: Current Season

As of 2024, Lewis Hamilton continues to be the only black driver to have raced in Formula One.

2024: Departure from Mercedes Announced

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 secured his ninth British Grand Prix victory, ending a 31-month winless drought, and finished the season a career-lowest seventh in the championship.

2024: Record-Breaking Ninth British Grand Prix Victory

In 2024, Lewis Hamilton achieved a record-breaking ninth British Grand Prix victory, marking his twelfth and final season with Mercedes.

2024: Hamilton is one of the executive producers on Motorcycle Mary

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

Loading Video...

2025: Signing with Ferrari

In 2025, Lewis Hamilton is set to join Ferrari, marking a significant move in his Formula One career.

2025: Joins Ferrari in 2025

In 2025, following his departure from Mercedes, Hamilton will join Ferrari on a multi-year agreement. He stated it was a "childhood dream" to drive for Ferrari.

2025: Return to Yellow Helmet Design with Ferrari Emblem

Upon signing with Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton reverted to a helmet design reminiscent of his early Formula One career, featuring yellow as the base color with red accents and the Ferrari emblem, marking a new chapter in his career.