Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton, a British racing driver, holds numerous records in Formula One, including seven World Drivers’ Championship titles. He joined McLaren’s young driver programme in 1998 at the age of 13, becoming the youngest racing driver ever to be contracted by a Formula One team. After six years with McLaren, Hamilton signed with Mercedes in 2013, leading to a highly successful period where he won six more drivers’ titles. Hamilton has become a prominent advocate in support of activism to combat racism and push for increased diversity in motorsport, and was knighted in the 2021 New Year Honours.

Hamilton’s appeal to a broader audience outside the sport is credited with furthering Formula One’s global following, in part due to his high-profile lifestyle, environmental and social activism, and exploits in music and fashion. He was also listed in the 2020 issue of Time as one of the 100 most influential people globally, and was granted honorary Brazilian citizenship in 2022. Hamilton’s achievements have cemented his place as one of the most successful Formula One drivers of all time, and his legacy extends beyond the sport as he continues to inspire and advocate for change.