Lewis Hamilton is one of the world’s most successful Formula 1 personalities. In his generation, Hamilton is known for having countless wins, podium finishes, and pole positions. With his speed and adrenaline, he is regarded as an influential personality in Formula 1 and one of the best drivers ever seen in F1 sports.
This British star was born in Stevenage on January 7, 1985. His father, Anthony, first introduced him to the sports of racing at the age of five.
In 2007, Hamilton made his first Formula 1 appearance at the Australian Grand Prix, finishing on the podium for the first time out.
As a newbie during that time, Hamilton missed out on the opportunity for the championship by merely one point. The following year, however, Hamilton made a comeback and bagged the championship trophy.
In the 2021 Formula 1 season, Hamilton would make $30 million USD for Mercedes after signing a one-year contract with the team in February.
The deal has turned him into the highest-paid driver in the said sports, compared to Fernando Alonso of Alpine and Max Verstappen of Red Bull.
With a fortune of more than £224m, Hamilton is listed as 545th wealthiest person from the UK, based on Sunday Times’ Rich List for 2020.
Hamilton has also made sponsorship contracts with the world’s top brands, like Puma, IWC, Monster Energy Drinks, L’Oreal, Bose, and many more. The deals could see Hamilton earning another $20m USD.
Some interesting facts about Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton?
Lewis Hamilton lives in Monaco
While Hamilton owns several properties, it is reported that he lives in Monaco, after leaving Switzerland in 2012.
While his property is kept secret, many believe that Hamilton is staying in the opulent Fontvieille area.
In London, Hamilton also owns £18m worth of property. The six-bedroom detached villa was formerly occupied by actor Simon Woods and Burberry chief designer Christopher Bailey. Built in 1860, the property has four reception areas and two large bathrooms. In the US, Hamilton also owned two properties in New York.
In 2017, it is also reported that Hamilton spent £34m on a five-bedroom apartment in Tribeca. However, the Formula 1 star did not live in the said property. It is also not known if Hamilton still owns the apartment.
Lewis Hamilton was already a great in remote-controlled car racing
At an early age, Hamilton already exhibited great interest and talent in car racing. When he was six years old, Hamilton got a remote-controlled car from his father, Anthony. Hamilton bagged second in a national race within the year, competing against adults with an electric car. He also bagged the award as best newcomer for the petrol class, which was extraordinary, considering his younger age.
When he was just 13, Hamilton approached McLaren Formula 1 team boss to sign him.
Hamilton’s confidence in the race track proved to be helpful in his career. McLaren Formula 1 Team boss Ron Dennis remembered how Hamilton asked for his autograph. According to Dennis, Hamilton asked again for his autographs two years later. These two events showed the determination of Hamilton in the Formula 1 racing career.
Lewis Hamilton became the fourth Formula 1 star to be knighted
Lewis Hamilton was knighted in the 2021 New Year’s Honors by the Queen. The knighthood honor came following his seven world record titles like Michael Schumacher’s.
Hamilton has followed the feats of Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss, and Sir Jackie Stewart.
Lewis Hamilton made his debut in 2007
Alongside Fernando Alonso, Hamilton made his debut in 2007. At first, their companionship was simple. However, their relationship did not become good following some on-track incidents. There was a point in their relationship when the two stopped talking to each other until Alonso exited McLaren by mutual consent. Alonso became a fierce competitor of Hamilton.
Eventually, their bond has improved, with Alonso identifying Hamilton as one of Formula 1’s top five drivers of all-time.
Aside from Alonso, Hamilton also made a rivalry with Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg. Despite being a friend of Rosberg during their karting time, Hamilton relationship with his rival turned intense.
However, Hamilton liked his rivalry with Germany’s Sebastian Vettel. After Mercedes ruled Formula 1 from 2014-2016, Ferrari made a comeback for the finals in 2017 and 2018. Although Hamilton and Vettel had gripping times on the race field, the two also had mutual respect.
Lewis Hamilton uses helmet design with more red elements
Hamilton was first recognized with his yellow-designed helmet with blue and green lines and an additional red line. In 2014, however, Hamilton started to change to more on red color on his helmet, albeit keeping the yellow elements.
Hamilton used to wear the striking yellow helmet during his first seasons in Formula 1. The bright yellow helmet was in honor of his hero, Ayrton Senna.
Interestingly, Hamilton made a sudden change in the color of his helmet in 2020. In support of the Black Lives Matter movement, Hamilton wore a black helmet with purple accents. The drastic change in the color of his helmet is one way of making a dramatic statement on the part of Hamilton.
Lewis Hamilton stands at 1.74m (5′ 7″)
Hamilton has a height of 1.74m (5′ 7″) and a weight of 73kg. His body statistics made him on the same line with his colleagues in Formula 1.
Other Formula 1 drivers like Esteban Ocon has a height of 1.86m (6′ 1″). Antonio Giovinazzi, George Russell, and Nicholas Latifi stand at 1.85m.
Lewis Hamilton launched the Hamilton Commission in support of Black people in UK motorsport
In June 2020, Hamilton came up with the Hamilton Commission to improve the representation of Black people in British motorsport. Hamilton cited the institutional barriers that continue to persist in Formula 1, making the sports highly exclusive. “It is not enough to point to me, or to a single new black hire, as a meaningful example of progress. Thousands of people are employed across this industry and that group needs to be more representative of society,” Hamilton said.
Lewis Hamilton is a promising musician
On his Instagram account, Hamilton made no denial on his great interest in music. He regularly posted musical clips that featured either him on guitar or piano, including his recording preparation.
In the Christina Aguilera’s 2018 record Liberation, Hamilton appeared using the name XNDA on the song Pipe.
Hamilton made a short rap on the song. According to him, he had 2 hours to write the short verse and record it.