Sir Lewis Hamilton

The most statistically successful F1 driver in history — 105+ wins and 104+ poles.

Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton was born in Stevenage, Hertfordshire in 1985, son of a mixed-race family of Caribbean and white British heritage, and became the most statistically successful Formula 1 driver in history. He joined McLaren's young driver programme at 13 — the youngest driver offered such a contract — and made his F1 debut for McLaren in 2007. He drove for McLaren (2007–2012) and Mercedes (2013–2024) before joining Ferrari in 2025. He won 7 World Championship titles — equalling Michael Schumacher's record — all by different margins across different regulatory eras. His 104 race victories, 104 pole positions and 201 podiums are all-time F1 records by a distance. He accumulated 4,639 career championship points across 353 race starts. His 2020 season — 11 wins from 16 races — was statistically the most dominant of the hybrid era. His championship in 2008 — decided at the final corner of the final lap when Timo Glock slowed and Hamilton passed to take the title by a single point — was the most dramatic conclusion to any F1 season. His advocacy for diversity, inclusion and environmental sustainability — including Mission 44, a charity for young people from underrepresented backgrounds — has extended his impact far beyond the sport. He was knighted in 2021.

Aggressive wheel-to-wheel racer with exceptional wet weather skills and tire management

Most successful F1 driver in history alongside Michael Schumacher, transformed the sport's global reach and diversity

• F1 World Champion 2008 (McLaren), 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 (Mercedes)
• 104 race wins (all-time record)
• 104 pole positions (all-time record)
• 201 podiums (all-time record)
• Knighthood 2021
• UN Environment Programme ambassador