History of Lewis Hamilton in Timeline

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.

Sections (7)

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

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.

1993: Started Karting

In 1993, Lewis Hamilton began karting, quickly progressing to winning races and cadet class championships.

1996: First British driver to win the World Drivers' Championship since Damon Hill in 1996

In 2008, Hamilton became the first British driver to win the World Drivers' Championship since Damon Hill in 1996.

1998: Offered Role in McLaren-Mercedes Young Driver Programme

In 1998, Ron Dennis called Lewis Hamilton, following his second Super One series and British championship wins, to offer Hamilton a role in the McLaren-Mercedes Young Driver Programme.

1999: Progressed to Intercontinental A Karting

In 1999, Lewis Hamilton continued his karting career by progressing to the Intercontinental A ranks.

2000: Teammates in karting

In 2000, Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were teammates in karting, racing for Mercedes Benz McLaren in Formula A.

2000: Became European Champion

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

2000: Won Karting World Cup and European Championship

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

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.

2001: Began Car Racing Career

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

2001: Competed Against Michael Schumacher in Karts

In 2001, Michael Schumacher made a one-off return to karts and competed against Lewis Hamilton along with other future Formula One drivers Vitantonio Liuzzi and Nico Rosberg, Hamilton finished seventh.

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: Goal to Show Potential in Formula One

In 2002, Lewis Hamilton stated that his goal was not to be the youngest in Formula One, but rather to be experienced and show what he could do.

2004: Debut in Formula 3 Euro Series

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

2004: First Formula One Test

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

2005: Dominated Formula 3 Euro Series

In 2005, Lewis Hamilton dominated the Formula 3 Euro Series season with ASM, winning 15 of the 20 rounds and securing 13 pole positions, also winning the Marlboro Masters of Formula 3 at Zandvoort.

2005: Re-Signed with McLaren

In 2005, after initial contract disputes and discussions about moving to GP2, Lewis Hamilton re-signed with McLaren, continuing his journey with the team's young driver program.

2006: Won GP2 Championship

In 2006, Lewis Hamilton won the GP2 championship at his first attempt with ART Grand Prix, beating Nelson Piquet Jr. and demonstrating remarkable driving skills throughout the season.

2007: Relationship breakdown with Alonso

As a result of the events over the 2007 season, the relationship between Hamilton and Alonso reportedly collapsed.

2007: Qualifying incident at Hungarian Grand Prix

During the final qualifying session of the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton ignored requests to let Alonso pass, leading to Alonso being relegated to sixth and Hamilton starting first. McLaren was docked Constructors' Championship points, and Hamilton reportedly swore at Dennis.

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.

2007: Racist abuse at Chinese Grand Prix

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

2007: Tensions arise at Monaco

In 2007, after Hamilton finished second behind Alonso at Monaco, tensions arose between the two drivers and McLaren, resulting in an FIA investigation.

2007: First race absence since his debut in 2007

In 2020, Hamilton missed the Sakhir Grand Prix after contracting COVID-19, his first race absence since his debut in 2007.

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.

2008: Tax Arrangement Criticism

In 2008, Hamilton's tax arrangements were highlighted in a Christian Aid report. That same year, he faced criticism from members of parliament for avoiding UK taxes.

2008: Partnering Heikki Kovalainen for 2008

In 2008, Lewis Hamilton partnered with Heikki Kovalainen. He amassed five race victories and 10 podium finishes. Ferrari drivers, along with Robert Kubica, emerged as his closest rivals, as they engaged in a close battle for the title with Hamilton during the first half of the season. At the rain-affected British Grand Prix, he won by over a minute from second-placed Nick Heidfeld. Hamilton won his maiden title at the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix, overtaking Timo Glock for fifth-place to become the then-youngest World Drivers' Champion.

2008: First World Drivers' Championship

In 2008, Lewis Hamilton won his maiden title, making a title-deciding overtake on the last lap of the last race of the season to become the then-youngest World Drivers' Champion.

2008: Racist abuse at Circuit de Catalunya

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

2008: Alonso leaves McLaren

In November 2008, Alonso and McLaren mutually terminated their contract, ending his and Hamilton's time as teammates due to the rivalry.

2008: Won the British Grand Prix

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

2009: Won with bad car

In 2009 Lewis Hamilton was able to win with a bad car.

2009: Finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship

In 2009, Hamilton finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship.

2009: Major Technical Regulation Changes in 2009

In 2009, major technical regulation changes led to a challenging start for McLaren. Hamilton's chances of defending his title became unfeasible. Major upgrades at the German Grand Prix saw a dramatic improvement in performance. Securing two race victories and three additional podium finishes across the remaining nine rounds.

2009: Alonso highlights Hamilton's ability

In 2017, Alonso highlighted that [Hamilton] was able to win with bad cars like in 2009.

2010: Won with good car

In 2010 Lewis Hamilton was able to win with a good car.

2010: Drove Senna's McLaren MP4/4 for Top Gear tribute

In 2010, Hamilton drove Ayrton Senna's original title-winning McLaren MP4/4 as part of a tribute documentary by the BBC motoring show Top Gear. In the documentary, along with fellow racing drivers, he named Senna as the number one driver ever.

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2010: Disqualified at European Grand Prix

In 2010, Hamilton was disqualified in Formula One at the European Grand Prix in Valencia for overtaking the safety car.

2010: Hamilton Engaged in a Four-Way Title Battle in 2010

In 2010, Hamilton was partnered by reigning World Drivers' Champion Jenson Button. He engaged in a four-way title battle with Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber throughout the season. At the Canadian Grand Prix, he secured McLaren's only pole position of the season, and took the championship lead after winning the race. Hamilton finished fourth in the standings as Vettel won his maiden title.

2010: 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 despite the Red Bull-Renault combination prevailing.

2010: Alonso highlights Hamilton's ability

In 2017, Alonso highlighted that [Hamilton] was able to win with a good car like in 2010.

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: Challenging Year for Hamilton in 2011

2011 was a challenging year for Hamilton, marking the first season he had been out-scored by a teammate. Setbacks in his private life, as well as on-track collisions, contributed to his inconsistent performances throughout the season. Hamilton finished fifth in the standings with three race wins.

2011: Won with bad car

In 2011 Lewis Hamilton was able to win with a bad car.

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.

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2011: Ali G Comment

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

2011: Alonso highlights Hamilton's ability

In 2017, Alonso highlighted that [Hamilton] was able to win with bad cars like in 2011.

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.

2012: End of Contract with Mclaren

At the end of 2012, Lewis Hamilton's contract with Mclaren was complete.

2012: Won with good car

In 2012 Lewis Hamilton was able to win with a good car.

2012: McLaren Emerged as Contenders for the Title in 2012

In 2012, McLaren emerged as contenders for the title, with Hamilton remaining in title contention during the first half of the season. Hamilton finished fourth in the standings, achieving four race wins and a season-highest seven pole positions. Hamilton announced he would be joining Mercedes for the 2013 season, ending a 15-year association with McLaren.

2012: Alonso highlights Hamilton's ability

In 2017, Alonso highlighted that [Hamilton] was able to win with a good car like in 2012.

2013: Hamilton Joining Mercedes for the 2013 season

In 2012, Hamilton announced he would be joining Mercedes for the 2013 season. Hamilton expressed his gratitude, ending a 15-year association with McLaren.

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: Finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship

In 2013, Hamilton finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship.

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.

2013: Partnership with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes

In 2013, Lewis Hamilton joined Mercedes and was paired alongside his old karting teammate and friend, Nico Rosberg, leading to a strained relationship over four seasons.

2013: Signed with Mercedes

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

2014: Mercedes dominance begins

From 2014, Mercedes had three years of dominance, but Ferrari produced a car capable of fighting for the championship in 2017 and 2018.

2014: Second World Championship Title with Mercedes

In 2014, Hamilton clinched his second World Championship title with Mercedes, leading David Coulthard to declare him the best driver of his generation.

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.

2014: Helmet design switch

In 2014, Lewis Hamilton decided to switch his helmet design to a white base with three red ribbons on the side, departing from his predominantly yellow helmet design used in earlier years.

2014: Won the World Drivers' Championship

In 2014, Lewis Hamilton won the World Drivers' Championship amidst a fierce rivalry with Nico Rosberg, known as the Silver War, during which Mercedes emerged as the dominant force in Formula One.

2014: Double standards in media treatment

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

2014: Turbo-Hybrid Engines and Hamilton's Success in 2014

In 2014, changes to engine regulations contributed to the start of a highly successful era for Hamilton. Hamilton secured a career-best 11 victories as he prevailed in a season-long duel for the title against teammate Rosberg. Hamilton clinched his second World Drivers' Championship at the final round in Abu Dhabi.

2015: Third World Championship Title with Mercedes

In 2015, Hamilton clinched his third World Championship title with Mercedes.

2015: Hamilton Fended Off Rosberg's Challenge in 2015

In 2015, Hamilton fended off Rosberg's challenge for the title for a second year running, winning 10 races from a then-joint record 17 podium finishes. Hamilton achieved his first back-to-back championships. Hamilton clinched the title with three races to spare. Hamilton extended his contract with Mercedes for three additional years.

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.

2015: Won the World Drivers' Championship

In 2015, Lewis Hamilton secured another World Drivers' Championship amidst his ongoing intense rivalry with Nico Rosberg, continuing Mercedes' dominance in Formula One.

2016: Last Year with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes

2016 marked the final year Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were teammates at Mercedes.

2016: Mercedes dominance continues

From 2014 to 2016, Mercedes enjoyed three years of dominance in Formula One.

2016: Hamilton Finished Runner-Up to Rosberg in 2016

In 2016, Hamilton finished runner-up in the championship to Rosberg by five points. Hamilton won six of seven races mid-season, including the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he overtook his teammate to the championship lead for the first time of the season. Hamilton secured a hat-trick of wins to enter the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Finishing runner-up in the championship, Hamilton broke the record for most wins in a season without becoming the champion.

2016: Addition of Championship Stars to Helmet

In 2016, Lewis Hamilton added three stars beneath the ribbons on his helmet, each star representing one of his World Drivers' Championships at the time.

2016: Finished behind teammate in standings

In 2016, Lewis Hamilton finished behind his teammate in the standings for the first time, ending the season sixth, 35 points behind Russell in fourth.

2016: Ranked in top 10 of Powerlist

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

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.

November 2017: Paradise Papers Leak

In November 2017, the leak of the Paradise Papers revealed that Hamilton avoided paying £3.3 million of VAT on his £16.5 million private jet. The leasing deal was questioned by BBC Panorama as potentially artificial and non-compliant with EU and UK regulations.

2017: Gold helmet after fourth title win

After winning his fourth title in 2017, Lewis Hamilton wore a gold helmet with four stars at the 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The helmet also featured the words "World Champion".

2017: Alonso praises Hamilton's driving ability

In 2017, Alonso praised Hamilton, stating that he was able to win with a dominant car, a good car, and even bad cars, something not all champions can claim.

2017: Rivalry with Sebastian Vettel escalates

In 2017, Ferrari produced a car that was capable of fighting for the championship. Also, during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Vettel accused Hamilton of brake checking and drove into him in retaliation.

2017: Fan-designed helmet

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

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.

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2017: Won the World Drivers' Championship

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

2017: Ranked in top 10 of Powerlist

In 2017, Lewis Hamilton ranked in the top 10 of the Powerlist, an annual list of the most influential Black Britons.

2017: Partnered by Valtteri Bottas in 2017

In 2017, following Rosberg's retirement, Hamilton was partnered by Valtteri Bottas. Hamilton dominated the subsequent races, winning five in six, including the Italian Grand Prix where he broke the record for all-time most pole positions. Hamilton won his fourth World Drivers' title at the Mexican Grand Prix with two races to spare.

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.

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2018: Consecutive races in point-scoring positions

From 2017 to 2018, Hamilton finished 33 consecutive races in point-scoring positions, a run brought to an end as a result of mechanical issues. Ross Brawn praised Hamilton's performance over 2018.

2018: Championship fight with Vettel

In 2018, Hamilton and Mercedes fought back against Vettel and Ferrari, ultimately winning the championship.

2018: Fight for Five in 2018

In 2018, Hamilton and Vettel engaged in a much closer battle for their fifth title. Beginning from the German Grand Prix Hamilton repeated his run of consecutive wins to clinch his fifth title at the Mexican Grand Prix for a second year running. During the season, Hamilton signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes.

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.

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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: Return to white-and-red helmet design

In 2018, Hamilton switched back to a helmet design inspired by his 2014 design, featuring a white-and-red color scheme.

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

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

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2018: Named PETA Person of the Year

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

2018: Won the World Drivers' Championship

In 2018, Lewis Hamilton again overturned a mid-season points deficit to Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari to secure his fifth World Drivers' Championship title.

2018: Gold helmet with five stars

In 2018, Lewis Hamilton used a similar gold helmet design with five stars to commemorate his fifth championship win.

2018: Released clothing line with Tommy Hilfiger

In 2018, after winning the Italian Grand Prix, Hamilton flew to Shanghai and New York where he released his own designer clothing line with Tommy Hilfiger, before flying immediately back to, and winning, the next race in Singapore.

2018: Tribute to Alonso after final race

In 2018, on the cool-down lap after Alonso's final race before his two-year hiatus, Hamilton joined Sebastian Vettel in paying tribute to Alonso by driving in a formation to the start-finish straight where all three executed donuts.

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: Won 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: Hamilton clinched his sixth title in 2019

Hamilton led the championship standings for the majority of 2019. Hamilton clinched his sixth title at the United States Grand Prix with two races remaining. Hamilton ended the season with 11 race wins in 17 podiums and broke his own record for most points by scoring a total of 413 points.

2019: Fundraising for the Small Steps Project

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

2019: Gold helmet with six stars

In 2019, Lewis Hamilton used a similar gold helmet design with six stars to commemorate his sixth championship win.

2019: Recognition as a Representative of the Sport

In 2019, The Telegraph sports journalist Luke Slater argued that "[t]here have been few better representatives of the sport than Hamilton ... [both] on and off the track."

2019: Media scrutiny described as having racist undertones

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

2019: Special helmet design for Niki Lauda

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

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.

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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: Won seventh 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: Hamilton's knighthood

Following Hamilton's knighthood in 2020, Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali said that Hamilton is "a true giant of our sport" and that "his influence is huge both in and out of a car".

2020: Hamilton Dominated the 2020 Season

Hamilton dominated the 2020 season to win his seventh Drivers' title, equalling the record for most titles set by Schumacher, in a season heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hamilton missed the Sakhir Grand Prix after contracting COVID-19. Hamilton clinched the title at the rain-affected Turkish Grand Prix with three rounds to spare.

2020: Clinched seventh world title at Turkish Grand Prix

In 2020, Hamilton clinched his seventh world title at the Turkish Grand Prix, in what Joe Saward described as "one of his greatest performances". He cited the race as his "stand-out" performance of the season.

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: Base helmet with gold outlines and accents

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

2020: Record-Equalling Seventh World Title

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton broke several records, including the all-time win record at the Portuguese Grand Prix, to claim his record-equalling seventh World Drivers' Championship.

2020: Matte black and purple helmet design

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton opted for a different color palette for his helmet, using matte black as the base color with purple details. He also added a Black Lives Matter emblem to support the movement.

2020: Listed as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people

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

2020: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton was listed in Time as one of the 100 most influential people globally, recognizing his impact beyond Formula One.

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: Sky Sports Commentary on Hamilton

Ahead of the 2021 season, Martin Brundle, commentating for Sky Sports, highlighted Hamilton's consistency and lack of mistakes throughout his career.

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: 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: Hamilton reflects on Vettel rivalry

In 2021, Hamilton recalled his rivalry with Sebastian Vettel, describing it as his favorite and noting how their battles helped bring them closer together.

2021: Took Record Ninth Pole at Hungarian Grand Prix

In 2021, Hamilton took his record ninth pole at the Hungarian Grand Prix—his first since 2021—surpassing Senna and Schumacher for the most pole positions at the same Grand Prix.

2021: Surpassed 100 Race Wins and Pole Positions

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

2021: Knighthood

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

2021: Named most influential Black Briton

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton was named the most influential Black Briton in the 14th Powerlist, for his sporting success and his advocacy in the Black Lives Matter movement.

2021: Online racist abuse after British Grand Prix

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton was subjected to online racist abuse following a controversial win at the British Grand Prix, leading to condemnation from Mercedes, Formula One, and the FIA.

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: Regulation Changes for the 2021 Season

In 2021, regulation changes saw Red Bull make performance gains on Mercedes. Hamilton achieved his 100th pole position and race win at the Spanish and Russian Grands Prix. Hamilton was denied the championship by a last-lap overtake from Verstappen following a late safety car. During the year, Hamilton extended his contract with Mercedes for two additional years.

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: Japanese Grand Prix helmet by Takashi Murakami

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

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.

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2022: Winless Season

In 2022, Lewis Hamilton had a winless campaign, a notable challenge in his career.

2022: Fluorescent yellow helmet design

In 2022, Lewis Hamilton transitioned to a fluorescent yellow helmet design, retaining the purple details and championship stars from his previous design.

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.

2023: Japanese Grand Prix helmet by Hajime Sorayama

For the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton used a unique helmet design by Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama.

2023: Another Winless Campaign Amidst Red Bull Dominance

In 2023, Hamilton endured another winless season amidst Red Bull dominance, securing several podium finishes and finishing third in the standings. He also signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes.

2023: Another Winless Season

In 2023, Lewis Hamilton experienced another winless campaign in Formula One.

2024: Triggered exit-clause in contract with Mercedes

In 2024, Hamilton triggered an exit-clause in his contract with Mercedes, allowing him to leave the team at the end of the season, a year before his contract was due to expire. He also secured his ninth British Grand Prix victory, ending his 31-month winless drought, broke the record for most wins at the same Grand Prix and became the first driver to win beyond their 300th start.

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.

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2024: Record-Breaking Ninth British Grand Prix Victory

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

2025: Hamilton the only black driver to race in F1

As of 2025, Lewis Hamilton is the first and only black driver to race in Formula One, and he has faced racist abuse throughout his career.

2025: Only Black Driver to Race in Formula One

As of 2025, Lewis Hamilton remains the only black driver to have raced in Formula One.

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+.

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2025: Shut Down of Neat Burger

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

2025: Return to Yellow Helmet with Ferrari

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 championship stars, complemented by the Ferrari emblem.