Lewis Hamilton’s exceptional career in Formula 1 is highlighted by his remarkable consistency and performance, with only nine race finishes outside the top 10 in 345 races and 31 DNFs. This includes more wins than finishes in positions 4-10, leading many fans and commentators to consider him the greatest of all time (GOAT) in the sport. His record is seen as exceptional and rare in Formula 1.
Hamilton’s journey to greatness began in 1998 when Ron Dennis, the boss of McLaren, offered him a coveted spot in the highly regarded McLaren driver development programme. This contract included a tantalising option of a future Formula 1 seat, which would cement Hamilton’s status as the youngest driver to ever secure such a deal that led to a Formula 1 drive.
Lewis Hamilton’s Journey to Greatness
Throughout his career in the grassroots categories, Hamilton won the Formula Renault 2.0 UK Championship (2003), Bahrain Superprix (2004), Formula 3 Euro Series Championship (2005), the Masters of Formula 3 Race (2005), and GP2 Series Championship (2006). In his Formula 1 career, Hamilton has won seven world titles, a record shared with German driver Michael Schumacher.
Hamilton’s first Formula 1 title came in 2008, in the most dramatic fashion – on the last corner of the last lap of the last race of one of the most scintillating seasons. The sensational triumph of the sport’s first black driver, in only his second year at the pinnacle of motorsport, was a testament to his exceptional talent and determination.
Since then, Hamilton has continued to dominate the sport, winning five more world titles with Mercedes. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure have been key factors in his success. In 2020, he became the first driver in history to achieve 23 pole positions before the age of 28, and he continues to set new records and push the boundaries of what is possible in Formula 1.
An Unmatched Track Record
Hamilton’s achievements on the track are matched by his impact off the track. He has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in motorsport, and in 2021, he launched a commission, in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering, to identify the challenges faced by Black people in the British motorsport industry.
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Lewis Hamilton’s exceptional career in Formula 1 and his status as a GOAT in the sport are a testament to his exceptional talent, determination, and impact both on and off the track. His journey from a young driver with a dream to one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history is an inspiration to many, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of motorsport enthusiasts.
