Lewis Hamilton is a British racing driver who competes in Formula One for Ferrari. Born on January 7, 1985, in Stevenage, England, he is regarded as one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time. Hamilton has won a joint- record seven Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles, tied with Michael Schumacher. He holds records for the most wins (105), pole positions (104), and podium finishes (202) in the sport. Hamilton began his racing career in karting at the age of six and progressed through junior formulae before making his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007, becoming the first black driver in Formula One. He won his first World Championship in 2008, becoming the then-youngest champion. He later joined Mercedes in 2013, where he enjoyed immense success, winning six additional titles and setting numerous records. In 2025, he signed with Ferrari, aiming to continue his illustrious career. Aside from his racing achievements, Hamilton is known for his high-profile lifestyle, environmental activism, and advocacy for racial justice and diversity in motorsport. He was knighted in 2021 and is considered a global sports icon who broadened Formula One's appeal beyond traditional audiences.
