History of Lewis Hamilton in Timeline
Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula One racing driver currently contracted to Ferrari. He is one of the most successful drivers in F1 history, holding a joint-record of seven World Drivers' Championship titles (tied with Michael Schumacher). Hamilton also holds the outright records for the most wins (105), pole positions (104), and podium finishes (202). He is a prominent figure in motorsport.
1982: Rosberg's Father World Champion
In 1982, Nico Rosberg's father, Keke Rosberg, was the World Drivers' Champion. This is relevant background information contrasting Rosberg's upbringing with Hamilton's.
January 1985: Lewis Hamilton Born
In January 1985, Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton was born in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, to Anthony Hamilton and Carmen Larbalestier.
1993: Alain Prost retires from Formula One
Alain Prost retired from Formula One in 1993 after winning his fourth and final World Drivers' Championship title.
1993: Began Karting
In 1993, Lewis Hamilton began his karting career, quickly showing promise by winning races and cadet class championships.
1994: First season since 1994 without a car bearing the No. 1
2015 became the first season since 1994 that the field did not contain a car bearing the No. 1, following Alain Prost's retirement in 1993.
1995: Largest Margin of Victory Recorded Since 1995
The 2008 British Grand Prix had the largest margin of victory recorded since the 1995 Australian Grand Prix.
1996: First British Driver Since 1996
In 2008, Lewis Hamilton became the first British driver to win the World Drivers' Championship since Damon Hill in 1996.
1998: Signed to McLaren-Mercedes Young Driver Programme
In 1998, Lewis Hamilton's karting success led to him being signed to the McLaren-Mercedes Young Driver Programme, attracting the attention of Ron Dennis.
1999: Progressed in Karting Ranks
In 1999, Lewis Hamilton continued his progress in the Intercontinental A karting ranks.
2000: Teammates in Karting
In 2000, Hamilton and Rosberg were first teammates in karting. They raced for Mercedes Benz McLaren in Formula A, where Hamilton became European champion, with Rosberg not far behind.
2000: Became European Champion in Karting
In 2000, Lewis Hamilton became the European Champion in karting, earning maximum points. He was also teammates with 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: 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 and other future Formula One drivers.
2002: Formula Renault UK Campaign
In 2002, Lewis Hamilton participated in a full Formula Renault UK campaign with Manor Motorsport, finishing third overall.
2002: Expressed Goal for Formula One Career
In 2002, Lewis Hamilton stated his goal was to be experienced and showcase his abilities in Formula One, rather than being the youngest driver.
2004: Formula 3 Euro Series Debut
In 2004, Lewis Hamilton made his debut with Manor in the Formula 3 Euro Series, finishing fifth in the championship.
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, winning 15 of 20 rounds and achieving 13 pole positions.
2005: Re-signed with Mclaren
In 2005, Lewis Hamilton re-signed with McLaren, as part of their young driver program.
2006: Won GP2 Championship
In 2006, Lewis Hamilton won the GP2 championship in his first attempt, driving for ART Grand Prix.
November 2007: Hamilton's relationship with Nicole Scherzinger begins
In November 2007, Lewis Hamilton began an on-and-off relationship with Nicole Scherzinger, the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls.
December 2007: Hamilton suspended from driving in France for speeding
On December 18, 2007, Lewis Hamilton was suspended from driving in France for a month after being caught speeding at 196 km/h on a French motorway. His Mercedes-Benz CLK was also impounded.
2007: Hungarian Grand Prix Qualifying Incident
At the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix, tensions between Hamilton and Alonso escalated during qualifying. Hamilton ignored team requests to let Alonso pass, leading to Alonso delaying Hamilton in the pits. As a result, in 2007, Alonso received a grid penalty, and McLaren was docked Constructors' Championship points.
2007: Racist Abuse at Chinese Grand Prix
In 2007, Hamilton suffered racist abuse from Spanish Formula One supporters at the Chinese Grand Prix.
2007: Kimi Räikkönen's Championship Victory
In 2007, Kimi Räikkönen won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2007: Formula One Debut
In 2007, Lewis Hamilton debuted at the Australian Grand Prix, becoming the first black driver to compete in Formula One.
2007: Formula One Debut with McLaren
In 2007, Lewis Hamilton made his Formula One debut with McLaren at the Australian Grand Prix, becoming the first black driver to compete in Formula One.
2007: Hamilton moves to Switzerland
In 2007, Lewis Hamilton relocated to Luins, Vaud, Switzerland, citing privacy as the primary reason.
2007: Debut Season and Tensions with Alonso
In 2007, Lewis Hamilton's debut season saw him partnered with Fernando Alonso, leading to tensions due to several incidents. After the Monaco race in 2007, Hamilton's comments suggested he was forced into a supporting role, sparking an FIA investigation into potential team order violations by McLaren.
2007: Relationship Breakdown with Alonso
In 2007, the relationship between Hamilton and Alonso reportedly collapsed due to on and off track incidents. The pair were not on speaking terms for a short period. It was reported that Hamilton had been targeted by Luca di Montezemolo regarding a Ferrari drive for 2008.
June 2008: Lewis Hamilton Foundation registered
In June 2008, the Lewis Hamilton Foundation was registered, providing grants and donations to various charitable causes.
2008: Racist Abuse at Pre-Season Testing
In 2008, Hamilton was heckled and abused during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya by Spanish spectators wearing black face paint and wigs. The FIA warned Spanish authorities and launched a "Race Against Racism" campaign.
2008: Tax Arrangements Singled Out
In 2008, Hamilton's tax arrangements were singled out in a report by Christian Aid, and he received criticism from UK members of parliament for avoiding UK taxes.
2008: Maiden Formula One World Championship Title
In 2008, Lewis Hamilton won his maiden Formula One World Drivers' Championship, making a title-deciding overtake on the last lap of the last race.
2008: Won Maiden Title
In 2008, Lewis Hamilton won his maiden title at the Brazilian Grand Prix, becoming the then-youngest World Drivers' Champion.
2008: Lewis Hamilton's Championship Victory
In 2008, Lewis Hamilton won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2008: Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award
In 2008, Lewis Hamilton won the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award, recognizing his early career success.
2008: World Drivers' Championship Victory
In 2008, Lewis Hamilton won the World Drivers' Championship, becoming the youngest driver to win the title at the time, aged 23 years and 301 days.
2008: Victory at the 2008 British Grand Prix
In the 2008 British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton won by over a minute, which was the largest margin of victory recorded since 1995.
2009: Difficult Years and Championship Results
From 2009, Lewis Hamilton did not finish higher than fourth in the Drivers' Championship until 2013.
2009: Challenging Start and Dramatic Improvement
In 2009, Hamilton faced a challenging start due to major technical regulation changes. However, major upgrades at the German Grand Prix in 2009 led to a dramatic improvement, resulting in two race victories and three additional podium finishes.
2010: Title Battle and Missed Opportunities
In 2010, Hamilton engaged in a four-way title battle, securing McLaren's only pole position at the Canadian Grand Prix in 2010. However, collisions and mechanical failures led to him losing vital points, ultimately finishing fourth in the standings.
2010: Driving Senna's McLaren MP4/4
In 2010, Lewis Hamilton drove Ayrton Senna's original title-winning McLaren MP4/4 as part of a tribute documentary by Top Gear, where he named Senna as the number one driver ever.
2010: Hamilton moves to Monaco
In 2010, Lewis Hamilton joined many other Formula One drivers by moving to Monaco, purchasing a house reportedly worth £10 million.
2010: Involvement in a 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: Father stops being manager
In early 2010, Lewis Hamilton's father stopped being his manager, after supporting his career since he was a child.
2010: Disqualification at the 2010 European Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton was disqualified at the 2010 European Grand Prix in Valencia for overtaking the safety car.
2010: Hamilton fined for "hoon" driving in Australia
Two days before the 2010 Australian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton was witnessed by Victoria Police "deliberately losing traction" in his car and was subsequently fined A$500 for intentionally losing control of a vehicle, being described as a "hoon" by the magistrate.
2011: Challenging Season and Promise to Return
2011 marked a challenging year for Hamilton, the first season he was out-scored by a teammate. In 2011, setbacks in his personal life and on-track collisions contributed to inconsistent performances. He secured a pole position and vowed to return to form.
2011: Hamilton makes a guest appearance in Cars 2
In 2011, Lewis Hamilton made a guest appearance in Cars 2, voicing an anthropomorphic version of himself.
2011: Racial Comments
In 2011, after being summoned to the stewards in five of the opening six rounds, Hamilton quipped, "maybe it's because I'm black, that's what Ali G says."
March 2012: Hamilton makes film about Manila's street children
In March 2012, Lewis Hamilton traveled to the Philippines and created a short film about street children in Manila. The film was shown on ITV1 during Soccer Aid, helping to raise over £4.9 million for UNICEF.
October 2012: Hamilton visits UNICEF newborn care unit in India
In October 2012, while in India for the Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton visited a UNICEF-funded newborn care unit and nutrition center, expressing his role in helping to tell the stories of the world's most vulnerable children.
2012: Title Contention and Mechanical Failures
In 2012, Hamilton remained in title contention but endured a challenging latter half of the season, plagued by mechanical failures. Despite achieving four race wins and seven pole positions, he finished fourth in the standings in 2012.
2012: Signed contract with McLaren until end of 2012
Lewis Hamilton signed a contract in 2007 to stay with McLaren until the end of 2012.
2013: Highest-Paid Formula One Driver
According to Forbes, in 2013, Lewis Hamilton became the highest-paid Formula One driver, a position he held until 2021.
2013: Joining Mercedes alongside Rosberg
In 2013, Hamilton joined Mercedes and was paired with Nico Rosberg. Over their four seasons as teammates, a period of Mercedes dominance in Formula One, the pair's relationship became strained and, at times, led to volatile confrontations on and off the track.
2013: Move from McLaren to Mercedes
In 2013, Hamilton moved from Mclaren to Mercedes, which was a move that took many by surprise, and one of the most unexpected driver transfers in Formula One history.
2013: First Season with Mercedes
In 2013, Hamilton signed with Mercedes and finished fourth in the standings. He secured five podium finishes and pole positions, with one converted into a race victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2013.
2013: Teamed up with Nico Rosberg
In 2013, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg teamed up for Mercedes.
2013: Hamilton becomes Global Education Ambassador for Save the Children
In 2013, Lewis Hamilton became the Global Education Ambassador for Save the Children, actively supporting and promoting its education campaigns.
2013: Signed for Mercedes
In 2013, Lewis Hamilton signed for Mercedes, partnering with Nico Rosberg and ending his long association with McLaren.
2013: Difficult Years and Championship Results
Until 2013, Lewis Hamilton did not finish higher than fourth in the Drivers' Championship since 2009.
2014: Wet-Weather Dominance
From the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton remained unbeaten in races affected by wet weather until 2019.
2014: Second World Drivers' Championship
In 2014, Hamilton secured a career-best 11 victories and prevailed in a season-long duel against teammate Rosberg. After overcoming mid-season misfortunes, Hamilton clinched his second World Drivers' Championship at the final round in Abu Dhabi in 2014.
2014: Defense of Tax Contributions
In 2014, Hamilton told The Sunday Times that he pays tax in the UK, contributing to the country, even though he earns money in various countries.
2014: Second World Championship Title
In 2014, Lewis Hamilton clinched his second World Championship title with Mercedes.
2014: Switch to White Helmet Design
In 2014, Lewis Hamilton switched to a white helmet design with three red ribbons on the side, departing from his traditional yellow design.
2014: Hamilton makes film about child malnutrition in Haiti
In 2014, Lewis Hamilton traveled to Haiti and created a short film about child malnutrition. The film was showcased on ITV1 during Soccer Aid, contributing to raising over £6 million for UNICEF.
2014: BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award
In 2014, Lewis Hamilton won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, recognising his achievements in Formula One.
2014: Lewis Hamilton's Championship Victory
In 2014, Lewis Hamilton won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2014: Won the Formula One World Championship
In 2014, Lewis Hamilton won the Formula One World Championship with Mercedes.
2014: Media Treatment Criticized as Racist
In 2014, The Guardian journalist Joseph Harker highlighted double standards in Hamilton's treatment compared to other British drivers, suggesting that his skin color played a factor in a perceived lack of acceptance among the British public.
2014: Hamilton wears Andy Warhol's art
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 around his neck.
2014: Hamilton picks number 44 as permanent car number
The Formula One number regulations were introduced in 2014 which allowed drivers to pick a unique car number to use for the remainder of their careers. Lewis Hamilton selected to compete under his old karting number 44.
February 2015: Hamilton's relationship with Nicole Scherzinger ends
In February 2015, Lewis Hamilton's on-and-off relationship with Nicole Scherzinger came to an end.
2015: Hamilton chooses to retain No. 44 instead of switching to No. 1
Before the start of the 2015 season, Lewis Hamilton announced he would not be exercising his option of switching his car number to 1 as reigning World Champion, and would instead continue to race with his career No. 44.
2015: Third World Drivers' Championship
In 2015, Hamilton won 10 races and achieved his first back-to-back championships. In 2015, His rivalry with Rosberg intensified, and Hamilton clinched the title at the United States Grand Prix with three races to spare.
2015: Third World Championship Title
In 2015, Lewis Hamilton secured his third World Championship title with Mercedes, leading to comparisons with Ayrton Senna.
2015: Hamilton participates in UNICEF exhibition
In 2015, Lewis Hamilton took part in an exhibition to highlight UNICEF's work and to celebrate its twenty-year partnership with Starwood Hotels.
2015: Hamilton ranked richest British sportsperson
In 2015, Lewis Hamilton was ranked as the richest British sportsperson, with an estimated personal fortune of £88 million.
2015: Lewis Hamilton's Championship Victory
In 2015, Lewis Hamilton won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2015: Won the Formula One World Championship
In 2015, Lewis Hamilton won the Formula One World Championship with Mercedes.
2015: Contract Extension with Mercedes
In 2015, before the Monaco Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton signed a contract extension with Mercedes to remain with the team until the end of the 2018 season. The deal was reportedly worth over £100 million over three years, making him one of the highest-paid Formula One drivers.
2016: Runner-Up and Record-Breaking Season
In 2016, Hamilton finished runner-up to Rosberg despite winning 10 races, breaking the record for most wins in a season without becoming champion. In 2016, the season included on-track collisions and a crucial engine blowout in Malaysia.
2016: Ranked in Powerlist Top 10
In 2016, Hamilton was ranked in the top 10 of the Powerlist, an annual list of the most influential Black Britons.
2016: Addition of Championship Stars to Helmet
In 2016, Lewis Hamilton added three stars beneath the ribbons on his helmet, representing each of his World Drivers' Championships.
2016: Teamed up with Nico Rosberg
In 2016, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg continued to compete as teammates for Mercedes.
2016: Finished Behind Teammate
The 2022 season also marked the first time Hamilton finished behind his teammate in the standings since 2016.
June 2017: Hamilton joins UNICEF Super Dads initiative
In June 2017, Lewis Hamilton joined the Super Dads initiative, a UNICEF campaign emphasizing the vital 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 Hamilton had avoided paying £3.3 million of VAT on his private jet.
2017: Gold Helmet After Fourth Title
After winning his fourth title in 2017, Lewis Hamilton entered the 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in a gold helmet with four stars adorning the top and the words "World Champion".
2017: Alonso's Praise for Hamilton
In 2017, Alonso praised Hamilton, acknowledging his ability to win with various levels of cars, including dominant, good, and bad ones. Alonso later described Hamilton as one of the top five greatest drivers of all time.
2017: Ranked in Powerlist Top 10 Again
In 2017, Hamilton was again ranked in the top 10 of the Powerlist.
2017: Fourth World Drivers' Title
In 2017, Hamilton won his fourth World Drivers' title, overcoming Vettel. Following the summer break in 2017, Hamilton dominated subsequent races, breaking the record for most pole positions and winning his fourth title at the Mexican Grand Prix with two races to spare.
2017: Rivalry with Vettel
In 2017, Hamilton's rivalry with Sebastian Vettel intensified as Ferrari produced a competitive car. Vettel accused Hamilton of brake checking at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and drove into Hamilton in retaliation, earning a penalty, despite developing mutual respect over the season.
2017: Hamilton buys apartment in Manhattan
In 2017, Lewis Hamilton purchased an apartment in Manhattan, New York, for US$40 million.
2017: Fan-Selected Helmet Design
In 2017, Lewis Hamilton selected his helmet design from fan submissions; the winning design used a white and yellow base color with red and orange details.
2017: Hamilton cites veganism reasons
In 2017, Lewis Hamilton stated that he had become vegan due to concerns about the environmental impact and cruelty associated with the production of cows.
2017: Hamilton voices a voice command assistant in Cars 3
In 2017, Lewis Hamilton voiced a voice command assistant in Cars 3.
2017: Best Driver ESPY Award and FIA Hall of Fame Induction
In 2017, Lewis Hamilton won the Best Driver ESPY Award and was inducted into the FIA Hall of Fame, celebrating his accomplishments and contributions to Formula One.
2017: Lewis Hamilton's Championship Victory
In 2017, Lewis Hamilton won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2017: Won the Formula One World Championship
In 2017, Lewis Hamilton won the Formula One World Championship with Mercedes after overcoming a mid-season deficit.
2017: Hamilton's company opposes Swatch Group's trademark application
In 2017, Lewis Hamilton's rights management company, 44IP, opposed Swatch Group's application to register a trade mark for "HAMILTON INTERNATIONAL" in Europe.
2017: Hamilton became the "maestro" of the Gran Turismo series
Since 2017, Lewis Hamilton served as the "maestro" of the Gran Turismo series.
2017: Consistency and Point-Scoring Streak
Starting in 2017, Lewis Hamilton finished 33 consecutive races in point-scoring positions, showcasing his consistency and skill.
2018: Tribute to Alonso
During the cool-down lap after Alonso's final race before his two-year hiatus in 2018, Hamilton joined Sebastian Vettel in paying tribute to Alonso by driving in a formation to the start-finish straight where all three executed donuts.
2018: Championship Win and Vettel Rivalry
In 2018, Hamilton and Mercedes fought back against Vettel and Ferrari to ultimately win the championship. The pair developed a strong mutual respect in a hard but fairly contested fight.
2018: Criticism of Lack of Diversity in F1
In 2018, Hamilton criticized the lack of diversity in Formula One, stating "nothing's changed" in the 11 years since his debut.
2018: Switch back to White-and-Red Design
In 2018, Hamilton switched back to a 2014-inspired white-and-red helmet design
2018: Fifth World Drivers' Title
In 2018, Hamilton won his fifth title. The season of 2018 included a closer battle with Vettel, several driver errors, and another run of consecutive wins for Hamilton, who clinched his fifth title at the Mexican Grand Prix.
2018: Hamilton launches TOMMYXLEWIS clothing line
In 2018, Lewis Hamilton launched the clothing line TOMMYXLEWIS during New York Fashion Week in collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger and models Winnie Harlow and Hailey Baldwin.
2018: Hamilton raises money for the Small Steps Project
In 2018, Lewis Hamilton raised £6,411 for the Small Steps Project through a charity auction.
2018: Hamilton credited as an executive producer for The Game Changers
In 2018, Lewis Hamilton was credited as an executive producer for the documentary film The Game Changers.
2018: Hamilton featured on Christina Aguilera's song "Pipe" under the pseudonym XNDA
In 2018, Lewis Hamilton was featured on Christina Aguilera's song "Pipe" under the pseudonym XNDA.
2018: Hamilton named PETA Person of the Year
In 2018, Lewis Hamilton was recognized as the PETA Person of the Year for his vegan activism.
2018: Lewis Hamilton's Championship Victory
In 2018, Lewis Hamilton won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2018: Won the Formula One World Championship
In 2018, Lewis Hamilton won the Formula One World Championship with Mercedes after overcoming a mid-season deficit.
2018: Gazzetta World Sportsman of the Year
In 2018, Lewis Hamilton won the Gazzetta World Sportsman of the Year award, highlighting his global recognition and achievements.
2018: Hamilton's net worth reported at £159 million
In 2018, Lewis Hamilton's net worth was reported to be £159 million.
2018: Exceptional Performance in 2018
In 2018, Ross Brawn noted that Lewis Hamilton rarely made mistakes, winning races he should have and races where the opposition was stronger, highlighting his status as a true champion.
2018: Hamilton's Global Travels and Clothing Line Launch
In 2018, after winning the Italian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton traveled to Shanghai and New York to release his designer clothing line with Tommy Hilfiger before winning the next race in Singapore.
2018: New Contract with Mercedes
In 2018, leading up to the German Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton signed a two-year contract with Mercedes, reportedly worth up to £40 million per year, making him the highest-paid driver in Formula One history.
2018: Gold Helmet in Abu Dhabi with Five Stars
Lewis Hamilton used a similar gold helmet design with five stars in the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after winning his fifth title.
September 2019: Sale of Private Jet
In September 2019, Hamilton's private jet was sold after controversy surrounding VAT avoidance.
September 2019: Hamilton launches Neat Burger vegan restaurant chain
In September 2019, Lewis Hamilton launched Neat Burger, a vegan restaurant chain claiming to be the first international plant-based burger chain.
November 2019: Hamilton's Time Trial Challenge DLC pack released in Gran Turismo Sport
In November 2019, Lewis Hamilton's Time Trial Challenge DLC pack was released in the game Gran Turismo Sport.
2019: Acclaim After Sixth World Title
Following Lewis Hamilton's sixth World Drivers' Championship title in 2019, he was acclaimed as the greatest driver ever and arguably the most complete Formula One driver ever.
2019: Sixth World Drivers' Title
In 2019, Hamilton clinched his sixth title at the United States Grand Prix with two races remaining. Leading for most of the season, in 2019 Hamilton benefited from Mercedes' dominant performances.
2019: Hamilton raises money for the Small Steps Project
In 2019, Lewis Hamilton raised £6,000 for the Small Steps Project through a charity auction.
2019: PAP European Sportsperson of the Year
In 2019, Lewis Hamilton was awarded the PAP European Sportsperson of the Year, further acknowledging his success and impact in sports.
2019: Lewis Hamilton's Championship Victory
In 2019, Lewis Hamilton won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2019: Won the Formula One World Championship
In 2019, Lewis Hamilton won the Formula One World Championship with Mercedes, marking his sixth title.
2019: Praise for Hamilton's Representation of the Sport in 2019
In 2019, Luke Slater of The Telegraph argued that there have been few better representatives of the sport than Hamilton, both on and off the track.
2019: Ferdinand's Description of Media Scrutiny
In 2019, footballer Rio Ferdinand described media scrutiny of Hamilton as having "racist undertones" and contrasted Hamilton's treatment to that of Jenson Button.
2019: End of Wet-Weather Winning Streak
In the 2019 German Grand Prix, Max Verstappen broke Lewis Hamilton's almost five-year streak of remaining unbeaten in wet weather races.
2019: Gold Helmet in Abu Dhabi with Six Stars
Lewis Hamilton used a similar gold helmet design with six stars in the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after winning his sixth title.
2019: Tribute to Niki Lauda at Monaco Grand Prix
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: Hamilton donates to Australian bushfire relief and aims for carbon neutrality
In January 2020, Lewis Hamilton donated US$500,000 to causes supporting bushfire relief in Australia. He also announced his goal to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of 2020, implementing measures like using recyclable items in his office and household and selling his private jet.
May 2020: Criticism of Formula One Figures
Following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, Hamilton criticized prominent figures in Formula One for their silence on the issue.
June 2020: Establishment of The Hamilton Commission
In June 2020, Hamilton established The Hamilton Commission with the Royal Academy of Engineering, tasked with finding ways for motorsport to engage more black people with STEM subjects and increase employment in motorsport or other engineering sectors.
July 2020: Hamilton confirms being XNDA on Christina Aguilera's song
In July 2020, Lewis Hamilton confirmed that he was the artist XNDA featured on Christina Aguilera's 2018 song "Pipe", revealing that he had been writing and recording music for ten years.
August 2020: Hamilton listed as investor who purchased 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 to compete in Extreme E
In September 2020, Lewis Hamilton launched Team X44 to compete in the all-electric SUV off-road racing series Extreme E from the 2021 season on.
December 2020: Human Rights Concerns in Bahrain
In December 2020, Hamilton confronted human rights in Bahrain and spoke out on allegations of sportswashing, after receiving a letter from an 11-year-old boy asking for help to save his father.
2020: Recognition After Seventh World Title
After winning his seventh title in 2020, Lewis Hamilton was recognized as the greatest driver of his generation, with arguments being made that he may be the greatest Formula One driver of all time.
2020: Knighthood and Recognition
Following Lewis Hamilton's knighthood in 2020, Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali recognized Hamilton as a true giant of the sport, highlighting his significant influence both in and out of a car.
2020: Seventh World Drivers' Title
In 2020, Hamilton dominated the season to win his seventh Drivers' title, equalling Schumacher's record. In the shortened 2020 season, Hamilton secured 10 pole positions and 11 race victories and ultimately clinched the title at the Turkish Grand Prix.
2020: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2020, Hamilton was listed as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people globally.
2020: Equaled Schumacher's Championship Record
In 2020, Lewis Hamilton equaled Michael Schumacher's record of seven World Drivers' Championships, breaking several records during the season.
2020: Black Helmet with BLM Emblem
In 2020, Lewis Hamilton opted for a matte black helmet design with purple details and added a Black Lives Matter emblem in support of the movement.
2020: Hamilton partners with #TOGETHERBAND and promotes education
In 2020, Lewis Hamilton partnered with the charity campaign #TOGETHERBAND to promote the United Nations' 17 Global Goals. As part of this work, Hamilton visited Alperton Community School in North West London to discuss the importance of education with students.
2020: Hamilton raises money for the Small Steps Project
In 2020, Lewis Hamilton raised another £4,000 for the Small Steps Project. Additionally, a donated race suit reportedly raised €20,000 for vulnerable children.
2020: Awards and Honors
In 2020, Lewis Hamilton shared the Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award with Lionel Messi, won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, the L'Équipe Champion of Champions award, and the Gazzetta World Sportsman of the Year Award. He also shared the honorary FIA President Award with Michael Schumacher.
2020: Lewis Hamilton's Championship Victory
In 2020, Lewis Hamilton won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2020: Helmet Design
In 2020, Lewis Hamilton wore his base helmet with gold outlines and accents, instead of a full gold design.
2020: Hamilton richest British sports star
In 2020, Lewis 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: Support from Formula One and FIA
In 2020, following Hamilton's comments on racial justice, Ross Brawn stated that Formula One "supports [Hamilton] totally". The FIA later barred drivers from wearing unofficial attire on the podium.
2020: EUIPO rejects Hamilton's company's arguments in trademark case
In 2020, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) rejected 44IP's arguments, ruling that there had been no bad faith by Swatch Group, with "HAMILTON INTERNATIONAL" having been used on relevant goods since 1892.
2020: Victory at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton's wet weather drive at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix, where he clinched his seventh world title, was widely acclaimed. After qualifying sixth and gambling on a one-stop strategy, he won by over 30 seconds, citing the race as his "stand-out" performance of the season.
May 2021: Laureus Athlete Advocate of the Year Award
In May 2021, Hamilton became the inaugural recipient of the Laureus Athlete Advocate of the Year Award.
July 2021: Founding of Mission 44 and Ignite
In July 2021, Hamilton founded Mission 44, a charity designed to help young people from under-represented backgrounds achieve their ambitions. Ignite, a joint foundation between Hamilton and Mercedes, was also launched in July focusing on increasing diversity in motorsport.
2021: Continued Status as Highest-Paid Formula One Driver
According to Forbes, Lewis Hamilton was the highest-paid Formula One driver until 2021.
2021: First Pole Since 2021
Hamilton took his record ninth pole at the Hungarian Grand Prix, his first since 2021.
2021: Intense Title Battle and Controversial Finish
In 2021, Hamilton and Verstappen engaged in an intense title battle, with collisions and close finishes. Hamilton achieved his 100th pole position and race win in 2021 but was controversially denied the championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
2021: Hamilton Recalls Rivalry with Vettel
In 2021, Hamilton recalled his rivalry with Sebastian Vettel, describing it as his favorite and believing their battles helped bring them closer together.
2021: Support for LGBT Rights
In 2021, Hamilton supported LGBT rights and criticized the Hungarian government for their anti-LGBT law before the Hungarian Grand Prix. He also called out LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia before the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
2021: Named Most Influential Black Briton and Knighthood
In 2021, Hamilton was named the most influential Black Briton in the Powerlist and was knighted in the New Year Honours for services to motorsports.
2021: Online Racist Abuse After British Grand Prix
In 2021, Hamilton was subjected to online racist abuse following a controversial win at the British Grand Prix. Mercedes, Formula One, and the FIA condemned the abuse and called for accountability.
2021: Finished Runner-Up Amidst Controversy
In 2021, Lewis Hamilton finished runner-up to Max Verstappen in a season that concluded with a controversial finish, also surpassing 100 race wins and pole positions.
2021: Knighthood in the New Year Honours
In 2021, Lewis Hamilton was knighted in the New Year Honours, recognizing his contributions to motorsport and society.
2021: Best Driver ESPY Award
In 2021, Lewis Hamilton won the Best Driver ESPY Award.
2021: Commentary on Lewis Hamilton's Skill
In 2021, Martin Brundle highlighted Lewis Hamilton's consistent performance, noting his lack of mistakes and his completeness in wheel-to-wheel combat and qualifying.
2021: Max Verstappen's Championship Victory
In 2021, Max Verstappen won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2021: Team X44 finishes 2nd in inaugural Extreme E championship
In 2021, Team X44 finished 2nd in the inaugural Extreme E championship, behind Nico Rosberg's RXR team.
2021: Neat Burger recognized as Best Vegan Restaurant for second consecutive year
In 2021, for the second consecutive year, Neat Burger was crowned Best Vegan Restaurant at the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards. Neat Burger was also named People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals's inaugural Company of the Year.
January 2022: X44 crowned inaugural winners of Extreme E Sustainability Award
In January 2022, X44, Lewis Hamilton's Extreme E team, were crowned the inaugural winners of the Extreme E Sustainability Award.
March 2022: Hamilton to legally change name to include Larbalestier
In March 2022, Lewis Hamilton revealed that 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 honorary citizen of Brazil
On June 9, 2022, Lewis Hamilton was made an honorary citizen of Brazil, following a proposal passed in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies.
August 2022: Hamilton joins ownership group of Denver Broncos
In August 2022, Lewis Hamilton became part of the ownership group of the National Football League's Denver Broncos.
October 2022: Hamilton founds Dawn Apollo Films
In October 2022, Lewis Hamilton established the production company Dawn Apollo Films.
2022: Hamilton's fortune increases to £300 million
By 2022, Lewis Hamilton's fortune had increased to £300 million.
2022: Helmet designed for the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix
In 2022, Hamilton used a unique helmet design for the Japanese Grand Prix, designed by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.
2022: Winless Campaign
In 2022, Lewis Hamilton had a winless campaign during his time with Mercedes.
2022: Fluorescent Yellow Helmet Design
In 2022, Lewis Hamilton moved to a fluorescent yellow helmet design, retaining the purple details and championship stars.
2022: Hamilton offered role in Top Gun: Maverick, but declines
In 2022, Lewis Hamilton revealed he was offered a role as a fighter pilot in the film Top Gun: Maverick by Tom Cruise but had to decline due to his Formula One commitments.
2022: Winless Season and Car Challenges
The 2022 season marked the first time in Hamilton's Formula One career that he did not secure a race win or a pole position. Significant changes in technical regulations in 2022 saw Hamilton and Mercedes endure a challenging campaign.
November 2023: Hamilton player skin added to Fortnite
In November 2023, Epic Games added a cosmetic Lewis Hamilton player skin to Fortnite. A likeness of Hamilton's dog, Roscoe, was also added to the game.
2023: Winless Campaign and Contract Extension
In 2023, Hamilton endured another winless campaign, securing several podium finishes and finishing third in the standings. In 2023, Hamilton secured his record ninth pole at the Hungarian Grand Prix and signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes.
2023: Helmet designed for the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix
In 2023, Hamilton used a unique helmet design for the Japanese Grand Prix, designed by Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama.
2023: Winless Campaign
In 2023, Lewis Hamilton had another winless campaign during his time with Mercedes.
September 2024: Hamilton reveals battle with depression
In September 2024, Lewis Hamilton stated in an interview that he has been battling depression from the age of 13.
2024: First and Only Black Driver
As of 2024, Hamilton is the first and only black driver to race in Formula One.
2024: Challenging 2024 Season with Mercedes
In 2024, Lewis Hamilton experienced a challenging season with Mercedes, triggering an exit clause from his contract and struggling with the W15 car. Despite a British Grand Prix victory, ending a 31-month winless drought, and securing his 200th podium finish in Hungary, inconsistent qualifying performances and fluctuating results led to Hamilton finishing a career-lowest seventh in the championship, marking the end of his Mercedes career.
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.
2024: Hamilton executive produces Motorcycle Mary
In 2024, Lewis Hamilton served as one of the executive producers on Motorcycle Mary, a short documentary film about Mary McGee.
2025: Signs with Ferrari
In 2025, Lewis Hamilton is contracted to begin racing for Ferrari, starting a new chapter in his Formula One career.
2025: Signing with Ferrari for 2025 Season
In 2025, Lewis Hamilton is set to join Ferrari on a multi-year agreement, replacing Carlos Sainz Jr. He described driving for Ferrari as a "childhood dream" and expressed his desire to bring championship glory to the team, viewing it as a "huge challenge".
2025: Return to Yellow Helmet Design with Ferrari
Upon signing with Ferrari in 2025, Lewis Hamilton reverted to a helmet design reminiscent of his early Formula One career, featuring yellow as the base color along with red accents, championship stars, and the Ferrari emblem.
2026: Contracted with Ferrari until end of 2026
In 2026, Lewis Hamilton is contracted to continue racing with Ferrari until at least the end of the season.
