How Lewis Hamilton Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Lewis Hamilton—a timeline of influence.

Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula One racing driver currently driving for Ferrari. He is one of the most successful Formula One drivers of all time, having won a joint-record seven World Drivers' Championship titles, tied with Michael Schumacher. Hamilton holds numerous records, including the most wins (105), pole positions (104), and podium finishes (202).

Sections (7)

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

2002: Stated Goal for Formula One Career

In 2002, Hamilton stated that his goal was to be experienced before entering Formula One, rather than being the youngest driver.

2009: Mention of winning with a bad car in 2009

In 2017, Fernando Alonso praised Lewis Hamilton, acknowledging his ability to win with various levels of car performance, including a bad car in 2009.

2010: Driving Senna's McLaren MP4/4

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, also naming Senna as the number one driver ever.

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2010: Mention of winning with a good car in 2010

In 2017, Fernando Alonso praised Lewis Hamilton, acknowledging his ability to win with various levels of car performance, including a good car in 2010.

2011: Mention of winning with a bad car in 2011

In 2017, Fernando Alonso praised Lewis Hamilton, acknowledging his ability to win with various levels of car performance, including a bad car in 2011.

2012: Mention of winning with a good car in 2012

In 2017, Fernando Alonso praised Lewis Hamilton, acknowledging his ability to win with various levels of car performance, including a good car in 2012.

2016: Top 10 Ranking in the Powerlist

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

2017: Alonso's Praise for Hamilton

In 2017, Fernando Alonso praised Lewis Hamilton, acknowledging his ability to win with various levels of car performance. Alonso said "[Hamilton] 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."

2017: Top 10 Ranking in the Powerlist

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

2018: Tribute to Alonso

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

2019: Praised as a representative of the sport

In 2019, Luke Slater of The Telegraph argued that Hamilton has been one of the best representatives of the sport, both on and off the track.

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: Knighthood and recognition as a 'true giant'

Following Hamilton's knighthood in 2020, Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali recognized him as "a true giant of our sport", highlighting his significant influence both in and out of the car.

2020: Named 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: Listed as 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 broader impact beyond Formula One.

2021: Martin Brundle's Commentary on Hamilton

Ahead of the 2021 season, Martin Brundle commentated on Hamilton's exceptional consistency, highlighting his minimal mistakes and well-rounded skill set.

2021: Hamilton Reflects on Rivalry with Vettel

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton described his rivalry with Sebastian Vettel as his favourite, believing their battles helped bring them closer together.

2021: Knighthood in the New Year Honours

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

2021: Most Influential Black Briton in the Powerlist

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