what is lewis hamilton's yacht called

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Lewis Hamilton’s 4 million dollar Yacht : Know all about ultra luxurious possession of the Mercedes driver

F1 driver Lewis Hamilton's Sunseeker 90 yacht

Lewis Hamilton has been racing for a long time. With his experience comes the success that he has achieved in the past few years. Having been at the top of the standings for multiple years, it’s no doubt that his F1 team will be willing to pay big money just to keep him in the team and compete for more championships. Driver salaries are based on success rate and experience in the sport.

In Sir Lewis Hamilton’s case, it is pretty obvious that there is a massive sum of money attached to the Mercedes driver’s contract . He reportedly earns about 40-50 million dollars every year. With this king of money at his disposal, the British driver clearly didn’t hold back on ultra luxurious purchases. An example of that is the Sunseeker 90 Yacht that is owned by the 7 time world champion.

Lewis Hamilton is a driver with a massive sense of fashion. The driver has even hired a person to style him for his day to day fits. The moment you see Lewis in the paddock during race weekends, you will see why he gets all the attention. His outfits are a clear indication of the life that he likes to live. In Lewis’s case, he yearns for ultra luxurious products.

Also Read :  “I don’t think he sees Leclerc as a threat in the same way that he sees Hamilton,” Jack Aitken dissects Max Verstappen’s rivalries in 2021 and 2022 season of F1  

Lewis Hamilton’s yacht costed a whopping 4 million dollars

The British driver owns a yacht called the Sunseeker 90 which is worth about 4 million dollars or 3.1 million euros. The latest model of this yacht goes for around 6 million dollars but can also reach 9 million of fully upgraded. Along with some cozy interior designing, the yacht itself is 27.10 meters long. It has a total of 4 cabins that can house 8 guests in total.

Apart from that, there is also room to sleep for the crew members present on the yacht. The sea vehicle can reach speeds of up to 30 knots while maintaining a cruising speed of 22 knots. The yacht is blessed with a luxury interior equipped with ‘American walnut carpentry’. It includes features such as air conditioning, a chef’s sized kitchen and a huge entertainment system.

The yacht also houses an area fit for barbecues and has features that make water sports accessible for the guests. With the plethora of features that the yacht has to offer, it’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking a luxurious experience. The Sunseeker 90 is kept in Monaco, a destination that is known for its racing prestige.

Lewis Hamilton has had an incredible season provided the machinery that he had to deal with. With the 2023 season incoming, it will be interesting to see how Mercedes and Lewis fight back to grab the 8th title. It won’t be an easy fight since Red Bull and Ferrari will probably be just as competitive. However, anything can happen in this sport.

Also Read :  Max Verstappen fans relieved as the Dutch GP has been renewed and will be on the F1 calendar till 2025

Also Read :  “That’s the excitement of the sport,” Former Mercedes F1 technical director reveals why he is happy to see Max Verstappen win the title

Varad Joshi

(940 Articles Published)

Lewis Hamilton And Gigi Hadid On The Mega Yacht 'Alfa Nero' In Monaco

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Motor yacht ALFA NERO is a large Oceanco steel and aluminium superyacht being 82m (269') in length and 14.20m (46' 7") at her widest point. She was built by Oceanco Yachts (who undertook her naval architecture) and designed by Nuvolari & Lenard with Alberto Pinto collaborating on the interior.

Yacht ALFA NERO provides yacht charters in The Mediterranean, Luxury Yachts At Events, Europe, Directory, and Monaco.

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Lewis Hamilton Sets The Pace As Charter Yachts Arrive In Monaco

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By Oliver Pearson   26 May 2016

As the estimable British driver headed the timesheet for the practice laps around the iconic track, the surrounding waters of Monaco came alive with charter yachts migrating from the hotspots of Cannes .

Leaving behind the Old Port of Cannes for berths at the famous Port Hercule, charterers were today treated to a breathtaking performance from one of F1’s most interesting characters.

As we pointed out in an earlier story, the T-Dock is beginning to fill up as the superyachts migrate from the historic ports of Cannes .

With the sun breaking through the clouds around the French Riviera , visitors to the practice session this afternoon returned to sunbathing and sipping cocktails whilst watching the action unfold in front of them.

Unquestionably one of the best opportunities for an event charter, the Monaco Grand Prix has long been associated with yachting in the Mediterranean .

As the drivers prepare for the pivotal race this Sunday, we take a look at some of the charter yachts attending this year’s edition.

Perfectly suited for event charters, the 82m/268ft motor yacht ROMEA from Abeking & Rasmussen features an abundance of exterior space for enjoying the race.

Indeed, with a bridge deck large enough to host a home cinema, the area is just as impressive during the day, with an attachable bimini for shading when necessary.

A finalist for an interior award at the Showboats Design Awards this year, both the private and social spaces onboard are replete with contemporary flourishes and comfortable seating arrangements.

What’s more, M/Y ROMEA always includes a dedicated office space for anyone needing to attending to business whilst on charter.

Arguably the most classic of event charters, the Monaco Grand Prix combines the world’s most exciting sport with the unique charms of the Mediterranean

Another large yacht attending the Monaco Grand Prix 2016 is the 73m/238ft motor yacht VICKY .

Delivered from the Turkish shipyard Proteksan Turquoise, VICKY packs plenty of wow factor and provides charterers with numerous outdoor spaces in which to enjoy their environment.

Winning first place for ‘Recreational Area for Guest Use’ at the Showboats Design Awards 2013, and ‘Quality and Value’ at the World Superyacht Awards 2013, M/Y VICKY all but invites prospective charterers to take her to Monaco.

For parties keen to keep things going through the night, there’s also a professional DJ booth and dance floor- two features sure to be popular as she sits at anchor a short distance from Port Hercule.

Boasting a truly distinctive profile which ultimately earned her the award for ‘Best Exterior Design’ at the World Trophies 2014, the 66m/217ft motor yacht OKTO will no doubt be turning more than a few heads as she joins the proceedings this week.

Renowned for her silent cruising, M/Y OKTO is also regarded as an effortlessly cool charter yacht with a large swimming pool on the aft deck complemented by an engaging Alberto Pinto interior.

Whilst the abundance of outdoor deck space is sure to offer more than enough room for partying, the retractable balcony attached to the master suite provides a nice spot for guests to get away from it all at a moment’s notice.

In order to make further enquiries into the yachts attending this year’s Monaco Grand Prix, or to make arrangements for attending next year, please get in touch with your preferred charter broker .

Alternatively, take a look at all luxury yachts available for charter in Monaco .

Some Of The Charter Yachts Currently In Monaco

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The eye-watering value and spec of Hamilton’s luxury yacht in Monaco

28 May 2023 05:43

Source: Crash.net

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F1: The ultra luxe life of Lewis Hamilton, 7-time world champion and maximalist at large

He may have sold his private jet, turned vegan and switched to driving electric cars off-track, but Lewis Hamilton isn’t exactly a minimalist. As the highest paid F1 driver, Hamilton was reportedly paid a cool $30 million (Rs 225 crore) in 2021 alone, which combined with his endorsement deals and investments nets him career earnings exceeding $500 million (Rs 3,705 crore).

As one of the world’s richest and most successful athletes, it stands to reason that there are several high-value possessions in Hamilton’s name. So, what does “the Hammer” spend his half a billion dollars on? Plenty, as it turns out.

What Lewis Hamilton spends his big bucks on: 

Hamilton owns some pretty valuable slices of real estate across the world. While the recently knighted British racer, much like several F1 drivers, resides in the tax-free confines of Monte Carlo (where he owns a sea-facing bachelor pad), he also owns a Manhattan Penthouse worth $44 million (Rs 326 crore) and a six-bedroom London villa. According to The Sun, Hamilton purchased the West London villa from Burberry chief designer Christopher Bailey. The property is said to have a 200ft garden area with its own independent summer house. As for his Manhattan penthouse – a condo project part-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen – it has everything from a state-of-the-art gym, pool, squash court, library and wine cellar.

He also owns an apartment in Geneva, Switzerland (his second home) where he goes to escape the limelight, and so the details of his Geneva home aren’t well known.

The Challenger 605 jet may be gone, but Hamilton can still be found spending his downtime on his private Sunseeker yacht. A 90-foot-long $4 million (Rs30 crore) luxury performance yacht comes with a built-in sundecks, BBQ, modular lounge seating and a dining area for eight (among other things). When not being used for parties, it can usually be found parked by the bayside in Monaco or Nice.

Hamilton has joined the league of successful F1 racers turned team owners. However, Hamilton sees the future of racing to be in more sustainable forms of motorsport (even F1 aims to go carbon neutral by 2030) and so, has put his millions in the Extreme E electric off-road racing series. Called the X44 racing team, it’s due to make its racing debut soon, with venues set in remote locations that have been strongly affected by the climate crisis.

Hamilton has one of the most extensive (super)car collections of any modern-day F1 racer. Apart from his daily driver, there’s nothing in here that isn’t superlatively quick.

The 6 monster vehicles in Lewis Hamilton's garage: 

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Given that McLaren gave Hamilton his first big break in the world of racing, it’s fitting that his garage houses one of the fastest models in the world. Hamilton purchased this hybrid hypercar back in 2015. The P1 costs approximately Rs 17 crore (excluding taxes) and is powered by the combination of a 3.8-litre, 727hp V8and a 177hp electric motor. Only 375 examples were ever made, all of which were sold out. Hamilton’s blue P1 was driven straight to his Monaco home by McLaren’s employees.

Although Hamilton’s daily driver is an all-electric Mercedes EQC, there lies in his garage, an F1-inspired road car, which was developed with the help of Sir Lewis himself. Much like Lewis’s “work” car, the One has a V6 turbo along with four electric motors. Collectively it puts out 1200 horsepower and hits 100kph in an eyeball eviscerating 2.2 seconds. Only 275 of these hyper-exotic models will ever be built. Given it’s similarities with his F1 car, this is something that is likely to stay in his garage, long after he has retired. It’s price? A measly $2.72 million (Rs 20 crore, excluding taxes).

Completing the hybrid hypercar holy trinity is Hamilton’s candy-apple red LaFerrari. Ferrari could very well be on Hamilton’s horizon in the not too distant future, and his love for this landmark piece of Maranello engineering, (which costs Rs 11 crore, minus taxes). Another F1-inspired piece of tech, the LaFerrari features a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) system which helps it put out nearly 1000 bhp. Fitting for an F1 racer’s garage.

The late Carroll Shelby’s pièce de résistance, the Cobra is an Anglo-American motoring gem, which, if in good nick, can set you back by $7 million (Rs 51 crore). Hamilton’s Cobra 427 was vetted by Shelby himself, making it something of a collector’s item, since a non-replica version is almost impossible to find these days. Which is why Hamilton bought two of them. One for posterity and one to cruise around on sunny mornings.

Another Carroll Shelby masterpiece, the Shelby GT500 has been immortalised in both film and on the racetrack. Although not driven often by Hamilton, whose F1 reflexes don’t mix well with lumpy muscle car handling, the ‘Stang does hold a special place in Hamilton’s garage, for its old-school 7.0-litre, V8, the likes of which will be extinct very soon. In an interview with British GQ, Hamilton said that he “bought the car because he’d seen Steve McQueen drive one in the movie Bullitt . In fairness, McQueen drove a ‘68 Mustang GT Fastback, but we can see many other reasons why the G.O.A.T would be compelled to buy the one with the magical Shelby touch. A good one today will cost approximately $1.2 million (Rs 8.9 crore)

Unbeknownst to most, Hamilton is an avid biker. Which is why MV Agusta, purveyors of Italian exotica, built him a bespoke version of their iconic F4 superbike. The inline-4, litre-bike, penned by the divine hand of Massimo Tamburini, is often considered the most beautiful modern-day motorcycle. Hamilton’s bike was given the LH44 label (combining his initials with his official racing number) MV produced a limited run of the LH44 bikes, priced at Rs 54 lakh (minus taxes). Hamilton, we reckon, got it for free.

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British GP: Inside Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton's multimillion pound Sunseeker fit with a professional sized kitchen

He's even posted pictures of himself on the vessel to his legion of Instagram followers

• 14:42, 3 JUL 2022
• Updated 14:46, 3 JUL 2022

It is no secret that Dorset is home to the headquarters of a world-class yacht company that has many celebrity customers. Sunseekers International is a British luxury yacht brand based in Poole, but has since become a worldwide company, sought after by the rich and famous.

The likes of Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman , and F1 racing tycoon Eddie Jordan have their very own Sunseeker superyachts, but the list of known celebrities who own one of these luxury vessels appears to be growing. The latest famous face to own a fancy yacht is F1's seven time winner of the World Drivers' Championship title, Lewis Hamilton.

The F1 champion owns the impressive Sunseeker 90, which he reportedly bought for an eye-watering $4 million (£3.1m), according to Crash . The latest yacht model is now estimated to be worth a whopping £6.1 million, but could even reach up to £9 million once its been upgraded.

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Hamilton's Sunseeker is around 27.10m in length and offers a sleek interior design. The vessel can hold eight guests in four cabins, plus room to sleep some of the crew members.

Crash reports that the luxury interior is said to be of 'American walnut carpentry' equipped with air conditioning, a professional chef’s sized kitchen and a huge entertainment system. Other impressive specs include the yacht's speeds, which can reach up to 30 knots, and a cruising speed of 22 knots.

There is even an area fit for barbecues, so it seems an ideal yacht for socialising and relaxing. It also features the Bezenzoni ‘Ladder Gangway’, which allows guests to effortlessly access the watersports on offer.

The vessel is often kept in Monaco - apt for the world-class racer, as the destination is known for holding the prestigious F1 Grand Prix races. Hamilton is no stranger posting his lavish lifestyle to his 28.8m legion of followers on Instagram.

The 37-year-old has shared some photos of himself lounging on the Sunseeker 90 and enjoying the views of some of France's most scenic coastlines. He is due to next appear at the British Grand Prix, which will take place at Silverstone on Sunday, July 3.

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Lewis Hamilton's greatest investments

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Lewis Hamilton is one of the world’s richest and most successful athletes. The Kight is the highest-paid driver in Formula 1 and has career earnings exceeding $500 million, but where does Hamilton invest his money. So let’s look at the biggest investments of Lewis Hamilton.

Real Estate

Hamilton owns some pretty valuable slices of real estate across the world, but the most expensive one lies in Manhattan. The Briton purchased the Manhattan penthouse from a building partly owned by Tom Brady. The estimated worth of the penthouse is $57 Million.

Luxurious Cars

Lewis Hamilton has a long list of luxurious cars in his garage, including the purple Pagani Zonda 760 LH. This customized hypercar has a top speed of 225 MPH and has an AMG 7.3L V12 engine. The Briton acquired this car for a reported fee of $2.6 Million.

Sunseeker yacht

Lewis Hamilton owns a luxurious 90-foot-long $4 million yacht called Sunseeker Yacht. This yacht comes with a built-in sundeck, BBQ, modular lounge seating, and a dining area for eight. When not being used for parties, it  can usually be found parked by the bayside in Monaco or Nice.

Racing Team

Lewis Hamilton has joined the ranks of successful team owners. However, he sees the future of racing in a more sustainable form. The Briton has put his millions in the Extreme E electric off-road racing team called X44 racing team.

Credits: Extreme E

Clothing line.

Lewis Hamilton introduced his line of clothing in a partnership with Tommy Hilfiger. In 2020 Hamilton launched a collection, called TommyXLewis. An important element Lewis pushed for the collection was using more sustainable materials.

Credits: Tommy Hilfiger

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49 Facts About Lewis Hamilton You Didn’t Know

No driver has matched Lewis’s statistics. He holds the record for the number of pole start positions (103), won more races (103), led more races from start to finish (23), won more championships (7) than any other F1 driver.

Some say that Lewis’s success was purely down to driving the fasted car in F1. There is no question that this helped, but neither of his teammates at Mercedes achieved the same success. Secondly, in the junior racing series, using cars that had no significant advantage, he still achieved record success’s

So much has been written about and reported on Lewis Hamilton. He has achieved more than any other driver in the sport’s history, has dominated F1 for fourteen years, and is the equal joint winner of seven world championships with Michael Schumacher.

If you’re looking for some F1 merchandise, check out the awesome stuff at the official F1 store  here .

Things You Didn’t Know About Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton has dominated the F1 standings since his first season in 2007. In his first-ever race in F1, he achieved third place at the Australian Grand Prix. After Barcelona, Lewis became the first rookie to lead a world championship.

Although he did not ultimately win the championship, his debut set the tone for who he was to become, a legend in the image of Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart, Nikki Lauda, and Ayrton Senna.

Are Lewis Hamilton And Nico Rosberg Friends?

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg’s relationship started when they were still racing go-karts for the same team.

The relationship suffered severe stress when they were teammates at Mercedes Benz from 2013 to 2016. The rivalry between the two was extreme and heated. Lewis won 32 times, had 55 podium finishes, and qualified ahead of Rosberg 42 times.

For his part, Nico had 22 victories, 50 podium finishes, and qualified ahead of Lewis 36 times.

Lewis won the championship in two of the three years they raced together. After Lewis had terrible luck with car serviceability issues, Nico won the championship in their last year together.

Lewis said they weren’t friends, but they would cooperate because they raced for the same team.

Are Lewis Hamilton And Max Verstappen Friends?

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are not friends.

Lewis and Max have been each other’s closest competitors for the last few years, culminating in 2021, when they both ran neck and neck for the championship.

Max had said that there were times when they hated each other during this period.

Lewis never denigrates a competitor; he has said that now he is older, he always tries to understand what motivates his competitors. He tries to look a little deeper into their character, background, and upbringing to explain their behavior. They have very different personalities, values, and lifestyles and will probably never become friends.

Despite this, Lewis and Max hold high respect for one another.

Are Lewis Hamilton And Bottas Friends?

Valtteri Bottas and Lewis have had a harmonious and positive relationship.

There have been no flair-ups or major disagreements when they have raced together.

Lewis stated that each driver has two championships to win, the drivers and the constructors. They compete against each other for the drivers, but to win the constructors, they must work together.

Lewis felt that, for the first time, in Valtteri, he had a teammate with who he could genuinely communicate.

Are Lewis Hamilton And Daniel Ricciardo Friends?

Lewis and Daniel are not friends; however, there is no animosity between them.

Although Daniel always seems to be smiling, the Australian, who is nicknamed the smiling assassin, is renowned as one of the most ruthless on the track. They often chat and joke, and they get on with each other.

Are Lewis Hamilton’s Parents Still Married?

Lewis Hamilton’s parents are Anthony and Carmen Hamilton. His mother divorced his dad when Lewis was still a toddler.

His mother is now called Carmen Lockhart.

Are Lewis Hamilton And Tom Cruise Friends?

Lewis has enormous respect for Tom and speaks highly about the actor’s professionalism and work ethic.

In 2021 when Lewis won his 99 th Grand Prix at Silverstone, Tom Cruise congratulated Lewis and was seen embracing him.

Can Lewis Hamilton Speak Other Languages?

Lewis only speaks English.

Can Lewis Hamilton Sing?

He has described music as one of his most treasured passions. He started playing the guitar when he was thirteen, and he describes himself as self-taught.

He now plays the piano the guitar, and he also sings. He has published a few videos of himself playing the guitar on social media; these included renditions of Rihanna’s “Stay” and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

He has also played for Kanye West and the hit pianist Lang Lang.

He has a fully equipped recording studio at home.

In 2018, under the non de plume ” XNDA,” he featured on Christina Aguilera’s track ‘Pipe’ which was on her Liberation album.

In 2020 Lewis recorded the tracks to eight “saucy and sexy” songs, which will appear on his first album.

Did Lewis Hamilton Get Covid?

In 2020, after the Bahrain Grand Prix,  Lewis tested positive for COVID. He did not race for three weeks.

In 2021 said that he suspected that he was suffering from the effects of Long COVID.

Did Lewis Hamilton Get Knighted?

Sir Lewis Hamilton is the fourth British Formula One driver to be knighted. The other three are the legendary greats, Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Jackie Stewart, and Sir Stirling Moss.

He was knighted in recognition of his dazzling motorsport career,

Did Lewis Hamilton Come From Money?

Lewis did not come from money.

Lewis has always held himself to a stringent moral code. He stands up for the “underdog” and supports causes about which he deeply cares.

When he was a young boy, moving from karting through the junior levels, he was constantly reminded of the stark difference between his family’s financial ability to race and other wealthier families.

He also quotes many instances where he was racially abused as a black person. The fact that he rose through the ranks, despite the roadblocks put in front of him speaks volumes about his incredible skill and strength of character.

Did Lewis Hamilton Go To College?

In 2001 Lewis enrolled at John Henry Newman School in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Lewis was in the same class as the Premier League, England, and Inter Malan footballer Ashley Young.

Does Lewis Hamilton Do Track Walks

Lewis doesn’t do track walks, and he has said that he considers them a pointless exercise for him.

How Much Do Lewis Hamilton Earn?

In 2022 Lewis continues to be the highest-paid driver on the F1 circuit, with an estimated salary of US$54 million; this does not include any income from outside sponsorships or endorsements.

Does Lewis Hamilton Have Children?

Lewis doesn’t have any children.

Does Lewis Hamilton Have A Brother?

Lewis has a half-brother, Nicholas Hamilton. Nicholas shares the same father with Lewis, while they have different mothers.

Lewis has two half-sisters, Nicola and Samantha, from his mother’s second marriage.

Does Lewis Hamilton Fly Commercial?

Since Lewis sold his private jet, he now flies on a combination of commercial airlines and private jets.

Most of the F1 drivers fly business or first class.

Does Lewis Hamilton Get Free Mercedes?

Lewis Hamilton is not reputed to have received a free Mercedes; however, we are sure a preferential deal is in place when he buys one. He currently owns four cars from this manufacturer.

Mercedes-AMG One

Being part of the design process, Lewis has guaranteed himself a place on the order list for the new Mercedes-AMG Project One, which will only become available in 2022.

There is a limited run of 275 vehicles, and the car costs US$2 million.

Mercedes SLS Black

One of Lewis’s “cheaper” cars, the SLS Black, has a much lower value of US$ 300,000.

A V8 engine producing 622 horsepower can get the car to 62 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds. It is capable of impressive speeds of up to 196mph top speed.

Mercedes Benz AMG GTR

Lewis was part of the launch team for this car and now owns one of the US$189,000 supercars.

Mercedes Benz AMG G63 6X6          

Costing $615,000, Lewis finally took the plunge and purchased an AMG G63 6X6 in 2015. Used by the Australian military, this vehicle can genuinely go anywhere.

Does Lewis Hamilton Own A Jet?

Lewis did own a Bombardier Challenger 605 with the personalized registration, G-LDCH,

• G is the first letter of all aircraft registered in the United Kingdom
• D = Davidson
• H = Hamilton

Out of environmental concerns, Lewis sold the jet to a company owned by Nikki Lauda – Laudamotion

Does Lewis Hamilton Own A Yacht?

Lewis owns a 90 foot Sunseeker yacht, featuring sundecks, BBQ, a fitted lounge, and a dining area for eight.

Has Lewis Hamilton Won At Every Track?

During his F1 career, Lewis has won at 28 of the 34 circuits.

There are six circuits he has not won at. They are either not raced on anymore, or in the case of the Dutch Grand Prix, were only included in the calendar in 2021.

These include

• Zandvoort at the Dutch Grand Prix.
• Valencia Street Circuit in Spain.
• Korea International Circuit.
• Buddh International Circuit in India
• Magny Cours in France

Has Lewis Hamilton Always Driven For Mercedes?

During his F1 career, Lewis spent two years at McLaren, and for the remaining eight years, has been at Mercedes.

Has Lewis Hamilton Won A World Championship?

Alongside the legendary Michael Schumacher, Lewis has won seven championships.

He was on track to win an eighth world championship in 2021 when, after a red flag slowed the race in the last race of the season at Abu Dhabi, the race director, Michael Massey, broke protocol and allowed Max Verstappen to catch up to Lewis and behind him on the last lap.

With new tires, Max quickly overtook Lewis and went on to win the race and the championship.

Has Lewis Hamilton Won Monaco?

Lewis won at Monaco in 2008, 2016 and 2019

Has Lewis Hamilton Met The Queen?

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth awarded Lewis an MBE in 2009.

Lewis was smitten by Her Majesty and spoke very highly of the time he met with her and has had a meal with Her Majesty, who hilariously gave him etiquette advice.

How Lewis Hamilton Spends His Millions

Lewis lives an extravagant lifestyle with several properties around the world. He also generously supports several charities, mainly aimed at children around the world.

Lewis Has His Charity – Mission 44

Lewis invested his own money in his charity called Mission 44, which aims to recruit 150 black students focussing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) teachers in England.

The Hamilton commission, which looked at the reasons black people are underrepresented in most United Kingdom societies, reported that.

1. Of the 500,000 teachers in the United Kingdom, only 2% are black

2. 46% of the schools in the United Kingdom have no racially diverse teachers at all.

Lewis has pledged £20 million of his own money to give Mission 44 the necessary impetus to achieve its targets.

Lewis Helps Children In South Africa Through Education Africa

This charity assists disadvantaged South Africans to get a quality, relevant education to help them become competitive in the South African market and ultimately become global citizens.

Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital

Lewis supports Great Ormond Street Hospital, treating over 200,000 children a year with the rarest, most complex, and often life-threatening conditions.

Harlem Children’s Zone

The Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) identifies poverty-stricken children and provides free parenting workshops, a pre-school program, three charter schools, and child health programs for thousands of kids.

Save The Children

Save the Children operates in 100 countries worldwide, providing relief to more than 197 million children.

The Honeypot Children’s Charity

The Honeypot charity supports under 18 year old’s who have become carers for family members. The circumstances that these kids function in may include support for a family member who may be ill, disabled, suffering from a mental health condition, or an addiction.

Some of the children move into this role when they are as young as five. With government funding for children’s services falling by a third, these children find themselves on duty 24/7, and often they do this alone. 

UNICEF Cares For Children Around The World

From looking after children affected by a tropical storm in Mozambique, delivering assistance to freezing children during Afghanistan’s winter, displaced children in Syria, or any of the other 190 countries in which they operate, UNICEF helps children in need.

His Car Collection

Lewis has a very focused car collection of 13 cars spread between Monaco and Los Angeles. He has said that Automobiles are his most significant investment, and he enjoys collecting them.

In an interview with GQ, he said, “Banks aren’t doing shit these days” and said he doesn’t know anything about wine or art. But he does know cars, and he’s very particular about them.

Lewis has a car collection worth approximately $18 million.

How Did Lewis Hamilton Get Into F1

Lewis earned his first two trophies racing radio-controlled cars against people three times his age at six years old.

It shows the God-given talent and natural eye-hand coordination were there from the start.

He showcased his aptitude for driving radio-controlled cars on the BBC show Blue Peter. The Blue Peter presenter said, “Nigel Mansell, eat your heart out” little did he know how prophetic that statement was.

Lewis reflects the time he spent racing radio control cars and being with his dad accounted for some of the fondest memories of his life.

Lewis was eight years old when he started driving in the cadet class go-karting championship. True to form, he won many races and, ultimately, the championship.

Lewis Hamilton was the youngest driver to win the British cadet karting championship at ten.

Lewis continued his skyrocketing trajectory in the Intercontinental A (1999), Formula A (2000), and Formula Super A (2001) ranks, winning the maximum points possible to become European Champion.

After his outstanding successes in go-karting championships, the British Racing Drivers’ Club made him a “Rising Star” Member in 2000; Michael Schumacher made a one-off return to go-karts and competed against Hamilton, and he praised Lewis for his incredible ability.

His first drive in a car championship was in the British Formula Renault Winter Series at age sixteen when he came in 5 th in the championship standings.

In 2002 he was signed to drive in the Formula Renault UK series powered by 2,000cc 16V engines, and his first year came in 3 rd in the championship.

In 2003 he won the championship with two races to spare; this was convenient, as being signed to race in the British Formula 3 International Series , he had to miss the last two races.

The first two races were a departure from the successes up to that point; he was out of the first race with a puncture, and in the second, he was in a collision with his teammate, Tor Graves. The crash resulted in Lewis being taken to the hospital.

In 2004 he was signed on the Formula 3 Euro Series by Manor Grand Prix racing. In his first year with Manor, he was placed 5 th in the championship.

On the 10th of December 2004, at the Bahrain Grand Prix Circuit, he won the 1st Bahrain Formula 3 SuperPrix

In 2004 he also raced twice at the Macau F3 Grand Prix . Ron Dennis at McLaren wanted to sign him in 2004, but BMR McLaren’s engine manager would not make the funds available.

McLaren did eventually sign Lewis. He moved to the Series champions ASM for 2005 and dominated it, winning 15 of the 20 rounds.

In 2006 Lewis signed for the GP2 Championships. Typically, he won the championship in his first year of racing.

In 2007, with Kimi Räikkönen moving to Ferrari, Lewis finally joined McLaren. So started a run of epic successes – and some controversies, which have become a Hallmark of the legend which is Lewis Hamilton.

How Much Is Lewis Hamilton Worth?

Lewis is reputed to be worth $285 million. He is stated to be Britain’s richest sportsman.

How Old Lewis Hamilton?

Born on the 7 th of January 1985, Lewis is 37 years old.

Is Lewis Hamilton Vegan?

Lewis is the only practicing Vegan F1 racing driver.

Is Lewis Hamilton In Cars 2

Lewis has acted in three films.

1. Cars 2 (2011)

2. Cars 3 (2017)

3. Zoolander 2 (2016)

As to the future, Lewis is rumored to be in discussions with Apple to star alongside Brad Pitt in a new F1 movie.

Is Lewis Hamilton A Scientologist?

No, Lewis is not a Scientologist.

Is Lewis Hamilton Related To Alexander Hamilton?

Lewis is not a relative of Alexander Hamilton.

Was Lewis Hamilton The Stig?

Lewis Hamilton was not the Stig. There have been three Stigs.

• Perry McCarthy was known as the Black Stig, and his character was killed off driving a Jaguar off the ramp of HMS Invincible. 47-year-old Julian Bailey was a stand-in for Perry McCarthy.
• Ben Collins was the White Stig.
• Abby Eaton. Although technically not a Stig, was the first female racing driver to drive on TopGear.

Was Lewis Hamilton In F2?

In 2006 Lewis Hamilton joined the GP2  circuit; this is regarded as a series that prepares racers for the rigors of F1.

What Does Lewis Hamilton Drive?

In addition to his Mercedes cars, Lewis owns the following vehicles.

1966 Shelby 427 Cobra

This model of the famed Cobra was first manufactured in January 1965. The car has a hand-built steel tuned frame body with aluminum body panels, made in England. The frame was shipped to Detroit for building.

The car is conservatively valued at over US$5,000,000.

1967 Shelby Cobra 427

This classic muscle car is one year newer than his 1966 version. At US$2,1 million, It’s not worth quite as much as the 1966 version; however, it is still a worthwhile investment.

McLaren P1   

When Lewis left McLaren in 2013, he purchased the P1. Valued at a cool $1.15 Million, Mclaren only made 375 units. Its engine produces 903 horsepower and is capable of a 0-62 mph speed in 2.7 seconds. The car was manufactured as a one-off for Lewis.

Ferrari LaFerrari

They may be the competitors on the track, but outside of racing, Ferrari manufactures appealing high-end sports cars. The LaFerrari is powered by a mild hybrid unit with a slight nod towards lower emissions. The closed roof version is worth  $1.4 Million.

Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta

The open-top version of the Ferrari La Ferrari Aperta. Capable of speed just under 200 mph, it’s no wonder that Lewis braids his hair!

Pagani Zonda 760LH 

Lewis has described this car as his worst one to drive. He has just sold it for a reported US$9,6 million. Compared to the alleged US$2.2 Million he originally paid for it, as hard to drive as he thought it was, it turned into a worthwhile investment.

Mini Cooper

A Mini Cooper was Lewis’s first car in his collection, which he bought in 2002. It was valued at US$23,400, but having been owned by Lewis, we imagine it is worth a little bit more now.

Can-Am Maverick X31967    

The Maverick is a purpose-built-for-anything high-performance side-by-side vehicle. It’s purely for fun and is worth $8,600 

Cadillac Escalade       

Lewis owns a $76,195 Escalade, in which he is chauffeured.

Ferrari 599 SA Aperta

In 2012 Lewis bought a rare open top (Aperta) Ferrari 599 for an estimated $1.6 Million.

What Is Lewis Hamilton’s Nationality?

Lewis is British

When Did Lewis Hamilton Join Mercedes?

Lewis joined Mercedes in 2013.

When Did Lewis Hamilton Start Racing?

Lewis started racing go-karts when he was eight years old. Before that, he successfully raced radio control cars.

When Was Lewis Hamilton’s First F1 Race?

Lewis raced in the Australian Grand Prix for the first time in 2007

Where Are Lewis Hamilton Parents From?

Lewis identifies as a black man, with his father originating from Grenadian descent and his mother is a white lady born in Birmingham.

Who Is Lewis Hamilton Dating?

After his break, up with Nichole Scherzinger, Lewis Hamilton dating has remained single. There have been rumors of a relationship between Lewis and his assistant, Angela Cullen; however, this relationship is purely platonic.

Which Watch Does Lewis Hamilton Wear?

Lewis Hamilton wears a personalized version of the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch.

Who Is Lewis Hamilton’s Assistant?

Angela Cullen is Lewis ‘assistant, confidant, physio, motivator. Lewis has described Angela as one of the most extraordinary things that have happened to him.

Why Lewis Hamilton Choose 44?

Lewis considers 44  to be his family’s lucky number. At eight years old, his dad’s red Cavalier registration was F44.

Lewis Hamilton Win Total

Lewis has won more times than any other F1 racing driver (103 races.)

Where Was Lewis Hamilton Born?

Lewis was born in Stevenage in the United Kingdom.

What School Did Lewis Hamilton Go To?

Hamilton went to The Catholic John Henry Newman School in Stevenage.

What Is Lewis Hamilton’s Religion?

Lewis was born into a Catholic family. He has stated that he feels God has his hand on him and Lewsi prays every morning.

On and off the track, Lewis Hamilton excels at being a remarkable human being. Jenson Button has said that he greatly admires Lewis, who has made it big on the track and used that platform to promote something greater than himself.

Ultimately records get broken, and once he retires, others may beat his achievements. More important than the records he has set is the difference Lewis has made on the way, and in that regard, Sir Lewis Hamilton is a champion of champions.

• https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-lewis-hamilton-vulnerable/
• https://thesportsrush.com/f1-news-i-try-to-understand-their-background-lewis-hamilton-discloses-how-he-analyses-his-rival-max-verstappens-character/
• https://21motoring.com/lewis-hamilton-car-collection-2021-supercars-net-worth/
• https://www.instagram.com/p/CHQAuywMDfS/?hl=en
• https://www.sportscasting.com/lewis-hamilton-is-using-27-5-million-of-his-net-worth-to-help-underrepresented-groups-in-motorsports/
• https://motorsporttickets.com/blog/lewis-hamilton-facts-10-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-formula-1-champion/

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Mind-Blowing Lewis Hamilton Facts You Need to Know

By jonny noble.

Though his results speak for themselves, and no driver has matched Lewis’s record, there are facts about Lewis Hamilton you may not know.

• He has started the race from pole position more time than any other driver ( 104 ).
• He has won 103 races which is more than anyone else.
• He has won more podium finishes ( 191 ).
• He has led more races from start to finish ( 23 )
• He has won more championships (7 which ties with Michael Schumacher) than any other F1 driver.

These facts show how wrong people are when they say Lewis’s only succeeded because of the car he was driving. There is no question that it helped, but none of his teammates driving the same car achieved the same success. In the junior series, he still achieved records.

Even though 2022 was a year most Mercedes fans would prefer to forget, we should never forget that Lewis has dominated F1 for fourteen years. Alongside Michael Schumacher, he holds the record of seven world championship wins. If Abu Dhabi had turned out differently in 2021, he would hold a record eight world championships.

Are Sir Lewis Hamilton’s Parents Wealthy?

While they were not on skid row, Lewis’s parents were a normal middle-class family who could not be described as rich.

One of the results of this is that he has a common touch and relates to people across all socioeconomic levels.

In his early career, he was racially abused and constantly reminded that he was not on the same level of wealth as the other kids.

His dad is reputed to have said that he shouldn’t retaliate but instead should let his results speak for themselves.

Being seven times world champion is all the talking that needed to be done.

He showed the depth of his character by returning to F1 in 2022, and even though the team had a lousy year, he stuck it out and is now suggesting that he is not finished yet.

Does that mean a possible 8th world championship?

What College Did Sir Lewis Hamilton Go To?

Lewis studied at the John Henry Newman School in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

Does Lewis Hamilton Do Track Walks?

Lewis has never felt the need to walk the Formula One track at the start of the weekend.

He has raced at all of them so many times that he knows every corner and straight.

How Much Does Lewis Hamilton Earn?

In 2022 Lewis is the driver with the highest base salary of $55 million. He does not get a bonus.

In comparison, Max Verstappen received a base salary of $40 million and a bonus of $20 million, making him the highest-paid driver on the circuit.

Does Lewis Hamilton Have A Wife And Children?

Lewis doesn’t have a spouse or children.

Who Is Lewis Hamilton’s Brother?

Lewis is very close to his half-brother, Nicholas. Nicholas and Lewis have the same dad.

Does Lewis Hamilton Own A Jet?

The Mercedes team generally flies to events in a private jet.

At one stage, Lewis owned a red Bombardier Challenger 605

with the registration of G-LDCH (Golf, Lima, Delta, Charlie, Hotel)

Lewis ultimately sold the jet to Laudamotion , a company owned by the late Nikki Lauda.

What Cars Does Lewis Hamilton Own?

Check out our detailed article on each of Lewis Hamilton’s cars.

Lewis has a very specific car collection of 13 cars which are based in Monaco and Los Angeles.

As a result, the cars he has purchased all have a specific value reason why he obtained them.

The value of Lewis Hamilton’s car collection is approximately $20 million.

The collection includes.

Mercedes-AMG One

Sir Lewis is on the list to receive one of 275 limited edition Mercedes-AMG Project One in 2022.

There have been no announcements advising whether this transaction is completed yet.

Mercedes SLS Black

Lewis owns a US$ 300,000 SLS Black, a V8 engine producing 622 horsepower.

It is capable of accelerating to 62 mph in 3,5 seconds.

Mercedes Benz AMG GTR

Lewis owns an AMG GTR valued at US$189,000.

Mercedes Benz AMG G63 6X6

Lewis owns a Mercedes Benz AMG G63 6X6, which costs $615,000 and which he purchased in 2015.

1966 Shelby 427 Cobra

This car was first manufactured in January 1965. It has a hand-built steel frame body and an aluminum body attached.

The exceptional vehicle is worth US$5,000,000.

1967 Shelby Cobra 427

This is the next model of his 1966 version described above. It is worth $2,1 million.

Lewis purchased the P1 when he left McLaren to join Mercedes. It is valued at $1.15 Million.

Ferrari LaFerrari

Lewis loves Ferrari and owns a LaFerrari powered by a hybrid engine valued at $1.4 Million.

Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta

This car is the Ferrari La Ferrari Aperta open-top cousin.

It can cruise at 200 mph.

Mini Cooper

This was Lewis’s first car in his collection and is probably being held onto for sentimental reasons.

Can-Am Maverick X31967

This is simply a fun side-by-side vehicle.

Cadillac Escalade

Lewis owns a Cadillac Escalade valued at $76,195

Ferrari 599 SA Aperta

In 2012 Lewis bought a rare open-top (Aperta) Ferrari 599 for an estimated $1.6 Million.

Sir Lewis Hamilton Has His Own Yacht?

Lewis owns a 90-foot Sunseeker yacht.

Has Lewis Hamilton Won A Race At Every Circuit?

Lewis has won at 28 circuits in his career. This means that there are only six circuits he has not been triumphant at.

Unfortunately, only Zandvoort at the Dutch Grand Prix is still racing, and therefore it is unlikely he will get a chance to win at the remaining five.

These include.

• France – Magny Course.
• Spain – Valencia Street Circuit.
• Korea – Korea International Circuit.
• India – Buddha International Circuit.

Who Did Lewis Drive For Before Mercedes?

McLaren was the first team to take a bet on Lewis.

He spent two years at McLaren, was world champion in his second year, and came second in his rookie year.

How Many World Championships Has Lewis Won?

Lewis has won seven championships, the last being in the 2020 season.

He would have won the 2021 world championship; however, being neck and neck with Max on points, the driver who won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix got to take home the championship.

Louis was comfortably in front of the pack and was leading the race when a crash occurred, and the safety car came out. Red bull took the opportunity to give Max a fresh set of tires and re-joined the race behind the back runners.

In an absurd turn of events, the race director, Michael Massey, allowed Max and no other driver to lap the rear cars. This placed Max directly behind Lewis (on a fresh set of tires.)

If Michael Massey had followed the rules, this is how the race would have finished. Instead, Massey brought the safety car, which allowed Max, on the newer tires, to overtake Lewis and win the race.

Is Monaco On Lewis’s Win List?

As suggested earlier, most circuits are on Lewis’s win list, and Monaco is no exception.

He has won at this street circuit three times.

Did Lewis Hamilton Meet Queen Elizabeth?

Her Majesty Quen Elizabeth personally awarded Lewis with an MBE in 2009.

It was an occasion that affected him deeply, and he maintained a close love of the queen until she died in 2022.

How Does Lewis Hamilton Spend His Millions

There is no question that Lewis enjoys his wealth. He has a house in Los Angeles and one in Monaco,

Perhaps unlike many other drivers, Lewis uses his money to finance projects he cares deeply about.

He is particularly passionate about children and the effects of racism worldwide.

Sir Lewis Hamilton’s Own Charity Is Called – Mission 44

Lewis formed the Hamilton commission, which studied why black people are underrepresented in F1 and other technology-based fields in most United Kingdom and found that.

Only 2% of teachers in the UK are black.

Almost half of the schools in the UK have no  teachers of color at all.

Lewis has invested £20 million of his own money to capitalize the charity Mission 44 (44 being his racing number.)

Each year Mission 44 recruits 150 black students and helps them with STEM subjects in the hope that they will become Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) teachers in England.

Lewis Gives To Education Charities Throughout Africa

Lewis Hamilton donates substantial sums of money to education charities tasked with providing underprivileged South African children with education missing from that country’s disastrous education system.

The aim is to give these children the same advantages as others from more prosperous backgrounds.

Lewis Gives To Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital

Lewis donates money to the legendary Great Ormond Street Hospital, which provides treatment for over 200,000 children annually.

The kids admitted to Great Ormond have the most complex conditions, which are often life-threatening.

Lewis Gives To Harlem Children’s Zone

The Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) works with the most disadvantaged children in Harlem (New York) and provides.

• Parenting classes.
• Pre-school program.
• Three charter schools.
• Child Health Program.

Lewis Gives To The Save The Children Fund

The charity fund “Save the Children” provides relief to children in over 100 countries and affects the lives of over 197 million children.

Lewis Gives To The Honeypot Children’s Charity

This charity is mandated to support under-18-year-olds who, through circumstances, have become the primary caregiver in their home.

The reasons these children are placed in this position include parents dying, the normal caregiving parent becoming seriously ill, disabled, or suffering from an uncontrollable addiction.

This incredible charity aims to support these children, who are often as young as five years old!

With failing social services, these poor children are often left as the primary caregiver twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They end up looking after their younger siblings and their parent.

Lewis Gives To UNICEF

UNICEF does incredible work worldwide, providing relief to children in war-torn countries during cyclone activity or a big freezing chill.

They provide assistance irrespective of language, culture, or religion.

How Did Lewis Hamilton Get Into F1

Lewis is the stereotypical F1 prodigy.

He started racing radio control cars when he was six years old and won trophies competing against adults. This was one of Lewis’s happiest memories when he spent so much time with his dad.

At eight years old, Lewis began racing go-karts, where he showed his natural talent and ability. Some of the accolades won by young Lewis included.

A Snap Shot Of Lewis Hamilton’s Career

• At ten, he was the youngest driver winner of the British cadet karting championship.
• Michael Schumacher returned to go-karts and competed against Lewis, after which he acknowledged Lewis’s skill.
• He won the Intercontinental A  championship in 1999.
• He joined Formula A in 2000.
• He won the  Formula Super A in 2001, where he won the maximum points possible to become European Champion.
• The British Racing Drivers’ Club promoted him as a “Rising Star” Member in 2000.
• At age sixteen, he came in sixth in the British Formula Renault Winter Series.
• In 2002 he came in 3rd in the Formula Renault UK series powered by 2,000cc 16V engines.
• In 2003 he won the Formula Renault UK series with two races to spare. This allowed him to miss the last two races and sign on with the British Formula 3 International Series.
• He did not have a great time in the British Formula 3 International Series, where he ended up in the hospital after a crash.
• In 2004 he raced with Manor Grand Prix for the Formula 3 Euro Series, ending in 5th place.
• In 2004, at the Bahrain Grand Prix Circuit, he won the 1st Bahrain Formula 3 Super Prix.
• He raced twice at the Macau F3 Grand Prix
• Ron Dennis at McLaren signed Lewis onto their young driver program.
• In 2005 he transferred to the Series champions ASM, where he won 15 of the 20 rounds.
• In 2006 he joined the GP2 Championships, which he won in his first year.

Lewis Hamilton –  F1

In 2007, Lewis joined McLaren’s F1 team.

This was the beginning of a two-year stint in which he almost won the championship in his first year (he came second)

In 2009 he moved to Mercedes and won six more championships

What Records Does Lewis Hamilton Hold In F1?

Lewis Holds a large number of records including the following

Lewis Hamilton Facts – World Championship Titles

Hamiton holds the records of the most F1 world championship (with Michael Schumacher)

Lewis Hamilton Facts – Other F1 Records

• He has raced in 313 F1 grand Prix’s
• He has won 34.45% of the races he entered. This is the fourth best strike rate in Formula 1 history.
• He has won 103 races.
• He achieved second place in the world championships after his first year in F1.
• He won the F1 championship in his second year, an unheard-of achievement.
• He has been on pole position 104 times.
• Even in his worst performing year (2022) his lowest championship position was only 6th place

He has achieved the following number of championship placings in his F1 career.

Lewis Hamilton Facts – F1 Score Summaries

Which Race Was Lewis Hamilton’s Favorite?

Lewis has picked the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix as his “best race ever”. He started from 10th place on the grid and charged forward to overhaul championship leader Max Verstappen for the win.

This achievement placed him back in contention for the drivers’ championship.

What Actually Occurred At The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

The 2021 season finished with the promise of a massive duel between Lewis Hamilton   and Max Verstappen.

Hamilton had won the previous two races (The Brazilian and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix) and drew level with Max on points. The finale was to be held over 58 laps of the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi

Max started on pole ahead of Lewis who was alongside in second position. Hamilton had a lightening quick start and pulled ahead of Max into the first corner. Max has the faster straight line speed and tried to overtake Lewis into turn six.

Lewis took evasive action and managed to hold onto the lead.

Max was aggrieved and questioned why Lewis had not been penalized.

After a pit stop found Lewis behind Sergio Perez, there seemed to be some danger – particularly as Max’s Mexican teammate was doing a great jib holding Lewis up.

The Mercedes demonstrated the pace that had won the Brazilian and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and powered past.

On Lap 53 of the race, Nicholas Latifi crashed at Turn 14, which resulted in the Safety Car being deployed.

The time behind the safety car reduced Lewis’s 13-second lead over Verstappen. With the 5 cars of lapped traffic between the Lewis and Max, the British driver was safe from the Red Bull.

Max had used the safety car to pit for new tires (Hamilton was still on the hard tires).

Enter Michael Masi – Stage Left

The lapped cars were informed they wouldn’t be allowed to overtake the Safety Car and thus give Hamilton a crucial buffer over Verstappen.

On Lap 57, the race director Michael Masi broke the rules and allowed the five of the seven lapped cars to unlap themselves, which put Max in a position to have a free run at Hamilton.

The race restarted with just one lap remaining, and Max, on new tires was able to take the lead and become 2021 F1 world championship.

It was an unforgivable end to the season and race director Michael Masi paid with his career by being sacked. There are not many fans who disagree with that outcome.

This does not detract from Max’s amazing performance however I think that he would agree that it would have been better to win under other circumstances.

How Much Is Lewis Hamilton Worth?

Lewis is reputed to be worth $320 million and holds the record as the highest-paid British sportsperson.

Lewis Hamilton Age

Hamilton was born on 7 January 1985. This makes him Lewis is 38 years old at the time of writing.

How Old Was Lewis Hamilton When he Entered F1?

Hamilton’s talent was evident from his early days in racing. He was widely expected to win a Formula 1 race before he turned 25 by many betting agencies. He joined McLaren as a Formula 1 driver in 2007, when he was only 22 years old. 

The following year, he achieved a historic feat by becoming the youngest Formula 1 champion ever, at the age of 23 years and 300 days.

Is Lewis Hamilton in Cars 2?

Lewis has had a voice-over part in two Cars movies.

• Cars 2 (2011)
• Cars 3 (2017)
• He also had a  part in the 2016 movie Zoolander 2.
• Lewis is currently working on an F1 movie with Brad Pitt.

Facts About Lewis Hamilton Was He In F2?

Lewis Hamilton joined the GP2  circuit In 2006 and moved over to F1 in 2007

What Is Lewis Hamilton’s Nationality?

Lewis is British and, in 2022, was awarded Brazilian citizenship. He, therefore, has dual nationality.

Lewis Hamilton Facts – Is He Dating?

It seems that Lewis never truly got over Nichole Scherzinger because he has remained single since they broke up.

Which Watch Does Lewis Hamilton Wear?

Lewis Hamilton wears the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch.

Who was Lewis Hamilton’s Assistant?

Angela Cullen is Lewis ‘assistant, confidant, physio, motivator. He ascribes much of his success to Angela.

She provided physiotherapy, counseling, and a great ear to listen to when he needs it.

Angela left Lewis’s employ in the early part of 2023 to pursue new activities.

Why Did Lewis Hamilton Choose 44?

Hamilton chose the number 44 in honor of his dad’s red Opel Cavalier, whose registration was F44.

Lewis Hamilton Facts – Religion?

He was born into a Catholic family. He has stated that he believes in  God, who has his hand on him.

Lewis has said that he prays every morning.

Are Lewis Hamilton And Max Verstappen Friends?

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen could never be called friends.

There is a noticeable animosity between the two rivers, which extends to the team principals ( Toto Wolf and Christian Horner.)

Max is the only driver who has been a consistent competitor and matches his incredible skill level.

The debacle in Abu Dhabi in 2021 did not help the situation. If Max had not been allowed to move past the lapped cars, he would not have won the championship.

As bitterly disappointing and unfair as the F1 decision was that day, Louis still has the grace to congratulate Max.

Max is reputed to have said that he hated Louis in 2021.

One of the few benefits of the terrible season Mercedes has in the 2022 season is that it has taken some of the pressure off Max and Louis’s relationship.

Louis has maturity and wisdom on his side and has said that he always tries to look for reasons why people behave the way they do. This has allowed him to have a different take and be less hot-headed than Max.

Both drivers say that they respect each other’s driving ability.

Are Lewis Hamilton And Valtteri Bottas Friends?

Valtteri Bottas and Lewis have had an exceptionally good relationship during Valtteri’s time at Mercedes.

They worked as a harmonious team, and with Valtteri being less aggressive, it was easier for each to find their place in the team.

With Valtteri having moved to Alpha Romeo for the 2022 season and being able to find his feet as the senior driver, the relationship with Lewis has remained solid.

Are Lewis Hamilton And Daniel Ricciardo Friends?

Lewis has supported Daniel through the very difficult year that Daniel had in 2022.

Having lost his seat at McLaren in 2022, it was uncertain whether he would remain in the F1 paddock in 2023. While he doesn’t have a full-time driver seat, he is returning to Red Bull as their spare driver.

Louis has said that he hopes Daniel finds his way back to the grid in 2024.

Lewis Hamilton is a remarkable ambassador for F1 and life in general. He has a rigid personal discipline; he is afraid of no one when it comes to honestly speaking his mind, and he is gracious and kind to those who may be suffering or who are not as fortunate as him.

With his celebrity status and vast wealth, he has not lost the common touch and remains approachable and generous – Oh yes, he can also drive a car!

• Mercedes F1 Results, They Didn’t Suddenly Take A Stupid Pill – F1Worldwide.com
• Lewis Hamilton – Wikipedia
• The Stats that prove Lewis Hamilton is the Greatest Driver of All Time
• Lewis Hamilton Height and Weight
• Lewis Hamiltons Diet

https://www.sportscasting.com/lewis-hamilton-is-using-27-5-million-of-his-net-worth-to-help-underrepresented-groups-in-motorsports/

Lewis Hamilton facts: 10 things you didn’t know about the Formula 1 champion

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Jonny Noble I’m a dedicated F1 Writer – and I’ve Been One for Over Four Decades, I’ve been intimately immersed in the world of Formula One for more than 44 years. That’s longer than most professional commentators can boast! As an independent writer, I offer a unique perspective on the entire F1 landscape, free from biases that might cloud the discussion. We dive deep into the exhilarating, frustrating, and captivating facets of the F1 universe. So, regardless of my amateur status, one thing is undeniable: four decades of dedicated F1 fandom have forged strong opinions worth exploring!

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Oliver Browning | Thursday 04 July 2024 16:14 BST

Lewis Hamilton speeds down River Thames in luxury yacht ahead of Silverstone GP

Lewis Hamilton discussed the joys of racing at Silverstone as he cruised down the River Thames in a luxury yacht.

The stunt celebrated IWC Schaffhausen’s 10-year partnership with Mercedes F1 , the team that Hamilton competes for.

He was joined by radio presenter Roman Kemp on the yacht, speeding past iconic British monuments including the London Eye, Tate Modern and Houses of Parliament.

“I feel a lot of love there, it’s absolutely unbelievable every year we go,” Hamilton said of racing at Silverstone.

The 2024 Silverstone Grand Prix takes place on Sunday 7 July.

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F1 ace Lewis Hamilton frolics on luxury yacht with stunning supermodel Bella Hadid in Monaco sun

Former champion was pictured partying with newly-single Hadid just hours after finishing a lowly seventh in Monaco Grand Prix

• fred nathan
• Published : 14:30, 30 May 2017
• Updated : 22:16, 25 Oct 2017

FORMULA 1 ace Lewis Hamilton frolics on a luxury yacht with stunning supermodel Bella Hadid in the Monaco sun - just hours after a race.

The three-time Brit champion was pictured partying with newly-single Hadid just hours after finishing a lowly seventh at the Monaco Grand Prix over the weekend.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel won the race on the famous streets, and by doing so stretched his championship lead over Mercedes' Hamilton to 25 points.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest F1 news, gossip and rumours

Hamilton was left baffled after his Mercedes car struggled for grip around Monte Carlo on the ultrasoft and supersoft tyres.

He has not won a title since 2015 and finished just an agonising five points behind former team-mate Nico Rosberg, who subsequently retired from the sport.

But it seemingly did not bother the 32-year-old as he stripped down to his swimming shorts with Hadid and plus on a mega-swanky yacht on the famous coastline.

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Both soaked up the sun with Hamilton in navy, white and yellow trunks and 20-year-old Hadid in a gorgeous orange bikini as they chatted amicably.

And the American beauty even took a splash into the crystal-clear water - and by the looks of Hamilton's wet hair, he had done the same.

Hadid is single after breaking up with Canadian singer The Weeknd late last year and has been linked to a number of men - could Hamilton be the latest?

Always one to play his cards close to his chest, Hadid is not the only model he partied with during the Monaco weekend - appearing on a different yacht with rumoured former flame Winnie Harlow.

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Lewis Hamilton holds off Max Verstappen, makes Formula 1 history with victory in British Grand Prix

Lewis hamilton picked up his 104th formula 1 win, his first since the saudi arabian gp in december 2021., by the associated press • published july 7, 2024.

Lewis Hamilton held off Max Verstappen's late charge to win a thrilling British Grand Prix on Sunday and secure his first victory since the penultimate race of the 2021 season.

Hamilton became the first F1 driver to win on any track nine times and also extended his F1 record to 104 wins. His last came at the Saudi Arabian GP in December 2021 -- the year he lost the title to Red Bull driver Verstappen.

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“You’ve got to continue to dig deep even when you are feeling the bottom of the barrel,” Hamilton said. “My fans around the world have been so supportive.”

It was a fitting way for Hamilton to end his last British GP with Mercedes, before joining Ferrari next year.

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“This is my last race here with this team so I wanted to win this so much for them because I love them and I appreciate them so much,” he said. “I was coming round and there’s just no greater feeling than to finish at the front here.”

The seven-time F1 champion beat defending champion Verstappen by 1.5 seconds, with Lando Norris finishing third for McLaren ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri.

A tearful-sounding Hamilton thanked his team over radio and was still emotional several minutes later as he struggled to compose himself.

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“I'm still crying,” Hamilton said as he addressed the crowd. “There's definitely been days between 2021 and here when I didn't feel I was good enough.”

There were high hopes for a home win at Silverstone, with Hamilton's Mercedes teammate George Russell on pole position ahead of Hamilton and with Norris going from third and Verstappen fourth.

Russell's hopes of a second straight F1 win ended on Lap 34 of 52 with a suspected water system issue on his car. A few laps later, McLaren botched Norris' tire change.

Verstappen overtook Norris with four laps left but could not catch Hamilton, to the delight of most of the 164,000 fans attending the race.

Moments after crossing the line, Hamilton jumped into the arms of mechanics and then shared a long hug with his father. Then it was time to absorb the applause from the home fans. Carrying a British flag he jumped over a crash barrier and then held it aloft.

“I can see you lap by lap, there’s just no greater feeling,” he told the cheering crowd.

The start saw Russell and Hamilton get away cleanly while Verstappen overtook Norris.

Rain started falling some 25 minutes into the race and made the 5.9-kilometer (3.7-mile) track more greasy.

After Hamilton took the lead from Russell on the damp track, Norris took advantage of a Russell error to move into second.

Verstappen, Norris and both Mercedes cars pitted for new tires shortly after the halfway point of the race. But McLaren kept Piastri out a little longer, which ultimately cost him a chance of victory.

After the tire-change shakeup, Norris was just over three seconds ahead of Hamilton while Verstappen was drifting back at this point.

The next tire changes, with a little more than 10 laps remaining, proved crucial.

Verstappen, Hamilton and Norris made quick changes but McLaren took too long on Norris’ rears - 4.5 seconds - and he came out 2.4 seconds behind race leader Hamilton, with Verstappen now making up ground fast.

He couldn’t get close enough, though, and Hamilton’s win made it six different winners so far this season -- compared to just three in 22 races last year.

Although Verstappen is not winning as much, he is still extending his gap because Norris is finishing behind him.

He is 84 points ahead of Norris in the standings, 255-171, with Charles Leclerc in third place with 150. Despite collecting 25 points for his win, Hamilton is eighth overall with 110.

Carlos Sainz Jr. finished Sunday's race in fifth for Ferrari ahead of Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg, with Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Alex Albon (Williams) and Yuki Tsunoda (RB) rounding out the top 10.

Sergio Perez apologized to Red Bull after qualifying in a dismal 19th, and started from the pit lane as his team made multiple part changes. He finished 17th, while Leclerc started 11th and placed 14th.

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Lewis Hamilton on a yacht in Ibiza with tennis player and actress

He was joined by Jenny Stray Spetalen, 20, an aspiring tennis player and the daughter of a Norwegian millionaire.

Also on board was Eiza Gonzalez, 33, a Mexican actress who is set to star in an upcoming Guy Ritchie movie.

2023 pic.twitter.com/QdmkWGwDGB — Eiza Gonzalez Reyna (@eizamusica) January 2, 2023

And Baz Luhrmann, the film director, and his wife Catherine Martin were also present.

Hamilton has been romantically linked to superstar singer Shakira over the past few months although neither have spoken about it.

She has visited him at three grands prix this season - in Miami, Barcelona and at Silverstone where they reportedly partied alongside friends until the early hours after the race.

But Shakira is dating NBA player Jimmy Butler, according to US Weekly . 

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Lewis Hamilton opens up about activism and life beyond F1

On Sunday August 2, 2020, Lewis Hamilton was piloting his black Mercedes Formula 1 car around the final laps of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone when his front-left tyre exploded.

It was a scorching summer day in the heart of England. Beyond the titanium ring of the car’s protective halo device, Hamilton could see picture-book clouds scudding across a brilliant blue sky, broken only by the angular shapes of grandstands kept empty by the pandemic.

But the conditions – the heat, and a risky strategy brought on by an early crash – were wreaking havoc with the 20 vehicles that had started the fourth race of the truncated 2020 season. F1 cars are temperamental beasts and, in the current era of the sport, drivers must carefully manage the conditions and temperature of their tyres. Too cold, and the rubber remains stiff – it fails to provide the grip they need, sliding over the road surface like a puck on ice. Too hot, and it starts to degrade – wearing away too quickly, bubbling and blistering like burnt skin. Already, two of Hamilton’s rivals – including his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas – had suffered front-left punctures and been forced to limp back to the pit lane.

A few minutes earlier, Hamilton’s race engineer Peter Bonnington – a bespectacled man nicknamed “Bono” – had radioed him from the pits: “OK Lewis, so another car has a puncture, so just look after your tyres as best you can.” There was a 30-second gap between Hamilton, leading the race, and Max Verstappen, a young Dutch driver for Red Bull known for his aggressive style, in second place. Hamilton could afford to nurse his car, #44, to the finish line.

But, on the last lap, as he approached a twisting left-hand corner called Brooklands – slowing down from around 290kph to 150kph with a firm press of the brake pedal – a strange sensation reached him via the carbon fibre seat, which is custom-moulded to his body at the start of each season. His tyre had gone, too. “My heart just dropped,” he says. “In that moment, you have to concede that the fact is you might lose the race.”

As Hamilton struggled to finish – an experience he compares to limping the last stretch of a 100m sprint with a pulled calf muscle – the on-board camera captured the tyre’s rapid disintegration. The gap to Verstappen was down to 25 seconds, and the car was shaking – the rubber threatening to hula off the rim of the wheel. Twenty seconds, through the sweeping curves of Maggots and Becketts where, 14 years earlier, Hamilton’s speed had wowed onlookers during his first ever stint in an F1 car. He still remembers the smell of the borrowed race suit.

Seventeen seconds, and as Hamilton accelerated down the Hangar Straight, the exposed metal of the wheel rim scraped on the asphalt, creating a shower of sparks. Nine seconds, and when he hit the brakes to turn right into Stowe corner, his mirrors were shaking so badly that he could barely see the red-and-blue shape of the Red Bull closing in.

When he crossed the line – going 160kph on three wheels – Verstappen was still six seconds behind, and Hamilton was fighting so hard to keep the car on track that he missed the chequered flag altogether. “Is that the last lap?” he asked Bonnington.

It was his seventh Grand Prix win at Silverstone, his 87th overall. By the end of 2020, Hamilton had overtaken Michael Schumacher’s record for total race wins, claiming 95 Grand Prix victories, and equaled his haul of world championships by winning his seventh title. He’d won the public vote for BBC Sports Personality of the Year for the second time (he’s also been nominated on four other occasions), and been named in the New Year’s Honours List. In a short ceremony at Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II will tap him on both shoulders with a ceremonial sword, and he will arise Sir Lewis Hamilton.

He is, unarguably now, the greatest F1 driver of all time. But Hamilton says he will remember 2020 more for what happened off the track than what happened on it. It was the year he finally found his voice.

On a cold, clear Thursday morning in January, a few days after his 36th birthday, Hamilton is sitting in the music studio that he’s had built in his home in Colorado, trying to explain the secrets behind his success.

His braided hair is tied back in a loose ponytail, and he’s swapped his logo-laden race suit for a red-and-black checked jacket. His bulldog Roscoe is lying by his feet – at one point he breaks off mid-sentence to apologise for the dog farting.

F1 demands a unique combination of precision engineering and athletic ability, and Hamilton acts as the rudder of the Mercedes team, a conduit for the efforts of hundreds of experts – on aerodynamics, composites, energy storage, fuel economy, data science, physiology, sleep and a dozen other disciplines – each shaving fractions of a second off the overall performance.

“There's a really, really wide range of things,” he says. “To be able to get the car and the team to the position that I'm able to get them to takes a huge amount of work. There's a lot of sacrifice and a lot of compromise that you make together.”

When we speak, he’s already been out training – cross-country skiing at high altitude to build his physical and mental endurance for the season ahead – and has a gym session planned for the afternoon. Recovery has been particularly key this winter: Hamilton contracted Covid-19 amid his world title celebrations in 2020 and lost 4kg in weight, missing a Grand Prix for the first time in his career.

During the course of a two-hour race, drivers burn as much energy as the average person would running a half marathon, says Pete McKnight, coaching and sports science director at Hintsa Performance, the company that helped prepare Hamilton for the physical demands of the sport before he made the step up to F1. “The heart rate trace matches the profile of the track,” he says. “Longer corners are the most taxing as they are taken at higher speeds and therefore the driver experiences higher g-forces.”

But physical strength is only part of the story. At the elite level, sporting success comes down to three factors: anticipation, high-speed decision-making, and the ability to perform under pressure. The best athletes in the world seem to have more time than everyone else not because they’re quicker or stronger (although it helps) but because they’ve honed their sensory systems through thousands of hours of practice – they pick up on advance cues like the shape of an opponent’s body, or the sound of the ball leaving a tennis racket to predict where it’s going to end up. They’re skilled in mental shortcuts – they see the world differently, and break it down to extract the information that’s relevant to them.

“When you’re driving a car it’s very chaotic,” Hamilton says. “It’s erratic, so much is happening. All the senses that we have, they’re all firing on maximum.” But when he approaches a corner, everything slows down. His visual field seems to widen. For a few seconds, he feels like he can see “much more” than he would on a normal day: every blade of grass, bump in the road and track marker.

The differences between Hamilton and other drivers are almost imperceptible to the naked eye, but they show up in the telemetry that’s beamed back from the hundreds of sensors on his car and, of course, in his lap times. He brakes harder and later than his rivals, taking a squarer route through the corner, which means he can get on the throttle more quickly at the other end. “If you can brake 0.2 seconds later at 200mph you’ve gone a lot further,” says former F1 driver David Coulthard.

Hamilton credits this ability to his father Anthony, who would watch where the best drivers hit the brakes on their outings to Rye House karting track, near their home in Stevenage. He would stand on the inside of the hairpin bend, indicating a point a few metres further down the track where he wanted his young son to brake. “I was so frustrated at my dad,” Hamilton remembers. He crashed a lot, spun out a lot. But eventually, he could brake later than anyone else.

Crucially, he’s able to do it without putting too much strain on the tyres – he has an ability to tiptoe on the edge of grip without ever going over it, to know how far he can push without crossing the line. “It’s almost like a living organism that you’re working with, and it has a short life expectancy,” he says. “How you treat it and how you set the car up defines how far it’ll go, and understanding how much it can take in each corner is a science within itself.” This actually shows up in the data – Hamilton’s tyres might be five degrees cooler than his teammates even if they’re going at the same speed, says Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ trackside engineering director.

While sharp vision is an important part of this ability – as a kid Hamilton earned the nickname “Eagle” from one of his friends because of his visual acuity – there’s another well-honed sense that’s perhaps been equally key to his success. “It’s the gyroscope in him,” says veteran F1 journalist Maurice Hamilton, who remembers how Hamilton’s hero Ayrton Senna could also “dance on the edge of adhesion”.

Coulthard likens it to walking on wet tiles with leather shoes, and the way you automatically adjust your gait to compensate for the change in friction. Former teammate Heikki Kovalainen is more blunt. “He’s got sensors in his ass,” he said in a recent interview. He is strapped into the car so tight that it becomes like an extension of his body.

“You do become one with the car,” Hamilton says, although he also likens the experience to riding a bull, or piloting a fighter jet with wheels. “Not that I’ve ridden a bull,” he stresses. “But I imagine it’s a little bit like that. The car doesn’t want to do some of the things you want it to do.”

Hamilton is able to tell – via the vibrations of the car and the seat and the steering wheel – how far he can push without locking the wheels or spinning off the track. More recently, he’s coupled that ability with improved decision-making: after some painful mechanical failures early in his career, he never pushes the car harder than he has to, which means that when he does need to go quickly, the tyres are in better shape. He very rarely makes mistakes.

“I think the thing that stands out most is his ability to adapt, to adjust and to find the edge of performance in whatever challenges he has,” says Phil Prew, who was Hamilton’s race engineer in his first three seasons in F1 with McLaren. “It’s no surprise that when the conditions are unpredictable, that’s when he really shines.” When his tyre burst at Silverstone last August, he took a few moments to adjust, and then finished the lap only 23 seconds slower than the previous one.

“The amount of bandwidth he still has available when he’s driving a car at the limit is very impressive,” says Shovlin. “Lewis can still have a lot of his brain thinking about what he’s doing with the tyres, the strategy, while he’s pushing flat out.” Over years of experience in karts, in simulators and in Grand Prix, his brain has become finely attuned to the forces going through the four patches of rubber – no bigger than the sole of a shoe – that are his only connection to the track. “I understand that it takes, they say, 10,000 hours to master a craft,” Hamilton says. “I started when I was eight. Every single weekend: practice, practice, practice.”

Every minute of that practice was hard fought. Unlike many of the other drivers on the current grid, Hamilton didn’t have wealthy parents, or a family with a background in motorsport (the 2021 grid features four sons of former professional racing drivers, and three sons of billionaires – Adam Norris, father of McLaren driver Lando Norris, is the 610th richest man in Britain, according to the Sunday Times Rich List, yet doesn’t even make it onto the podium of wealthy F1 dads).

He grew up in a council house in Stevenage, a commuter town about 40km outside London. Everything was second-hand, borrowed, scrimped, gifted.

At the age of three, on a rare overseas holiday to Ibiza, he sat in a go-kart for the first time. Later, a neighbour let the young boy play with his remote control cars and for his fifth birthday, Hamilton got one of his own – within a few years, he was beating men decades his senior in competitive races. As a seven-year-old, he appeared on the children’s television show Blue Peter, annihilating the competition.

By then, his parents had split up. On Christmas Day 1992, Anthony presented his son with his first go-kart – he’d bought it “tenth-hand”, and spent weeks sourcing new parts, polishing and painting it until it gleamed. Hamilton was a shy kid – he struggled at school, with bullies and undiagnosed dyslexia. But when he got in a kart, everything changed. “I had this strength that I didn’t even know that I had, and the growth that I would experience through these races of being able to put my elbows out, stand up, not be pushed over and bullied, was really empowering,” he says.

Anthony worked three jobs to fund the early stages of his son’s karting career – for a while, he had a side-gig hammering in “For Sale” signs outside people’s houses.

“I think what makes me the driver I am today, yes it’s the ability, but I would say it’s the hunger,” Hamilton says. “I’m so grateful for it, man. If we didn’t have that struggle I couldn’t drive the way I do today.”

He has immense mental strength – even though, unlike many elite athletes, he does not employ the services of a sports psychologist. “I don't like the idea of someone trying to mess with my mind, because I'm strong, and I know I'm strong enough and capable enough,” he says. “I’ve done it my whole life.” He works on being balanced, and practices meditation. He concentrates on his breathing so that he can control his emotions better when he’s in the car. He tries to talk to athletes from other sports to get a sense of how they prepare, how they handle the pressure and the weight of expectation.

There were lessons passed down from Anthony, too. When Hamilton was eight or nine, his dad took him to a boxing class – he wanted his son to be able to defend himself against school bullies. Inside the ring, Hamilton was badly beaten by a taller, tougher boy. He ran out in tears, nose streaming with blood.

What happened next shaped Hamilton’s life in more ways than he could have known. “I remember my dad kneeling down in front of me and saying, ‘You’re going to get back in there and give it everything you’ve got,’” he says. “You’ve got to face your fears headfirst.” He went back into the ring. “I went in, and I didn’t let this kid get a single punch in, and I overcame this fear. I use that same experience with all my racing.”

At the Mercedes F1 headquarters in Brackley, near Oxford, they talk about Hamilton’s ability in awed tones. “He might as well be a wizard,” says Gabriel Elias, a former Mercedes engineer who now runs a motorsport consultancy business. The team employs more than 900 people – although the demands on Hamilton’s time means that he mainly interacts with the 50 or 60 on the travelling race team. “Lewis is quite a private person, but over the years the team has kind of become his team,” Shovlin says. “We’ve developed and improved together, and Lewis is always looking for areas where he can help the team move on – in a normal year he would spend a lot more time at the factory wandering around.” Since March 2020, however, even engineering meetings and post-race debriefs have been taking place on Zoom.

Critics of Hamilton’s recent success argue that he’s only won so many titles because he’s got the best car – which is true, but ignores the fact that he doesn’t simply get handed the keys at the first race of the season. “It went on to become the best car partly because of the contribution that Lewis has made to developing the car,” says Ross Brawn, a managing director at Formula 1 who founded the team that became Mercedes in 2009, four years before Hamilton joined.

Building a winning car is a collaborative, iterative process where driver feedback is hugely important. Together, engineers and their drivers are on a constant search for balance: between grip and degradation, between understeer and oversteer, between directing the flow of air to cool the engine or generating downforce, which “sticks” the car to the track. “In a way, they’re the most sophisticated sensor on the whole car,” says Shovlin.

Hamilton is ridiculously competitive, whether he’s playing a friendly game of tennis with Anthony, or throwing javelins on a pre-season training camp in Finland. He has to win. “It’s in my DNA,” he says. Within F1, that manifests itself as a level of work that, one suspects, many other drivers don’t match. “I see it in some of the more fortunate drivers,” says Coulthard. “They can turn left and right and they’re fit and they can do all of the basic requirements of a Grand Prix driver, but you just wonder how deep-rooted their fight is.”

Right from the start, those who have worked with Hamilton have been impressed by his attention to detail. “He was a sponge,” says Prew. “He just wanted to learn, to take on all the information that he could.” He spent the recent winter break wading through a huge technical manual detailing every aspect of the new car for the 2021 season, from the aerodynamic tweaks that will help glue it to the track, to the new software system that controls its settings. On a race weekend, he pays attention to things like the wind direction and how it varies at different corners – if there’s a headwind, he might be able to brake a bit later than normal and gain fractions of a second. “Lewis works very hard, and he’s struggled a bit with the fact that it’s convenient for the world to think he’s this distracted driver who is jet-setting around the planet, interested in music and fashion and campaigning,” says Shovlin.

Those close to him say he throws himself into all his pursuits with the same zeal: from making music (which he says is the “biggest part” of his life) to designing clothes for Tommy Hilfiger, to signing off on menu items for Neat Burger, the chain of vegan fast food restaurants he’s an investor in.

Environmentalism is a cause he cares deeply about (although you'd be forgiven for rolling your eyes at the sign inside the Soho branch of Neat Burger that says “Thank you for saving the planet” when Hamilton was flying around in a private jet until recently).

Apart from switching to a plant-based diet and ditching the jet – which generated more column inches than air miles – he has also invested in X44, a team taking part in a new electric off-road racing series called Extreme E. Rather than flying, the equipment and cars will travel around the world on the RMS St Helena, a former Royal Mail ship. The idea behind the series, Hamilton explains, is to raise awareness of environmental issues at each of the stops: the Amazon rainforest, a melting glacier in Patagonia, the desert of Saudi Arabia. (He doesn’t, however, have any desire to race in anything but F1.)

He admits that it’s difficult to reconcile a desire to protect the planet with F1, perhaps the least carbon-friendly sport there is. It was, Hamilton says, one of the points of negotiation in his new contract with Mercedes – a one-year deal which he finally signed in early February, and which also includes a commitment from Mercedes to support greater diversity and inclusion in motorsport through a joint charitable foundation.

“What are my options?” he asks – and it sounds like an argument he’s played over in his head more than once. “I could quit. The positives of that are that I won’t be driving a car around 20 different tracks, we’ll be flying less. But the fact is if I stop, the thing will keep going. They’re not going to stop for me.”

Instead, he’s trying to force change from within – on new fuels, on electric vehicles, on cutting the sport’s carbon footprint. “I’m having conversations, trying to hold people in the sport more accountable,” he says. “I’m constantly sending emails, I’m constantly on Zoom calls with Formula 1 and challenging them.”

In June 2020, a few weeks before the delayed start of the F1 season, Hamilton attended a Black Lives Matter march in central London. Like millions of others, he was shaken by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and he felt a strong desire to use the platform that he’s built through his racing success to do something about it. “Watching George and what was happening with him just brought up all my emotions and the experiences that I had as a kid,” he says. “I was like, ‘Finally, it’s time. I can’t take it anymore.’”

Being Black in motorsport is like driving with three wheels. Every mistake gets amplified, each turn is harder to negotiate. No one looks like you: not in the stands, not in the garage, not in the factory, and definitely not on the grid. But they look at you: when you and your dad arrive at a karting track, heads turn. People say things. Sometimes they throw things. When you sign your first deal with McLaren at 13 – a financial lifeline that takes the pressure off your father and gives you a genuine shot at making it – people shake their heads. They don’t say anything but you can tell what they’re thinking.

After a remarkable debut season as the first Black driver ever to enter the sport, where you come within a whisker of winning the world championship, you turn up for testing in Barcelona for your second year and a group of spectators in the stands have “blacked up”: they’re wearing curly wigs and T-shirts that say “Hamilton’s family”.

Your dad tells you to keep your head down, to just keep driving. “Your time will come,” he says. “Don’t complain, don’t say anything – be there early, work longer hours than anybody, put more work in and show the world that you’re the best and then at some stage your time will come.”

That time, it seems, is now. At the start of his career, Hamilton squashed down the essential parts of himself to fit more neatly into a marketable box. McLaren, which gave him his start in Formula 1, is a notoriously stifling environment – and the sport benefited from the marketing potential of a driver who looked different to everyone else on the grid, but who wasn’t too different. He kept his interests outside racing to himself, for the most part, and he kept his mouth shut. In 2017, he was advised against showing support for Colin Kaepernick, the NFL player who popularised the gesture of taking a knee in protest against police brutality and racism.

Hamilton’s arrival was meant to usher in a new era for what has always been a white-dominated sport. But it’s been 14 years since his debut season: the young Black kids inspired by seeing someone like them on the podium should be rising up through the lower Formulas, knocking on the door. They’re not.

After winning his sixth title in 2019, Hamilton was struck by how few people from diverse backgrounds appeared in the Mercedes team photo. In June 2020, he set up the Hamilton Commission – a research project being conducted by the Royal Academy of Engineering to investigate why there are so few ethnic minorities in motorsport: not just in the cars themselves, but in the engineering departments, the marketing and PR teams and beyond. It will publish its first report this summer, and according to the Royal Academy of Engineering’s CEO Hayaatun Sillem, Hamilton has invested a “really significant amount of personal effort” in ensuring its success. “He’s probably kicking himself that he hasn’t done this before now,” says Lindsay Orridge, one of the founders of Driven by Diversity, an organisation dedicated to tackling inequality in motorsport.

At the start of the 2020 season, Hamilton took a knee before the first race, wearing a Black Lives Matter T-shirt: 13 of the other 19 drivers joined him. He repeated the gesture at each of the 17 stops on the calendar. On the podium after winning the Tuscan Grand Prix in September, he unzipped his black race overalls to the waist to reveal a T-shirt that read “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor”, in reference to a 26-year-old medical technician who was shot by police in Kentucky during a botched raid on her apartment. The FIA, which governs global motorsport, responded by banning non-official clothing being worn on the podium for future races.

“Normally my focus is just on winning and perfection,” Hamilton says – over the years his motivation has shifted from impressing his dad, to proving the doubters wrong, to emulating and beating his heroes. “But in this race, I was thinking” – he taps the desk in front of him for emphasis – “I’ve got to win this race for Breonna. I’ve got to get on the podium to be able to wear this shirt.”

“That was my drive, and that really became my drive through the whole year – encouraging people out there to use their voice to speak out. That became a new motivation for me – all of a sudden I had this different energy. I was racing for something and somebody else.”

The 2021 Formula 1 season, which began in Bahrain on March 28 with another tense victory over Red Bull's Verstappen, is Hamilton’s fifteenth in the sport. Only a handful of drivers have had longer careers at the highest level – beyond a certain age, biology becomes inescapable. Myelin, the insulating material that coats the nerve cells that carry electrical signals around the body, begins to break down – the wiring gets worse, reaction times get slower. And even if you still have the speed, you lose the need, as Coulthard puts it.

There are still targets for Hamilton to hit on track – one more world title will take him above Schumacher and set a record that is unlikely to be beaten for decades; a raft of rule changes coming in 2022 offer a new intellectual and physical challenge, an opportunity to prove his dominance in a new era of the sport. But more and more, Hamilton is thinking about what comes next – about his legacy, and what he’ll leave behind once he leaves F1.

“I think I want to be one of those change-makers,” he says. “A catalyst for change. I really hope that ten years from now I can look back and say that I maximised my time and I made the right choices and I really had a positive impact.”

Making a stand for Black Lives Matter was the culmination of a process that began when Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013, and accelerated when he turned 30 – a conscious decision not to worry about what other people think anymore. There was a period before that – during the six-year gap between his first and second world championships – where he seemed lost.

“I would say when I was younger maybe I didn't have the confidence of knowing what you can and can't say,” he says. “I was just thrown into the pit completely unprepared, completely unguided, and made lots of mistakes.” There are still moments when he says and does things that make you want to cover your eyes – but they are authentic mistakes now. He owns them.

For Hamilton, the last 30 years have been about honing his driving skills: learning how late he can brake, and how far he can stretch the tyres. In the next 30, he’ll have to negotiate the twists and turns of a new world, and figure out how hard he needs to push to get the change he wants. He’ll need to strike a balance between marketable superstar and positive force for good – two identities which may not be compatible. “That’s something I had already started to experience last year,” he says. “At the beginning of the year I was very outspoken and calling out the sport. At the time that was the right thing for me, but I discovered that there’s times where you have to be very diplomatic, where there’s more you can do by discussions in the background, rather than embarrassing people.”

As he transitions into the next phase of his career – activist, entrepreneur, changemaker – Hamilton finds himself in a strange but familiar situation. He’s back on a karting track in the rain, figuring out how hard he can push without spinning out of control.

Amit Katwala is WIRED's culture editor. He tweets from @amitkatwala

This article was originally published by WIRED UK