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There have been few more important stars in motorsport history than Lewis Hamilton. The British driver is one of the most successful competitors in the sport’s history after winning a joint-record seven world titles alongside Michael Schumacher.
The 39-year-old also holds the records for most race wins, podium finishes, and pole positions. However, his importance to the sport far outweighs what he has accomplished on the track throughout his career, as he is also regarded as one of the most influential figures in the world.
Hamilton has helped inspire and break barriers for drivers of color to make their breakthroughs in the sport. His accomplishments were even honored with a knighthood in 2021.
Early Life
The F1 legend was born in January 1985 in Stevenage with his father, Anthony, who was of Grenadian descent. His mother was from Birmingham, but the couple separated when he was 12. After living with his mother for much of his life, Hamilton moved in with his father and half-brother Nicolas to further his pursuit of achieving a career in motorsports.
His first steps into the sport came early, with a radio-controlled car when he was five. His on-track career in the early years would also see him finish second in the national BRCA Championship against older drivers.
However, it was during this period that Hamilton would be subject to racial abuse, being the only driver of color to compete in the event. Hamilton’s father worked two jobs to fund his karting career, and he served as his manager until 2010.
F1 Breakthrough
It was only a matter of time before the driver would make his way into Formula 1, and he was fast-tracked by McLaren following success in the GP2 championship. Hamilton was tasked with taking the seat of Kimi Raikkonen, who swapped McLaren for Ferrari. His first season would see him race alongside former champion Fernando Alonso, making history in the process by becoming the first, and to date only, black driver to compete in F1.
His first season in F1 would be a major success, finishing on the podium on debut before finishing second to Raikkonen in the Drivers’ Championships. However, clashes with Alonso throughout the season saw the team part company with the Spaniard, and Hamilton signed a new multi-year deal with…
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