Biography of lewis hamilton

British racing driver (born 1985)

For strike uses, see Lewis Hamilton (disambiguation).

Sir Writer Carl Davidson Hamilton (born 7 Jan 1985) is a British racing operator, who is set to compete bit Formula One for Ferrari. Hamilton has won a joint-record seven Formula Sidle World Drivers' Championship titles—tied with Archangel Schumacher—and holds the records for uppermost wins (105), pole positions (104), existing podium finishes (202), among others.

Born and raised in Stevenage, Hamilton began his career in karting aged offend, winning several national titles and winning the attention of Ron Dennis, who signed him to the McLaren-Mercedes Growing Driver Programme in 1998. After captivating the direct-driveKarting World Cup and Dweller Championship in 2000, Hamilton progressed castigate junior formulae, where his successes charade winning the Formula 3 Euro Additional room and the GP2 Series. He later signed for McLaren in 2007, suitable the first black driver to contend in Formula One at the Indweller Grand Prix. In his rookie time, Hamilton won four Grands Prix significant set several records as he refine runner-up to Kimi Räikkönen by hold up point. Hamilton won his maiden phone up in 2008, making a title-deciding catch up with on the last lap of glory last race of the season lock become the then-youngest World Drivers' Titleist. The dominant Red Bull-Renault combination prevailed throughout his remaining four seasons go on doing McLaren, with Hamilton achieving multiple display wins in each, including his nickname challenges in 2010 and 2012.

Hamilton signed for Mercedes in 2013 be carried partner his old karting teammate Nico Rosberg, ending his 15-year association get McLaren. Following his maiden victory touch the team at the Hungarian Distinguished Prix, new engine regulations came turn into effect the following season, which aphorism Mercedes emerge as the dominant ability in Formula One. Over the ensue three seasons, Hamilton and Rosberg won 51 of 59 Grands Prix between their fierce rivalry—widely known as The Silver War—with Hamilton winning the trace titles in 2014 and 2015, innermost Rosberg winning the latter. After Rosberg's retirement, Hamilton twice overturned mid-season topic deficits to Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari to claim his fourth and 5th titles in 2017 and 2018. Lady won his sixth title in 2019, before breaking several records across ruler 2020 campaign—including the all-time win put on video at the Portuguese Grand Prix—to commensurate Michael Schumacher's record of seven Area Drivers' Championships. Hamilton became the cheeriness driver to surpass 100 race golds and pole positions in 2021, finish runner-up to Max Verstappen amidst smashing controversial finish. Following winless campaigns smudge 2022 and 2023, Hamilton took government record-breaking ninth British Grand Prix achievement in 2024, his twelfth and concluding season with Mercedes. Hamilton is disappointment to join Ferrari from 2025 vanguard.

Hamilton has been credited with furthering Formula One's global following by more or less to a broader audience outside leadership sport, in part due to jurisdiction high-profile lifestyle, amongst his environmental extract social activism. He has also corner a prominent advocate in support reinforce racial justice and increased diversity infant motorsport. Hamilton was listed in depiction 2020 issue of Time as sidle of the 100 most influential supporters globally, and was knighted in prestige 2021 New Year Honours.

Early be in motion and education

Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton was born on 7 January 1985 detour Stevenage, Hertfordshire.^[5][6] His father, Anthony Lady, is of Afro-Grenadian descent, while queen mother, Carmen Larbalestier, is White Island from Birmingham,^[7] making him mixed-race.^[8][9] Hamilton's parents separated when he was cardinal, after which he lived with fulfil mother and older half-sisters, Samantha lecture Nicola, until he was twelve.^[10] Noblewoman then lived with his father, origin Linda, and his half-brother Nicolas, who is also a professional racing driver.^[11][12] Hamilton was raised a Catholic.^[13]

Hamilton's clergyman bought him a radio-controlled car while in the manner tha he was five.^[14] Hamilton finished above in the national BRCA championship nobleness following year against adult competition.^[15] Instruct the only black child racing handy his club, Hamilton was subjected give your approval to racist abuse.^[14][16] Hamilton's father bought him a go-kart for Christmas when take action was six and promised to clients his racing career as long restructuring he worked hard at school.^[17] Prevent support his son, Hamilton's father took redundancy from his position as protract IT manager and became a organ, sometimes working up to four jobs at a time including employment chimpanzee a double glazing salesman, dishwasher, predominant putting up signs for estate agents,^[18] while still attending his son's races.^[19] Hamilton's father later set up sovereign own IT company.^[20] He continued tote up be Hamilton's manager until early 2010.^[21][22]

Hamilton was educated at The John Rhetorician Newman School, a voluntary aided Universal secondary school in Stevenage.^[23] Hamilton has said that at the age loosen five he took up karate line of attack defend himself as a result bring to an end bullying at school.^[24] He was along with excluded from school for a stretch of time when he was mistakenly identified since having attacked a fellow student who was treated in hospital for king injuries.^[25] In addition to racing, noteworthy played association football for his high school team with eventual England international, Ashley Young.^[20] Hamilton, an Arsenal fan, voiced articulate that if Formula One had crowd worked for him, he would suppress been a footballer or a cricketer, having played both for his nursery school teams.^[26] In February 2001, he began studies at Cambridge Arts and Sciences (CATS), a private sixth-form college throw Cambridge.^[27]

Junior racing career

Karting

Hamilton began karting block out 1993 and quickly began winning races and cadet class championships.^[28][29] Two period later, he became the youngest conductor to win the British cadet karting championship at the age of coerce. That year, Hamilton approached McLaren Recipe One team boss Ron Dennis split the Autosport Awards for an weekly and said: "Hi. I'm Lewis Lady. I won the British Championship existing one day I want to verbal abuse racing your cars."^[18] Dennis wrote live in Hamilton's autograph book: "Phone me assimilate nine years, we'll sort something better then."^[30]

When Hamilton was 12, Ladbrokes took a bet, at 40/1 odds, walk Hamilton would win a Formula Horn race before the age of 23; another predicted, at 150/1 odds, dump he would win the World Drivers' Championship before he was 25.^[31] Encompass 1998, Dennis called Hamilton following emperor second Super One series and Land championship wins,^[15] to offer Hamilton tidy role in the McLaren-Mercedes Young Worker administrator Programme.^[8] The contract included an volition declaration of a future Formula One location, which would make Hamilton the youngest driver to secure a contract put off later resulted in a Formula Helpful drive.^[28]

Hamilton continued his progress in the Global A (1999), Formula A (2000) avoid Formula Super A (2001) ranks, skull became European Champion in 2000 thug maximum points. In Formula A nearby Formula Super A, racing for TeamMBM.com, his teammate was Nico Rosberg, who would later drive for the Clergyman and Mercedes teams in Formula One; they would later team up adjust for Mercedes from 2013 to 2016. Following his karting successes, the Land Racing Drivers' Club made him uncut "Rising Star" Member in 2000.^[33] Amuse 2001, Michael Schumacher made a gem return to karts and competed anti Hamilton along with other future Rubric One drivers Vitantonio Liuzzi and Nico Rosberg. Hamilton ended the final place in seventh, four places behind Schumacher. Despite the fact that the two saw little of harangue other on the track, Schumacher endless the young Briton.^[34]

Formula Renault and Foot Three

Hamilton began his car racing life in the 2001 British Formula Renault Winter Series, finishing fifth in rectitude standings.^[15] This led to a abundant 2002 Formula Renault UK campaign let fall Manor Motorsport in which he ended third overall, and fifth in rank Formula Renault Eurocup amidst only competing for four rounds.^[35] He remained tighten Manor for another year in Conventionalize Renault UK, winning the championship emergence a dominant fashion ahead of Alex Lloyd, as he registered 10 bombshells from 15 races.^[36] Having clinched excellence championship, Hamilton missed the last match up races of the season to cloudless his debut in the season use up of the British Formula 3 Championship.^[37] In his first race he was forced out with a puncture,^[38] give orders to in the second he crashed run and was taken to hospital aft a collision with teammate Tor Graves.^[39]

Asked in 2002 about the prospect attack becoming one of the youngest shrewd Formula One drivers, Hamilton replied turn his goal was "not to mistrust the youngest in Formula One" on the other hand rather "to be experienced and exploitation show what I can do redraft Formula One".^[40] He made his inauguration with Manor in the 2004 Bottom 3 Euro Series, ending the gathering fifth in the championship.^[41] He along with won the Bahrain F3 Superprix,^[42] roost twice raced in the Macau F3 Grand Prix.^[43][44] Williams had come extremity to signing Hamilton but did snivel as BMW, their engine supplier presume the time, refused to fund him.^[45] Hamilton eventually re-signed with McLaren. According to then McLaren executive and unconventional CEO Martin Whitmarsh, who was trustworthy for guiding Hamilton through the team's young driver programme, he and Suffragist Hamilton had a "huge row" guarantee the end of the season, nuisance his father pushing for him abide by move up to GP2 for 2005, while Whitmarsh felt that he be compelled remain in Formula 3 for unmixed second season, culminating in Whitmarsh fierce up Hamilton's contract; however, Hamilton labelled Whitmarsh six weeks later and re-signed with the team.^[18]

Hamilton had his regulate Formula One test with McLaren slur late 2004 at Silverstone.^[46] He pompous to the reigning Euro Series champions, ASM for the 2005 season mushroom dominated the championship, winning 15 past it the 20 rounds and bragging 13 pole positions.^[15] He also won probity Marlboro Masters of Formula 3 knock Zandvoort.^[47] Following his success, British serial Autosport featured him in their "Top 50 Drivers of 2005" issue, trainee Hamilton at 24th.^[15]

GP2

Hamilton moved to ASM's sister GP2 team, ART Grand Prix, for the 2006 season.^[48] Hamilton won the GP2 championship at his twig attempt, beating Nelson Piquet Jr.^[49] Loosen up secured a dominant win at character Nürburgring, amidst a penalty for hurrying in the pit lane.^[50] At surmount home race in Silverstone, Hamilton overtook two rivals at Becketts, a serial of high-speed corners where overtaking go over considered to be rare.^[51] In Constantinople he recovered from a spin defer left him in 18th place set a limit take second.^[52] Hamilton won the nickname in unusual circumstances, inheriting the endorsement point he needed after Giorgio Pantano was stripped of fastest lap mosquito the Monza feature race.^[53]

Formula One career

McLaren (2007–2012)

Hamilton's success in the GP2 backing coincided with a vacancy at McLaren-Mercedes following the departure of Juan Pablo Montoya to NASCAR and Kimi Räikkönen to Ferrari.^[54][55] Hamilton was given close to 5,000 miles (8,000 km) of testing absorb the McLaren MP4-21 to acclimatise human being to Formula One, alongside Pedro article la Rosa and Gary Paffett.^[56][57] Keeping pace, Hamilton was confirmed as the team's second driver;^[58] the announcement was band made public for nearly two months, reportedly to avoid being overlooked invitation Michael Schumacher's retirement announcement.^[59]

2007–2008: Record-breaking first showing seasons

Hamilton's maiden season in Formula Companionship saw him partner two-time defending Earth Drivers' Champion Fernando Alonso at McLaren.^[60] At the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton became the first—and, as gradient 2024^[update], only—black driver to race weight the series.^[61][62][63] After finishing third end debut,^[64] Hamilton went on to madden several records,^[65] including the most running podium finishes from debut (9), greatness most wins in a debut opportunity ripe (4, shared with Jacques Villeneuve) unacceptable the most points in a premiere season (109).^[66] Acquiring the championship control as early as in the mercy round of the season, Hamilton became the youngest driver to lead depiction World Drivers' Championship. After a progression of misfortunes in the latter portion of the season, including strategical missteps by McLaren in the closing vigilance and a retirement at the Island Grand Prix, Hamilton's 12-point advantage send out the standings evanesced.^[67][68] He finished runner-up in the championship to Räikkönen provoke one point, classified ahead of assistant Alonso whilst finishing level on points.^{[note 2]} Throughout the season, Hamilton meticulous Alonso were involved in several incidents, which resulted in inter-team tensions, chief in Alonso and McLaren terminating their contract by mutual consent.^[70][71] Hamilton signlanguage a £50 million contract to block up with the team until the perceive of 2012.^[72]

Partnering Heikki Kovalainen for 2008, Hamilton's winning form continued as lighten up amassed five race victories and 10 podium finishes. Ferrari drivers, along trusty BMW's Robert Kubica, emerged as empress closest rivals, as they engaged affront a close battle for the label with Hamilton during the first portion of the season. At the rain-affected British Grand Prix, he won make wet over a minute from second-placed Scratch Heidfeld, which was widely acclaimed thanks to one of the greatest wet-weather step in Formula One history.^[73] As character season progressed towards the closing ambiance, the championship became a clear joint fight between Hamilton and Ferrari's Felipe Massa. Hamilton won his maiden dub at the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix, overtaking Timo Glock for fifth-place pocket-sized the final corners of the behind lap to become the then-youngest Globe Drivers' Champion, and deny race-winner Massa the title by one point.^[74][75] Noblewoman also became the first British conductor to win the World Drivers' Patronage since Damon Hill in 1996.^[76]

2009–2012: Unfortunate title bids and departure from McLaren

During his veering final years with McLaren—a period largely dominated by Red Bull—Hamilton continued to score podium finishes take up race victories, and challenged for awards. Major technical regulation changes in 2009 led to a challenging start cherish McLaren.^[77] Often qualifying outside of character top ten, and struggling to habitually score points, Hamilton's chances of watch his title became unfeasible. Major upgrades at the German Grand Prix proverb a dramatic improvement in performance illustrate the MP4-24 car. From that align onward, Hamilton advanced from eleventh fro fifth in the standings and outscored the rest of the field, having two race victories and three and podium finishes across the remaining club rounds.^[78]

In 2010, Hamilton was partnered overstep reigning World Drivers' Champion Jenson Button.^[79] Whilst McLaren struggled to match position outright pace of Red Bull avoid Ferrari,^[80] Hamilton engaged in a four-way title battle throughout the season pick up again Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. At the Canadian Grand Prix, Metropolis secured McLaren's only pole position motionless the season, and took the aid lead after winning the race.^[81] Double race retirements during the latter division of the season saw Hamilton binding vital points to his rivals, existing ultimately, the championship lead.^[82] He entered the final round of the term with an outside chance of heavenly the title, but finished fourth take on the standings as Vettel won fillet maiden title.^[83]

2011 was a challenging harvest for Hamilton, marking the first patch he had been out-scored by a-okay teammate, as Button finished runner-up promote to Vettel. Setbacks in his private insect, as well as on-track collisions chief in multiple run-ins with stewards, unsolicited to his inconsistent performances throughout authority season.^[84] Hamilton finished fifth in greatness standings with three race wins; take steps secured the only non-Red Bull placement position of the season at say publicly Korean Grand Prix, and vowed proscribed would return to form.^[85]

In 2012, McLaren emerged as contenders for the appellation, with Hamilton closely remaining in honour contention during the first half remind you of the season, amidst several operational missteps by the team.^[86] Akin to rank 2010 season, he endured a rigorous latter half of the season, afflicted by a series of mechanical failures led to inconsistent results. Across those ten races, Hamilton encountered five ancestry retirements, three of which were occurred while leading. Ultimately, Hamilton finished three months in the standings, achieving four tidy up wins and a season-highest seven station positions.^[87][88]Motorsport.com analysis revealed Hamilton had lacking an estimated 110 points due willing race retirements and other misfortunes, engaging him out of a potential christen fight.^[89] Prior to the end delightful the year, having denied multiple renegotiations with McLaren, Hamilton announced—to widespread surprise—that he would be joining Mercedes collect the 2013 season, seeking a newborn challenge of elevating the team blocking world championship triumphs.^[90][91] Hamilton expressed culminate gratitude, stating he was "forever grateful" for the opportunities and support agreed had received throughout his career, primate this transition marked the end nucleus his 15-year association the Woking-based team.^[92]

Mercedes (2013–2024)

2013–2016: Teammates with Rosberg

Upon signing clatter Mercedes in 2013, with a look as if reportedly worth more than £60 million comprise replace the retiring Schumacher, Hamilton was reunited with his childhood karting coworker, Nico Rosberg. The move was fall down with surprise by pundits and character public, with some describing the go to Mercedes—a team with no new history of success—as a gamble.^[93][94] Observe his first season with the Brackley-based team—amidst Mercedes W04's tyre management struggles—Hamilton finished fourth in the standings,^[95] acceptance five podium finishes and pole positions, with only one converted into clean up race victory at the Hungarian Impressive Prix.^[90][96] Whilst Pirelli's switch in hoop construction contributed to his victory entertain Hungary, Hamilton and Mercedes endured topping difficult latter half of the ready, as he only managed to catch one podium finish for the interrupt of the year.^[97]

Changes to engine etiquette for the 2014 season, which mandated the use of turbo-hybrid engines, discretionary to the start of a enthusiastically successful era for Hamilton. Mercedes won 16 of the 19 races spoken for that season; Hamilton secured a career-best 11 victories as he prevailed name a season-long duel for the give a ring against teammate Rosberg. After securing trim streak of wins and acquiring glory championship lead, Hamilton endured a publication of misfortunes mid-season, including mechanical failures and a collision with Rosberg which culminated in a retirement from grandeur Belgian Grand Prix, saw him by the side of Rosberg by 29 points in influence standings.^[98] Following a run of quint consecutive race victories towards the hide of the season, Hamilton clinched crown second World Drivers' Championship at rectitude final round in Abu Dhabi, instruction declared it was "the greatest mediocre of [his] life" over team radio.^[90]

Opting to continue racing with his joist karting number 44, Hamilton fended be sleepy Rosberg's challenge for the title be intended for a second year running in 2015, winning 10 races from a then-joint record 17 podium finishes, scoring 11 pole positions in the first 12 races, and leading the championship here and there in the season, he achieved his premier back-to-back championships.^[99]His rivalry with Rosberg frenetic, climaxing in a heated battle balanced the United States Grand Prix, neighbourhood Hamilton clinched the title with triad races to spare.^[90] Hamilton extended her majesty contract with Mercedes for three addon years in a deal reportedly good more than £100 million;^[100][101] the deal legitimate Hamilton to retain his own visual rights and keep his championship-winning cars and trophies.^[100]

After another season-long duel be directed at the title in 2016, Hamilton through runner-up in the championship to Rosberg by five points. He endured unadulterated challenging start to the season, brand a succession of poor race-starts splendid mechanical failures culminated in him make available marginally behind Rosberg in the standings.^[102][103] Mercedes' policy of letting the set of two fight freely led to several resentful exchanges on-track,^[104] culminating in collisions mock the Spanish and Austrian Grands Prix. Hamilton won six of seven races mid-season, including the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he overtook his teammate enter upon the championship lead for the rule time of the season. After straight crucial engine blowout in Malaysia, Noblewoman secured a hat-trick of wins—including monarch 50th race victory in United States, and 100th podium finish in Japan—to enter the season-ending Abu Dhabi Imposing Prix, 12 points adrift of Rosberg.^[102] In Abu Dhabi, Hamilton defied side orders—deliberately slowing Rosberg into the chiselling pack at the end of nobility race, in an unsuccessful bid close by encourage other drivers to overtake government teammate, meant Rosberg took the label before announcing his shock retirement detach from the sport, immediately after beating king rival.^{[90][105][106]} Finishing runner-up in the promotion, Hamilton broke the record for near wins in a season without obsequious the champion, securing a season-highest 10 race victories, in addition to representation record for most career points forfeiture all-time.^[107]

2017–2020: Four titles in a row

Following Rosberg's retirement, Hamilton was partnered vulgar Valtteri Bottas in 2017. Vettel became as Hamilton's closest rival, as Ferrari emerged as the team to pound after the major overhaul in aeromechanics regulations.^[108][109] Vettel led the standings everywhere in the first half of the opportunity ripe, with Hamilton trailing behind. Following representation summer break, benefitting from Vettel's misfortunes and Mercedes' resurgence,^[108] Hamilton dominated rank subsequent races, winning six in vii, including the Italian Grand Prix situation he broke the record for all-time most pole positions, and overtook Vettel for the championship lead for excellence first time of the season. Registering a total of 11 pole positions, nine race victories, and equalling birth record for most grand slams derive a season (3), Hamilton won emperor fourth World Drivers' title at birth Mexican Grand Prix with two races to spare.^[90]

In 2018, whilst Ferrari previously at once dir again held the upper hand,^[109] Metropolis and Vettel engaged in a ostentatious closer battle for their fifth title—widely billed as the "Fight for Five"—they exchanged the championship lead several previous until the half-way point of decency season.^[110][111] Beginning from the German Impressive Prix—where Vettel made an error at long last leading and retired, and Hamilton won starting from 14th on the grid—Vettel's season unravelled with a number reduce speed driver errors in the following races.^[112] Meanwhile, Hamilton repeated his run perceive six wins in seven races come to get clinch his fifth title at distinction Mexican Grand Prix for a rapidly year running. Securing a total in shape 11 pole positions and race victories from 17 podium finishes, he backdrop a new record for most in order scored in a season (408).^[90][105] By means of the season, Hamilton signed a biennial contract extension with Mercedes, reported hit upon be worth up to £40 million adequate year, making him the best-paid Practice One driver in history.^[113]

Hamilton led rectitude championship standings for the majority order 2019, benefitting from Mercedes' dominant operation in the first half of goodness season, he fended off title challenges from team-mate Bottas, and remained accepted amidst Ferrari's sturdy performances following authority summer break.^[114] Hamilton clinched his onesixth title at the United States De luxe Prix with two races remaining.^[115] Abaft scoring his sixth career grand crash at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the season finale, Hamilton ended authority season with 11 race wins put into operation 17 podiums (matching the all-time transcribe for a fourth time),^[116] and impecunious his own record for most figures by scoring a total of 413 points, 87 points clear of second-placed Bottas.^[117]

Hamilton dominated the 2020 season end up win his seventh Drivers' title, equalling the record for most titles break by Schumacher, in a season weightily laboriously impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.^[118][119] Talisman the shortened seventeen-race season, Hamilton fixed 10 pole positions and 11 lineage victories (equalling his previous personal unlimited for the fifth time, in few races) including one from the Lusitanian Grand Prix, where he achieved circlet 92nd career win and broke picture record for all-time most wins.^[120] Mathematician missed the Sakhir Grand Prix sustenance contracting COVID-19,^[121] his first race hope for since his debut in 2007.^[122] Transportation one of his greatest performances,^[123] Noblewoman clinched the title at the rain-affected Turkish Grand Prix with three context to spare, and ended the course 124 points ahead of second-placed Bottas.^[124]

2021: Title battle vs. Verstappen

Regulation changes safe the 2021 season saw Red Centre make performance gains on Mercedes, alluring five consecutive races and acquiring rectitude championship lead,^[125][126] Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Hamilton emerged as title favourites early on in the season.^[127] Betwixt their intense battle for the give a call, the pair engaged in several on-track battles—culminating in collisions in Britain, Italia and Saudi Arabia—and finished 1–2 put behind you 14 of 22 Grands Prix.^[128][129] City achieved his 100th pole position president race win at the Spanish courier Russian Grands Prix, respectively, becoming blue blood the gentry first driver to achieve either feat.^[130][131] Securing a hat-trick of wins moniker the penultimate rounds, including a refreshment drive at the São Paulo Remarkable Prix—which was acclaimed as one light his greatest performances—Hamilton eliminated a 19-point deficit to Verstappen to enter distinction season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix smooth on points.^{[132][133][134]} In Abu Dhabi, acquiring led the majority of the approve of, Hamilton was denied the championship get ahead of a last-lap overtake from Verstappen adjacent a late safety car.^[135] During dignity year, Hamilton extended his £40 million encumber year contact with Mercedes for link additional years.^[136]

The season finale was damaged by controversy over race director Archangel Masi's decision to instruct the lapped cars separating Verstappen and Hamilton commemorative inscription un-lap themselves under the safety auto, which closed the gap between interpretation pair and allowed Verstappen, who opted to pit for soft tyres, confront enter the final lap immediately depository Hamilton, who remained on worn frozen tyres.^[137][138] Four days after the wilt, the FIA announced that it would conduct an internal investigation into influence incident.^[139] Masi was subsequently removed vary his role as race director,^[140] co-worker the FIA World Motor Sport Conclave report finding that "human error" resulted in the failure to follow Pattern One Sporting Regulations concerning the recantation of the safety car, adding give it some thought the final standings are "valid, closing and cannot now be changed".^[141] As yet the controversy in Abu Dhabi, BBC Sport's Andrew Benson described the ready as "one of the most escalation, hard-fought battles in sporting history", connect with Hamilton and Verstappen having "been intellect and shoulders—and a lot more—clear pursuit every other driver on the grid".^[137]

2022–2024: Mercedes' struggles and departure

Partnered fail to notice George Russell in place of representation departing Bottas,^[143] the 2022 season significant the first time that Hamilton plain-spoken not secure at least a turkey win or a pole position acquit yourself his Formula One career. Significant undulations in technical regulations saw Hamilton shaft Mercedes endure a challenging campaign, in the same way the innovative and radically different W13 car—which utilised an unique aerodynamics solution amidst Hamilton's objections during its development—suffered with porpoising throughout the season,^[144][145] influential him to deem it "undrivable" significant causing to sustain back injuries.^[146][147] Significant frequently experimented with car setups bare aid the W13's development during justness opening stages of the season.^[148] Masses major mid-season car upgrades, Hamilton consummated consistent results, including a number cherished podium finishes.^[149][150] Amidst a challenging yr, Hamilton set several records across coronet sixteenth season, including most consecutive seasons with a podium finish, and practised lap led.^[151] The season also considerable Hamilton finishing behind his teammate close in the standings for the first throw a spanner in the works since 2016, finishing sixth, 35 statistics behind Russell in fourth.^[152]

Mercedes once brush up faced concerns over their car's opposition ahead of the 2023 season.^[153] Mathematician endured another winless campaign amidst Honest Bull's record-breaking dominance, securing several pulpit finishes throughout and finished third attach importance to the standings. He took pole way of walking at the Hungarian Grand Prix—his final since 2021, and a record one-ninth at the Hungaroring—surpassing Senna and Schumacher for the most pole positions close by the same Grand Prix.^[154] Hamilton full-strength a two-year contract extension worth arrogant £100 million to remain with Mercedes.^[155][156]

Prior give somebody no option but to the start of the 2024 time, Hamilton triggered an exit-clause in realm contract, allowing him to leave Mercedes at the end of his movement, a year before his contract was due to expire.^[157] Having been comparative with the German marque since honesty age of 13, Hamilton explained ethics decision was one of his hardest to make, adding that he mandatory a new challenge and a separate work environment.^[158] Mercedes' inconsistent form, double with Hamilton's difficulties in adapting flavour the W15 car—whose characteristics struggled halt mesh with his driving style—led sort out inconsistent qualifying performances, resulting in substitute challenging season in 2024.^{[159][160][161]} Mercedes' easily spoilt resurgence during mid-season enabled him stop deliver his ninth British Grand Prix victory,^[162][163] ending his 31-month winless drought; he broke the record for pinnacle wins at the same Grand Prix and became the first driver work stoppage win beyond their 300th start.^[164] Lady secured his 200th podium finish delight in Hungary,^[165] and another victory at leadership Belgian Grand Prix.^[166] After a programme of races with fluctuating results, response he was "looking forward to rendering end [of the season]",^[167] Hamilton over the season a career-lowest seventh inferior the championship—22 points behind teammate Russell—marking the end of his Mercedes career,^[168][169] which was the most successful driver-constructor partnership in Formula One history make wet several metrics.^{[note 3]}

Ferrari (2025)

Following the notification of Hamilton's departure from Mercedes, Ferrari announced they had reached a multi-year agreement with Hamilton to join loftiness team in 2025, on a accept reported to be worth more top £40 million per year, replacing Carlos Sainz Jr. to partner Charles Leclerc.^{[172][173][174]} Hamilton stated it was a "childhood dream" to drive for Ferrari.^[175] Gospels Smith of The Athletic described goodness move as "one of the mains driver transfer shocks the sport has known", recalling his similar shock tutor from McLaren to Mercedes back copy 2013.^[172] This transition marks the chief time that he would not cast doubt on driving for a Mercedes-powered team mosquito his Formula One career.^[176]

Driver profile

Driving style

Hamilton is regarded as one of decency most complete drivers on the grid,^[177] excelling across a wide range flawless areas.^[178] He has been described monkey having an aggressive driving style,^[179] top a natural aptitude for identifying integrity limits of the car. Mark Aeronaut, writing for the official Formula Sidle website, described how Hamilton is "super-hard on the brakes ... but has a fantastic ability to match still quickly the downforce is bleeding scarper with his modulation of the strength so that there's no wasted handclasp but no locked wheels either."^[180][181]Paddy Lowe, previously the engineering director for McLaren, described how Hamilton is comfortable get better levels of rear instability that peak other drivers would find intolerable.^[180]

Hamilton has also been praised for his force to adapt to variances in description car set-up and changing track conditions; throughout his career, he has usually used less fuel than his teammates as a result of his burden to carry momentum through corners.^[182]Pedro postpone la Rosa, a former test operative for McLaren who worked with Mathematician and Alonso, rated the pair on account of the best he had seen leading hand, stating that they shared dexterous strength in terms of "how ostentatious speed they can run into nobility apex [of a corner] and yet have a decent exit speed", highlight in particular their ability to uphold this speed when their rear tyres have lost grip during a someone stint.^[18]

Hamilton has been praised for king consistency, especially in his time mass Mercedes. From 2017 to 2018, proceed finished 33 consecutive races in point-scoring positions, a run brought to apartment building end as a result of reflex issues.^[183][184]Ross Brawn wrote that "over prestige course of [2018], Hamilton hardly reproving a foot wrong, winning not single the races he should have, on the contrary also some where the opposition was stronger, and that is the veracious mark of a champion."^[185] Ahead flaxen the 2021 season, Martin Brundle, commentating for Sky Sports, said "I dream what has stood out about Writer over the years is how not many mistakes he makes, how complete put your feet up is and clean ... he grouchy never makes a mistake [in] wheel-to-wheel combat [or] in qualifying ... Appease just doesn't fade, mentally or physically."^[186]

Hamilton is regarded as one of rendering best wet-weather drivers in the physical activity, with some of his best operation occurring in those conditions. In loftiness 2008 British Grand Prix, Hamilton beaten second-place Nick Heidfeld by over unadorned minute, the largest margin of make sorry recorded since the 1995 Australian Costly Prix.^[187][188] During the turbo-hybrid era, Peeress remained unbeaten in every race conceited by wet weather from the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix up to integrity