Lewis Hamilton: Seven‑Time Formula 1 World Champion and Record‑Setter

Scope and purpose of this profile: Lewis Hamilton has shaped Formula 1 for nearly two decades — athletically and culturally. This overview structures his career phases, turning points, and constants, from karting through McLaren and the Mercedes years to the move to Ferrari. It addresses editors, brands, agencies, creators, NGOs, and educational institutions that require reliable, factual context. IMAGO, as an international content platform, works with a global network of partner photographers, agencies, and archives and provides relevant image, video, and archival material on these topics. The focus is on facts, developments, and context — without hype or speculation.

IMAGO / HochZwei / Lewis Hamilton (England McLaren Mercedes) in his cart motorsport Grand Prix Men's British Grand Prix 2007, Formula 1 World Championship

Rise: From Karting Talent to McLaren Junior

Hamilton was born in 1985 in Stevenage, UK, and drew early notice with national karting titles. In 1998, McLaren team principal Ron Dennis enrolled the 13‑year‑old in the young driver program — a decisive step toward a professional career. Through the Formula 3 Euro Series (champion in 2005) and GP2 (champion in 2006), he qualified directly for a Formula 1 seat.

Debut and McLaren Years: Fast Start, Consistent Performance

In 2007, Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut for McLaren‑Mercedes at age 22 — as the first Black driver in the series. His rookie season brought multiple wins and podiums; the world title slipped away by a narrow margin. In 2008 he won his first championship in the Brazil finale and remained a regular race winner through 2012. Against the dominant teams of the period (Brawn GP in 2009, then mainly Red Bull), he did not add another title. At the end of 2012, he switched to the Mercedes works team — a strategic decision for the next phase.

IMAGO / HochZwei / Lewis Hamilton (England McLaren Mercedes) in his racing car Motorsport Grand Prix Men's Brazilian Grand Prix 2007, Formula 1 World Championship, F1, F, GP, WM Single image Interlagos Sao Paulo Motorsport Grand Prix Men's Brazilian Grand Prix 2007, Formula 1 World Championship, F1, F, GP, WM Single image Interlagos Sao Paulo

The Mercedes Era: Hybrid Rules, Titles, and Benchmarks

With the introduction of V6 hybrid engines in 2014, Mercedes set the pace, and Hamilton won the world championships in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. From 2014 to 2016, an internal duel with Nico Rosberg ended with Rosberg’s 2016 title. From 2017, Hamilton prevailed over Sebastian Vettel and expanded his tally. In 2020, he matched Michael Schumacher’s record with a seventh title and set new marks for wins and pole positions.

IMAGO / Andreas Beil / Lewis Hamilton (England McLaren Mercedes), 2008 F1 World Champion Motorsport Grand Prix Men 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, Formula 1 World Championship, F1, F, GP, World Championship Single image Interlagos Sao Paulo Joy.

Turning Point in 2021 and New Conditions from 2022

The 2021 Abu Dhabi finale went to Max Verstappen after a disputed Safety Car phase; Hamilton finished runner‑up. With the technical regulations from 2022, Mercedes fell behind, and Hamilton went winless in 2022 and 2023 for the first time in his F1 career. In 2024, he returned to winning form — including a home victory at Silverstone, followed by another win at Spa‑Francorchamps. The team, however, remained short of the front, and Hamilton ended the 2024 season in seventh place.

Farewell to Mercedes: Taking Stock of a Long Partnership

Hamilton spent his entire professional career with Mercedes power — first at McLaren, then in the works team from 2013. He won six of his seven titles and over 80 Grand Prix victories with Mercedes. Team principal Toto Wolff highlighted the extraordinary success of the partnership; both sides parted amicably at the end of 2024. Hamilton emphasized the desire for a new sporting challenge.

IMAGO / Poolfoto / FIA Formula One World Championship, WM, Weltmeisterschaft 2020, Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi Motorsports: FIA Formula One World Championship 2020, Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi, 44 Lewis Hamilton (GBR, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team).

Move to Ferrari: New Colors, Renewed Ambition

For 2025, Hamilton signed with Ferrari, forming a high‑profile pairing with Charles Leclerc. The switch marked his first Formula 1 campaign without a Mercedes power unit. The 2025 season developed as a transitional year: Hamilton integrated into new structures, focused on set‑up and development work with team principal Frédéric Vasseur and the engineers, and prioritized positioning Ferrari for the 2026 regulations.

Off the Track: Engagement, Reach, and Impact

Hamilton uses his visibility for social issues, notably anti‑racism and diversity in motorsport. Since 2019, he has supported Black Lives Matter with clear signals at race weekends and on social media. He is also active in fashion and entertainment, reaching audiences beyond core motorsport fans and linking elite sport with broader pop‑culture formats.

IMAGO / Every Second Media / Formula 1 British Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton 44 (GBR), Mercedes AMG Petronas W15 celebrates his victory on the podium with Union Jack Peter Bonnington sprays champagne during the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, England, United Kingdom, on July 7, 2024.

Recognition and Status

Hamilton was included in the Time 100 list in 2020 and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II the same year. In UK rankings of influential Black Britons, he has frequently appeared near the top. Athletically, with seven world titles (joint record) and 105 Grand Prix wins, he holds numerous benchmarks, including more than 100 pole positions and over 200 podiums.

Legacy and Outlook

Hamilton’s career follows a clear arc: early support, rapid ascent, title runs in the hybrid era, adaptation to new rules, and a late‑career team change. His profile combines sustained front‑running performance with influence beyond the track. Whether further chapters follow will depend on team performance, regulations, and development progress. For editors and stakeholders, Hamilton’s career provides a structured narrative of success, change, and long‑term competitiveness — a factual basis for analysis and image selection across sports, society, and culture.

IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire / James Gasperotti / British driver Lewis Hamilton (Scuderia Ferrari) during the FIA Formula 1 tests after the 2025 season at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

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