British · Stevenage, Hertfordshire · Born 7 January 1985British Formula 1 racing driver widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, with seven world championships and numerous F1 records
Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton was born in Stevenage, Hertfordshire in 1985, son of a mixed-race family of Caribbean and white British heritage, and became the most statistically successful Formula 1 driver in history. He joined McLaren's young driver programme at 13 — the youngest driver offered such a contract — and made his F1 debut for McLaren in 2007. He drove for McLaren (2007–2012) and Mercedes (2013–2024) before joining Ferrari in 2025. He won 7 World Championship titles — equalling Michael Schumacher's record — all by different margins across different regulatory eras. His 104 race victories, 104 pole positions and 201 podiums are all-time F1 records by a distance. He accumulated 4,639 career championship points across 353 race starts. His 2020 season — 11 wins from 16 races — was statistically the most dominant of the hybrid era. His championship in 2008 — decided at the final corner of the final lap when Timo Glock slowed and Hamilton passed to take the title by a single point — was the most dramatic conclusion to any F1 season. His advocacy for diversity, inclusion and environmental sustainability — including Mission 44, a charity for young people from underrepresented backgrounds — has extended his impact far beyond the sport. He was knighted in 2021. Hamilton's first seasons at Ferrari after his blockbuster 2025 move proved challenging, though he credited the team for moving mountains for him as he registered his best results in red during 2025-26.
Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion and holder of multiple F1 records
He clinched his seventh championship at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix on a track added last-minute due to COVID.
Did You Know?How They Played
Aggressive wheel-to-wheel racer with exceptional wet weather skills and tire management
Lasting Impact
Most successful F1 driver in history alongside Michael Schumacher, transformed the sport's global reach and diversity
Career Honours
- F1 World Champion 2008 (McLaren), 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 (Mercedes)
- 105 race wins (all-time record)
- 105 pole positions (all-time record)
- 204 podiums (all-time record)
- Knighthood 2021
- UN Environment Programme ambassador
| Constructor | Season(s) | Races |
|---|---|---|
| McLaren | 2007–2012 | 109 |
| Mercedes | 2013–2024 | 246 |
| Ferrari | 2025 | — |
| Career Total | — | 355 |
British Athletes