Lewis Hamilton: Difference between revisions

| nationality = {{flagicon#invoke:flag|icon|GBR}} [[Formula One drivers from the United Kingdom|British]]

| 2024 Team = [[Mercedes-Benz in Formula One|Mercedes]]<ref name="Mercedes Drivers 2024">{{Cite web |date=31 August 2023 |title=Hamilton extends Mercedes F1 contract until 2025 |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-extends-mercedes-f1-contract-until-2025/10513865/ |access-date=31 August 2023 |website=Motorsport.com |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831122634/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-extends-mercedes-f1-contract-until-2025/10513865/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

| 2025 Team = [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Coleman |first1=Madeline |date=2 February 2024 |title=Ferrari's prestige lured Lewis Hamilton – and cost Carlos Sainz his seat |url=https://theathletic.com/5247004/2024/02/02/ferraris-lewis-hamilton-carlos-sainz/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919020346/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5247004/2024/02/02/ferraris-lewis-hamilton-carlos-sainz/ |archive-date=19 September 2024 |access-date=6 February 2024 |work=[[The Athletic]] |publisher=[[The New York Times]] |language=en}}</ref>

| last_season = 20232024

| last_position = 3rd7th (234223 pts)

'''Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton''' (born 7 January 1985) is a British [[racing driver]], currentlywho competingmost recently competed in [[Formula One]] for [[Mercedes-Benz in Formula One|Mercedes]].<!--Only change to set to compete for Ferrari from 1 January 2025--> Hamilton has won a joint-record seven [[World Drivers' Championship|Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles]]—tied with [[Michael Schumacher]]—and holds the [[List of Formula One driver records|records]] for most [[List of Formula One Grand Prix winners|wins]] ({{F1stat|HAM|wins}}), [[List of Formula One polesitters|pole positions]] ({{F1stat|HAM|poles}}), and [[Podium (Formula One)|podium finishes]] ({{F1stat|HAM|podiums}}), among [[Hamilton's records|others]].

Hamilton signed for [[Mercedes-Benz in Formula One|Mercedes]] in {{F1|2013}} to partner [[Nico Rosberg]], ending his 15-year association with McLaren. Following his maiden victory with the team at the [[2013 Hungarian Grand Prix|Hungarian Grand Prix]], new [[Turbo-hybrid engines (Formula One, 2014–2021)|engine regulations]] came into effect the [[2014 Formula One season|following season]], which saw Mercedes emerge as the dominant force in Formula One. FromOver {{F1|2014}}the tonext {{F1|2016}}three seasons, Hamilton and Rosberg won 51 of 59 Grands Prix amidst their [[Hamilton–Rosberg rivalry|fierce rivalry]]—widely known as ''The [[Silver Arrows|Silver]] War''—with Hamilton winning the former titles in {{F1|2014}} and {{F1|2015}}, and Rosberg winning [[2016 Formula One season|the latter]]. FollowingAfter Rosberg's retirement, Hamilton twice overturned mid-season point deficits to [[ScuderiaSebastian Ferrari|FerrariVettel]]'s of [[SebastianScuderia VettelFerrari|Ferrari]] to claim his fourth and fifth titles in {{F1|2017}} and {{F1|2018}}. Hamilton won his sixth title in {{F1|2019}}, before breaking several records across his {{F1|2020}} campaign—including the all-time win record at the {{F1GP|2020|Portuguese}}—to equal [[Michael Schumacher]]'s record of seven World Drivers' Championships. Hamilton became the first driver to surpass 100 race wins and pole positions in {{F1|2021}}, finishing runner-up to [[Max Verstappen]] amidst a [[2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix#Safety car controversy|controversial finish]]. Following winless campaigns in {{F1|2022}} and {{F1|2023}}, Hamilton took his record-breaking ninth {{F1GP|2024|British}} victory in {{F1|2024}}., Afterhis 12twelfth seasonsand final season with Mercedes,. Hamilton is set to join Ferrari from {{F1|2025}} onwards.

Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton was born on 7 January 1985 in [[Stevenage]], [[Hertfordshire]].<ref name="Hamilton">{{cite book|title=Lewis Hamilton: My Story|last=Hamilton|first=Lewis|isbn=978-0-00-727005-7|page=33|publisher=[[HarperCollins|HarperSport]]|year=2007}}</ref><ref name="Kelso">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/apr/20/paulkelso.uknews4|title=Profile: Lewis Hamilton|last=Kelso|first=Paul|date=20 April 2007|work=The Guardian |access-date=26 June 2008|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005142006/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/apr/20/paulkelso.uknews4|archive-date=5 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> His father, Anthony Hamilton, is of [[Afro-Grenadians|Afro-Grenadian]] descent, while his mother, Carmen Larbalestier, is [[White British]] from [[Birmingham]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=FreeBMD Entry Info|url=https://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?scan=1&r=212152514:9565&d=bmd_1637027742|access-date=12 December 2021|website=freebmd.org.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212190025/https://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?scan=1&r=212152514:9565&d=bmd_1637027742|archive-date=12 December 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> making him [[Mixed (United Kingdom ethnicity category)|mixed-race]].<ref name="Wolff"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lewishamilton.com/post/first-black-driver/|title=Being F1's first black driver is important|website=lewishamilton.com|access-date=7 March 2018|archive-date=8 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308041330/http://www.lewishamilton.com/post/first-black-driver/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Hamilton's parents separated when he was two, after which he lived with his mother and older half-sisters, Samantha and Nicola, until he was twelve.<ref name="DSpyHamilton">{{cite web|last=Mathé|first=Charlotte|title=10 Things About ... Lewis Hamilton|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/10-things-about/a582795/10-things-about-lewis-hamilton/|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|date=12 July 2014|access-date=21 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820214050/https://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/10-things-about/a582795/10-things-about-lewis-hamilton/|archive-date=20 August 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton then lived with his father, stepmother Linda, and his half-brother [[Nicolas Hamilton|Nicolas]], who is also a professional racing driver.<ref>{{Cite AV media|title=The Life of Formula 1 Champ Lewis Hamilton (Full Segment) {{!}} Real Sports w/ Bryant Gumbel {{!}} HBO|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZVMTuSsEX4|language=en|access-date=26 October 2020|date=20 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209235841/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZVMTuSsEX4|archive-date=9 December 2020|url-status=live|via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref name="timeonline_cool">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article5069252.ece|title=Lewis Hamilton admits: 'I just don't know how I kept my cool'|work=The Times|date=3 November 2008|author=Matt Dickinson|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509090949/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article5069252.ece|archive-date=9 May 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=9 May 2009}}</ref> Hamilton was raised a [[Catholic]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/lewis-hamilton/trivia.html;jsessionid=EC73F0B4D8B84D48A7D4B67E238E9055|title=Lewis Hamilton Biography&nbsp;– Trivia|work=[[The Biography Channel]]|publisher=thebiographychannel.co.uk|access-date=7 May 2013|location=London|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525232920/http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/lewis-hamilton/trivia.html%3Bjsessionid%3DEC73F0B4D8B84D48A7D4B67E238E9055|archive-date=25 May 2014}}</ref>

Hamilton's father bought him a [[radio-controlled car]] when he was five.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 in Four - Race to the top: Lewis Hamilton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/41TbhT9DRrd0cglSfjqWD4v/race-to-the-top-lewis-hamilton|access-date=26 October 2020|website=bbc.co.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006062640/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/41TbhT9DRrd0cglSfjqWD4v/race-to-the-top-lewis-hamilton|archive-date=6 October 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton finished second in the national [[British Radio Car Association|BRCA]] championship the following year against adult competition.<ref name="hamiltonf1fbio">{{cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton Biography|publisher=F1Fanatic.co.uk|year=2007|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/f1-information/whos-who/whos-who-h/lewis-hamilton/|access-date=6 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307034157/http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/f1-information/whos-who/whos-who-h/lewis-hamilton/|archive-date=7 March 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> Being the only black child racing at his club, Hamilton was subjected to racist abuse.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=25 September 2016|title=Lewis Hamilton: I had a lot of bullying and racism at school|url=https://www.eurosport.com/formula-1/hamilton-i-had-a-lot-of-bullying-and-racism-at-school.-it-made-me-tougher_sto5873701/story.shtml|access-date=26 October 2020|website=Eurosport|language=en|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230619141216/https://www.eurosport.com/formula-1/hamilton-i-had-a-lot-of-bullying-and-racism-at-school.-it-made-me-tougher_sto5873701/story.shtml|archive-date=19 June 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton's father bought him a [[Kart racing|go-kart]] for Christmas when he was six and promised to support his racing career as long as he worked hard at school.<ref name="nutsref">{{cite magazine|title=20 things you don't know about Lewis Hamilton|date=22 June 2007|magazine=[[Nuts (magazine)|Nuts]]}}</ref> To support his son, Hamilton's father took redundancy from his position as an [[Information Technology|IT]] manager and became a contractor, sometimes working up to four jobs at a time including employment as a [[Insulated glazing|double glazing]] salesman, dishwasher, and putting up signs for [[estate agent]]s,<ref name="benson">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/extra/c1nx5lutpg/The-real-Lewis-Hamilton-story |title=Challenger, champion, change-maker: The real Lewis Hamilton story |last=Benson |first=Andrew |website=[[bbc.co.uk]] |access-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116105558/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/extra/c1nx5lutpg/The-real-Lewis-Hamilton-story |archive-date=16 November 2020 |url-status =live}}</ref> while still attending his son's races.<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 May 2018|title='Thanks dad!' Lewis Hamilton reflects on his F1 championship journey|url=https://m.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/thanks-dad-lewis-hamilton-reflects-on-his-f1-championship-journey-20180522|access-date=26 October 2020|website=Wheels|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214184739/https://m.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/thanks-dad-lewis-hamilton-reflects-on-his-f1-championship-journey-20180522|archive-date=14 February 2019|url-status=live|first=Robin|last=Classen}}</ref> Hamilton's father later set up his own IT company.<ref name="observer">{{cite news|last=Owen|first=Oliver|title=The real deal|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jun/03/features.sportmonthly/print|date=3 June 2007|access-date=5 July 2007|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140526045106/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jun/03/features.sportmonthly/print|archive-date=26 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> He continued to be Hamilton's manager until early 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/mar/14/lewis-hamilton-simon-fuller-xix-entertainment|title=Lewis Hamilton signs with Simon Fuller's XIX Entertainment|first=James|last=Callow|date=14 March 2011|access-date=22 March 2011|work=The Guardian|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213193515/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/mar/14/lewis-hamilton-simon-fuller-xix-entertainment|archive-date=13 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Words from Lewis Hamilton's father inspired Hungarian Grand Prix pace, says Wolff {{!}} Formula 1®|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamiltons-father-inspired-hungarian-gp-pace-says-wolff.5pmzFBAUv7teU5vpgkGWvh.html|access-date=26 October 2020|website=Formula1.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805173148/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamiltons-father-inspired-hungarian-gp-pace-says-wolff.5pmzFBAUv7teU5vpgkGWvh.html|archive-date=5 August 2019|url-status=live|date=5 August 2019}}</ref>

[[File:Lewis Hamilton 2007 Canada.jpg|thumb|alt=A silver Formula One car driving around a corner.|Hamilton took his firstmaiden Formula One winvictory at the [[2007 Canadian Grand Prix]], in only his sixth Grand Prixappearance.]]

Hamilton's firstrookie {{F1|2007}} season in Formula One saw him partner two-time and defending World Drivers' Champion [[Fernando Alonso]] at [[McLaren]], a team that used works [[Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains|-Mercedes]] engines and was 40% owned by the German manufacturer at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 September 2021 |title=The incredible tale of McLaren and Mercedes' F1 split |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/the-incredible-tale-of-mclaren-and-mercedes-f1-split/ |access-date=12 February 2024 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212201406/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/the-incredible-tale-of-mclaren-and-mercedes-f1-split/ |url-status=live }}</ref> HamiltonPrior isto the firstseason, andHamilton {{ascompleted of|2024||lc=y}}nearly the5,000 onlymiles [[Blackof people|black]]private drivertesting to raceacclimatise inhimself to the series[[McLaren MP4-22|MP4-22]].<ref>{{citeCite news|title=Grenadianweb roots of first black F1 driver|url=https://www.bbcespn.co.ukcom/caribbeanracing/news/story/2006/11/061127_grenadaf1.shtml?series=6&id=2822961 |datetitle=27F1 Novembernewcomer Hamilton 'is going to be phenomenal' 2006|publisherlast=BBCKnutson |access-datefirst=12Dan December 2006|quotedate=The2 firstApril black2007 driver|website=[[ESPN]] named|publisher=[[ESPN toInc.]] race|access-date=23 inDecember Formula2024 One|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2007032218292420241223145841/https://www.bbcespn.co.ukcom/caribbeanracing/news/story/2006/11/061127_grenadaf1.shtml?series=6&id=2822961 |archive-date=2223 MarchDecember 2024 2007|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{citeCite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1528611/Formulaformula-One%27s-first-black-driver-to-take-his-place-on-grid.html|archive-url=https:1/2024/web.archive.org08/web31/20080831041311/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1528611/Formulaandrea-One%27skimi-firstantonelli-blackmercedes-new-driver-tolewis-take-his-place-on-grid.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 Augusthamilton/ 2008|title=FormulaTeenage One'sstar firstAndrea blackKimi driverAntonelli: toThe takenew hisMercedes placedriver onwith grid|last=Garside|first=Kevin|author2=Britten,talent Nickto |date=13emulate SeptemberLewis 2006|work=TheHamilton Daily Telegraph|access-date=2631 JuneAugust 2024 2008|locationfirst=London}}</ref><ref>{{citeTom news|urllast=http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1609725,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070429021936/http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1609725,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29Cary April 2007|titlework=Lewis Hamilton: [[The TigerDaily WoodsTelegraph]] of Racing?|lastpublisher=Smith|first=Adam|date=12[[Telegraph AprilMedia Group]] 2007|magazine=Time|access-date=26 June 2008}}</ref> After finishing on the podium in his debut,<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 December 20092024 |titleissn=Formula 1's Greatest Drivers: 17. Michael Schumacher<!0307--Formula 1's Greatest Drivers – Lewis Hamilton-->1235 |url-access=http://f1greatestdrivers.autosport.com/?driver=17registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2013110516192520241219120934/httphttps://f1greatestdriverswww.autosporttelegraph.comco.uk/?driver=17 |archiveformula-date=5 November 2013 |access-date=10 February 2024 |website=[[Autosport]] |publisher=[[Haymarket Media Group|Haymarket Publications]]}}</ref> Hamilton went on to set several records,<ref name="BBC 2018">{{cite news|title=Lewis Hamilton is in Formula 1's top five, says Fernando Alonso|publisher=BBC|url=https:/2024/www.bbc.com08/sport31/formula1andrea-kimi-antonelli-mercedes-new-driver-lewis-hamilton/45905592|date=19 October 2018|accessarchive-date=19 OctoberDecember 2018|archive-date=192024 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019130336/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45905592|url-status=live}}</ref> including those for the [[List of Formula One driver records#Other driver records|most consecutive podium finishes from debut]] (9), the [[List of Formula One driver records#Other driver records|joint most wins in a debut season]] (4) and the most points in a debut season (109).<ref name="Maltby 2018">{{citeCite web |last=Maltby |first=Matt |date=1 November 2018|title=Hamilton x5: The stats that prove his greatness |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-x5-the-stats-that-prove-his-greatness.78RWOkP4fmyeYg2MokkoEG.html |website=Formula1race.com |publisher=Formula One World Championship Limited |access/formula-date=1 November 2018 |archive-date=1 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101155918/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamiltonmark-x5hughes-thekimi-statsantonelli-thatf1-provemove-hislewis-greatness.78RWOkP4fmyeYg2MokkoEG.html |urlhamilton-status=live }}<differences/ref> Acquiring the championship lead as early as in the [[2007 Spanish Grand Prix|fourthtitle=Mark round]]Hughes: of the season, Hamilton became the youngest Formula One driver to lead the championship standings. Due to McLarenAntonelli's strategicalF1 misstepsdebut andis othera misfortunesworld inapart the closing rounds of the season,from Hamilton's twelve point advantage in the standings evanesced.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |date=2431 NovemberAugust 2024 2020|titlewebsite=The mysterious loss of Hamilton's first F1 titleRace |urlpublisher=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/the-mysterious-loss-of-hamiltons-first-f1-title/The |website=the-race.comRace Media |access-date=23 SeptemberDecember 2024 |archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2020112410050120240831173312/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/themark-mysterioushughes-losskimi-of-hamiltons-firstantonelli-f1-title/ |urlmove-status=live}}</ref> Resulting in him finishing runnerlewis-up in the {{F1|2007}} World Drivers' Championship to [[Kimi Räikkönen]], by one point. Throughout the season, [[Hamilton and Alonso]] were involved in a number of incidents which resulted in tensions between both drivers and the team, culminating in Alonso and McLaren terminating their contract by mutual consent in November. Following a successful first season at McLaren, Hamilton signed a multihamilton-million-pound contract to stay with the team until 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http:differences//news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7196436.stm|title=Hamilton signs new McLaren deal|work=BBC Sport|date=18 January 2008|accessarchive-date=31 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202042227/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7196436.stm|archive-date=22024 December 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

Partnering [[Heikki Kovalainen]], Hamilton's success continued in [[2008 Formula One World Championship|2008]] as he amassed five race victories and ten podium finishes. Including the impressive [[2008 British Grand Prix|British Grand Prix]] victory, where he won the race by over a minute from second-placed [[Nick Heidfeld]], his drive was widely acclaimed as one of Formula One's finest wet-weather drives.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tremayne|first=David|author-link=David Tremayne|date=4 April 2019|title=Lewis Hamilton's wet-weather masterclass at the 2008 British Grand Prix - F1's Best Drives #8|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1s-best-drives-8-hamiltons-wet-weather-masterclass-at-silverstone.YtsrQVjDDKr2FQQM5DLIs.html|url-status=live|access-date=16 February 2024|website=formula1.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404104158/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1s-best-drives-8-hamiltons-wet-weather-masterclass-at-silverstone.YtsrQVjDDKr2FQQM5DLIs.html |archive-date=4 April 2019}}</ref> As the season reached its conclusion in Brazil, it became a clear two-way fight for the title between the home favourite [[Felipe Massa]] and the young Briton. Hamilton won his first title in a dramatic fashion in the last race of the season, the [[2008 Brazilian Grand Prix]], overtaking [[Timo Glock]] for fifth position in the final corners of the last lap to become the then-youngest [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|Formula One World Champion]] in history and to deny race-winner Massa the title by one point.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7705230.stm|title=Last-gasp Hamilton takes F1 crown|first=Andrew|last=Benson|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=2 November 2008|access-date=20 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019171348/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7705230.stm|archive-date=19 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/11/8635.html |title=Hamilton speechless after dramatic title finale |publisher=Formula One |access-date=26 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205143351/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/11/8635.html |archive-date=5 December 2008 }}</ref> This made Hamilton the first British driver to win the World Championship since [[Damon Hill]] in 1996.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7705310.stm|title=2008 Brazilian Grand Prix|work=BBC Sport|date=2 November 2008|access-date=31 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508142243/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7705310.stm|archive-date=8 May 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> {{as of|2024|}}, Hamilton remains the last McLaren driver to win a championship.

During his last four years with McLaren, a period largely dominated by Red Bull, Hamilton continued to score podium finishes and race victories, and twiceonce challenged for the title despite [[Red Bull Racing|Red Bull's]] dominance during that time-period. Major technical regulation changes in [[2009 Formula One World Championship|2009]] led to a challenging start for McLaren.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 March 2009 |title=McLaren admit car isn't fast enough |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/mar/13/lewis-hamilton-mclaren-problems-testing |access-date=16 September 2024 |website=[[The Guardian]] |archive-date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916171033/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/mar/13/lewis-hamilton-mclaren-problems-testing |url-status=live }}</ref> Often qualifying outside of the top ten, and struggling to finish on points, Hamilton's chances of defending his title became unfeasible. Major upgrades at the [[2009 German Grand Prix|German Grand Prix]] saw a dramatic improvement in performance of the [[McLaren MP4-24]]. From that point onward, Hamilton advanced from eleventh to fifth in the Driver's Championship standings, with securing twopodiums in every race winshe andcompleted, fiveHamilton podiumscored finishesmore points than any other driver.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 May 2022 |title=When Hamilton had a rubbish F1 car - 2009 McLaren |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/video/when-hamilton-had-a-rubbish-f1-car-2009-mclaren/571751/ |access-date=16 September 2024 |website=[[Autosport]] |archive-date=21 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821193840/https://www.autosport.com/f1/video/when-hamilton-had-a-rubbish-f1-car-2009-mclaren/571751/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{#invoke:multiple image|

Beginning from theIn {{F1|2010}} season, Hamilton was partnered by thehis reigning World Champion [[Jenson Button]]. Althoughlast McLaren fell-short in terms of car performanceteammate, and operationalreigning efficiencyWorld compared to Red Bull andChampion [[ScuderiaJenson Ferrari|FerrariButton]], Hamilton entered the [[2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix|final round]] of the season with a chance of winning the title, but ultimately finished fourth as [[Sebastian Vettel]] won the race to take his maiden drivers' crown. Multiple race retirements, particularly in the crucial latter half of the season ultimately cost Hamilton the title.<ref>{{cite news |date=2718 SeptemberNovember 20102009 |title=HamiltonJenson F1Button hopessigns fadingwith McLaren in all-British line-up |url=https://www.irishexaminertheguardian.com/sport/arid2009/nov/18/jenson-30475303.htmlbutton-lewis-hamilton-mclaren |access-date=2318 SeptemberDecember 2024 |work=IrishThe ExaminerGuardian |archive-date=237 SeptemberApril 20242022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024092313594920220407155730/https://www.irishexaminertheguardian.com/sport/arid2009/nov/18/jenson-30475303.htmlbutton-lewis-hamilton-mclaren |url-status=live}}</ref> {{F1|2011}}In wasa the[[McLaren first season he had been outMP4-scored25|car]] bythat a teammate, as Button finished runner-upstruggled to Vettel,match duringthe aoutright yearpace inof whichRed distractions in his private lifeBull and run-ins[[Scuderia with FIA officials saw Hamilton finish a lowly fifth in the standingsFerrari|Ferrari]], after which he vowed he would return to form for 2012.<ref>{{cite news |agency=Press Association |date=913 MarchDecember 20122010 |title=McLaren's2010 Lewisin Hamiltonstats envisagespart muchthree: closercar F1 season in 2012performance |url=https://www.theguardianracefans.comnet/sport2010/201212/mar13/09/mclaren2010-lewisin-hamiltonstats-f1part-seasonthree-car-performance/ |access-date=917 FebruaryDecember 2024 |work=TheRace Guardian |issn=0261-3077Fans |archive-date=244 FebruaryDecember 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024022400071520241204000725/https://www.theguardianracefans.comnet/sport2010/201212/mar13/09/mclaren2010-lewisin-hamiltonstats-f1part-seasonthree-car-performance/ |url-status=live }}</ref> InHamilton's theconsistent {{F1|2012}}performances season,saw Hamiltonhim finished fourthengage in the standings and achieveda four-way racetitle wins,battle despitethroughout severalthe operationalseason. failures and reliability issues akin toAt the [[2010 season.<ref>{{citeCanadian newsGrand Prix|date=28Canadian SeptemberGrand 2012Prix]], |title=Hamilton secured McLaren's chequeredonly 2012pole seasonposition |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/formula1/19765940of |access-date=9the Februaryseason, 2024and |work=BBCtook Sportthe |archive-date=23championship Junelead 2021after |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623215758/https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/formula1/19765940winning |url-status=livethe }}</ref>race.<ref>{{cite news |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=2213 DecemberJuly 20122010 |title=FormulaLewis 1Hamilton 2012:wins WhatCanadian aGrand YearPrix in Montreal |url=https://www.bbctheguardian.com/sport/formula12009/20824978nov/18/jenson-button-lewis-hamilton-mclaren |access-date=918 FebruaryDecember 2024 |work=BBCThe SportGuardian |archive-date=524 JulyJune 20222010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2022070509574220100624065442/httpshttp://wwwnews.bbc.comco.uk/sportsport2/formula1hi/20824978motorsport/formula_one/8737884.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Motorsport.com]]''After analysisthree revealedrace Hamiltonretirements hadin losta anspan estimatedof 110four pointsraces dueduring tothe racelatter retirementshalf (threeof whilethe leading) and other misfortunesseason, whichHamilton wouldlost havevital been enoughpoints to out-score his championship rivals, and winultimately the titlechampionship lead.<ref>{{cite webnews |date=627 NovemberSeptember 20122010 |title=Analysis:Hamilton HowF1 thehopes points, and the title, slipped away for Lewis Hamiltonfading |url=https://www.motorsportirishexaminer.com/f1sport/news/analysisarid-how-the-points-and-the-title-slipped-away-for-lewis-hamilton/3219278/30475303.html |access-date=923 FebruarySeptember 2024 |websitework=Motorsport.comIrish Examiner |archive-date=923 FebruarySeptember 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024020913183520240923135949/https://www.motorsportirishexaminer.com/f1sport/news/analysisarid-how-the-points-and-the-title-slipped-away-for-lewis-hamilton/3219278/30475303.html |url-status=live}}</ref> PriorHe toentered the end[[2010 ofAbu theDhabi year,Grand HamiltonPrix|final announced,round]] toof muchthe surprise,season thatwith hea wouldmere bechance joiningof Mercedes forwinning the {{F1|2013}} seasontitle, replacingbut theultimately retiringfinished fourth as [[MichaelSebastian SchumacherVettel]] won the race to take his maiden drivers' crown.<ref name="halloffame">{{cite webnews |lastdate=Donaldson14 |first=GeraldNovember 2010 |date=2018|title=LewisSebastian HamiltonVettel –wins HallFormula ofOne fameworld championship in Abu Dhabi |url=https://www.formula1theguardian.com/ensport/drivers2010/hallnov/14/sebastian-ofvettel-fame/Lewis_Hamilton.htmlchampion |websiteaccess-date=Formula1.com18 December 2024 |publisherwork=FIAThe Formula One World Championship LimitedGuardian |accessarchive-date=516 NovemberDecember 20192013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2023092023133320131216025751/https://www.formula1theguardian.com/ensport/drivers2010/hallnov/14/sebastian-ofvettel-fame/Lewis_Hamilton.html |archive-date=20 September 2023champion |url-status=live}}</ref>

Despite recording more pole positions and race wins than any other driver in {{F1|2016}}, Hamilton lost the Drivers' title by five points to his teammate Rosberg. The team's policy of letting the pair fight freely led to several acrimonious exchanges both on and off the track,<ref name="Gregory 2016">{{cite news|url=https://time.com/lewis-hamilton-formula-one/|title=The fastest man on wheels|last=Gregory|first=Sean|date=20 December 2016|work=Time Magazine|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121050015/https://time.com/lewis-hamilton-formula-one/|url-status=live}}</ref> culminating in Hamilton defying [[team orders]] at the final race at [[2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix|Abu Dhabi]] and deliberately slowing to back Rosberg into the chasing pack at the end of the race in an unsuccessful bid to encourage other drivers to overtake his team-mate, which would have allowed him to win the title.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/38145250|title=Hamilton did nothing wrong in Abu Dhabi decider|date=29 November 2016|work=BBC Sport|access-date=9 August 2017|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://archive.today/20231015084012/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/38145250 |archive-date=15 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Ultimately, a succession of poor starts from Hamilton early in the season and a crucial engine blowout at the [[2016 Malaysian Grand Prix|Malaysian Grand Prix]] meant Rosberg took the title,<ref name="Gregory 2016"/> which he successfully secured before announcing his shock retirement from the sport immediately after beating his rival.<ref name="halloffame"/><ref name="gpfansbio">{{cite web |last1=Scott |first1=Matthew |title=Lewis Hamilton Biography |url=https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/38415/lewis-hamilton-biography/ |website=gpfans.com |date=18 April 2019 |publisher=GP Fans |access-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105234227/https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/38415/lewis-hamilton-biography/ |archive-date=5 November 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Regulation changes for the {{F1|2021}} season saw Red Bull make relative performance gains on Mercedes, winning five consecutive races and acquiring the championship lead,<ref>{{cite news |title=Analysis: Did Hamilton or Verstappen have the quickest car for their title fight? |url=https://www.racefans.net/2022/01/17/analysis-did-hamilton-or-verstappen-have-the-quickest-car-for-their-title-fight/ |access-date=20 December 2024 |publisher=Race Fans |date=17 January 2022 |archive-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117132245/https://www.racefans.net/2022/01/17/analysis-did-hamilton-or-verstappen-have-the-quickest-car-for-their-title-fight/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hughes |first1=Mark |title=Mark Hughes: How F1 rule changes have hurt low-rake Mercedes |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-how-f1-rule-changes-have-hurt-low-rake-mercedes/ |access-date=25 September 2024 |publisher=The Race |date=6 April 2021 |archive-date=6 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406082410/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-how-f1-rule-changes-have-hurt-low-rake-mercedes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> winningRed sixBull's ofVerstappen theand openingHamilton elevenemerged roundsas title favourites early on in the season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brundle |first1=Martin |title=2021Martin RACEBrundle: RESULTSAssessing the state of F1's title battle after Max Verstappen's supreme Styria win |url=https://www.formula1skysports.com/enf1/resultsnews/202124096/races12344411/martin-brundle-assessing-the-state-of-f1s-title-battle-after-max-verstappens-supreme-styria-win |access-date=2713 NovemberDecember 20242021 |agency=Sky |publisher=FormulaSky 1Sports |date=29 June 2021 |archive-date=2613 JulyDecember 20242021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024072623554020211213144154/https://www.formula1skysports.com/enf1/resultsnews/202124096/races12344411/martin-brundle-assessing-the-state-of-f1s-title-battle-after-max-verstappens-supreme-styria-win |url-status=live }}</ref> HamiltonThe andpair Redengaged Bull'sin Verstappenseveral engagedon-track battles—including controversial collisions in a[[2021 fierceBritish battleGrand forPrix|Britain]], the[[2021 Italian Grand Prix|Italy]] and [[2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix|Saudi Arabia]]—and [[Glossary of motorsport terms#0–9|finished 1–2]] at 14 of 22 Grands Prix.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/hamilton-vs-verstappen-why-their-rivalry-has-the-potential-to-be-the.71aeZ3mOLHeW4BbHGGKY2H|title=HAMILTON throughoutVS VERSTAPPEN: Why their rivalry has the season,potential to be the greatest in F1 history|date=29 December 2021|access-date=4 December 2024|first=Edd|last=Straw|website=[[Formula 1]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Holding |first1=Joe |title=Hamilton vs Verstappen: how F1’sF1's greatest title battle went down to the wire |url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/motorsport/hamilton-vs-verstappen-how-f1s-greatest-title-battle-went-down-wire |access-date=27 November 2024 |publisher=Top Gear |date=13 December 2021 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213175654/https://www.topgear.com/car-news/motorsport/hamilton-vs-verstappen-how-f1s-greatest-title-battle-went-down-wire |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Glossary of motorsport terms#0–9|finishing 1–2]] at 14 of 22 Grands Prix, and colliding on track in several occasions. Hamilton achieved his 100th pole position and race win at the [[2021 Spanish Grand Prix|Spanish]] and [[2021 Russian Grand Prix|Russian]] Grands Prix, respectively, becoming the first driver to achieve either feat.<ref name="theguardian100pole">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/08/lewis-hamilton-claims-100th-f1-pole-at-spanish-gp-verstappen-starts-second|title=Lewis Hamilton makes history by claiming 100th F1 pole at Spanish GP|first=Giles|last=Richards|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=9 May 2021|access-date=9 May 2021|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509001204/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/08/lewis-hamilton-claims-100th-f1-pole-at-spanish-gp-verstappen-starts-second|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Pickman|first=Ben|date=26 September 2021|title=Lewis Hamilton Becomes First F1 Driver in History to Record 100 Victories|url=https://www.si.com/racing/2021/09/26/lewis-hamilton-russian-grand-prix-win-history|access-date=26 September 2021|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|archive-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926135634/https://www.si.com/racing/2021/09/26/lewis-hamilton-russian-grand-prix-win-history|url-status=live}}</ref> Winning three of the last four races, including a recovery drive at the {{F1GP|2021|São Paulo}}—which was acclaimed as one of his greatest performances—saw Hamilton eliminate a 19-point deficit to Verstappen,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Barretto |first1=Lawrence |title=No title, fewer wins and poles – but here's why 2021 was Lewis Hamilton's best season yet |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/no-title-fewer-wins-and-poles-but-heres-why-2021-was-lewis-hamiltons-best.3YznGTJlmMyVkW4coxH0CM |access-date=25 September 2024 |publisher=Formula 1 |date=16 December 2021 |archive-date=24 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424132247/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/no-title-fewer-wins-and-poles-but-heres-why-2021-was-lewis-hamiltons-best.3YznGTJlmMyVkW4coxH0CM |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/ranked-lewis-hamilton-10-best-f1-victories|title=Ranked: Lewis Hamilton’sHamilton's 10 best F1 victories over his staggering career (so far)|website=PlanetF1|date=7 January 2024|access-date=26 November 2024|first=Thomas|last=Maher}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/hamiltons-best-performances-for-mercedes-ranked/10680742/ |title=Hamilton's best performances for Mercedes ranked |last=Hunt |first=Ben |date=8 December 2024 |website=[[Autosport]] |access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> entering the season-ending {{F1GP|2021|Abu Dhabi}} level on points.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-saudi-arabian-gp-hamilton-beats-verstappen-to-go-level-on-points-in-chaotic-race/6854329/ |title=F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Hamilton beats Verstappen to go level on points in chaotic race |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=5 December 2021 |website=[[Autosport]] |access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> In Abu Dhabi, having led the majority of the race, Hamilton was denied the championship by a last-lap overtake from Verstappen following a late safety car.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59628024|title=Max Verstappen wins title after last-lap overtake of Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes protests rejected|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=12 December 2021|access-date=26 November 2024|first=Andrew|last=Benson}}</ref>

The season finale was marred by controversy over race director [[Michael Masi]]'s decision to instruct only the lapped cars separating Verstappen and Hamilton to un-lap themselves under the safety car, which closed the gap between the pair and allowed Verstappen, who opted to pit for soft tyres, to enter the final lap immediately behind Hamilton, who remained on worn hard tyres.<ref name="benson2021">{{cite news|last1=Benson|first1=Andrew|date=12 December 2021|title=Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: 'Max Verstappen's win decided by a questionable call'|publisher=BBC Sport|agency=BBC|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59631665|access-date=13 December 2021|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217082719/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59631665|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Benson |first1=Andrew |title=Mercedes protests rejected by Formula 1 stewards as title goes to Max Verstappen |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59631659 |access-date=13 December 2021 |agency=BBC |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 December 2021 |archive-date=20 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220054136/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59631659 |url-status=live }}</ref> Four days after the race, the FIA announced that it would conduct an internal investigation into the incident.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Benson |first1=Andrew |title=Mercedes will not pursue appeal against F1 title-deciding Abu Dhabi result |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59681314 |access-date=17 December 2021 |agency=BBC |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 December 2021 |archive-date=17 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117061420/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59681314 |url-status=live }}</ref> Masi was subsequently removed from his role as race director,<ref>{{Cite web|date=17 February 2022|title=FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem opens the way for a new step forward in Formula 1 refereeing|url=https://www.fia.com/news/fia-president-mohammed-ben-sulayem-opens-way-new-step-forward-formula-1-refereeing|access-date=17 February 2022|website=Federation Internationale de l'Automobile|language=en|archive-date=9 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309165307/https://www.fia.com/news/fia-president-mohammed-ben-sulayem-opens-way-new-step-forward-formula-1-refereeing|url-status=live}}</ref> with the [[FIA World Motor Sport Council]] report finding that "human error" resulted in the failure to follow Formula One Sporting Regulations concerning the withdrawal of the safety car, adding that the final standings are "valid, final and cannot now be changed".<ref>{{cite news |title=FIA ANNOUNCES WORLD MOTOR SPORT COUNCIL DECISIONS |url=https://www.fia.com/news/fia-announces-world-motor-sport-council-decisions-25 |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=Federation Internationale de l'Automobile |date=19 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=9 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409133122/https://www.fia.com/news/fia-announces-world-motor-sport-council-decisions-25 |url-status=live }}</ref> Notwithstanding the controversy in Abu Dhabi, ''[[BBC Sport]]'''s Andrew Benson described the season as "one of the most intense, hard-fought battles in sporting history", with Hamilton and Verstappen having "been head and shoulders—and a lot more—clear of every other driver on the grid".<ref name="benson2021"/>

Mercedes once again faced concerns over their car's competitiveness ahead of the {{F1|2023}} season.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Hamilton resigned to difficult start to F1 season |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/64828539 |access-date=22 July 2023 |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722160737/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/64828539 |url-status=live }}</ref> Hamilton endured another winless campaign amidst Red Bull's record-breaking dominance, securing several podium finishes throughout. Hamilton took pole position at the {{F1GP|2023|Hungarian}}—his first since 2021, and his record ninth at the [[Hungaroring]]—surpassing Senna and Schumacher for the most pole positions at a single circuit.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Hamilton beats Verstappen to first pole since 2021 |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/66278958 |access-date=22 July 2023 |archive-date=27 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727103245/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/66278958 |url-status=live }}</ref> Prior to the {{F1GP|2023|Italian}}, Hamilton signed a two-year contract extension worth over £100 million to remain with Mercedes through the 2025 season.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Hamilton signs new two-year Mercedes deal to end speculation over F1 future |language=en-GB |work=formula1.com |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-hamilton-signs-new-two-year-mercedes-deal-to-end-speculation-over.34mqHxiSRGnkFhPdWrOdW5.html |access-date=1 September 2023 |archive-date=21 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921102313/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-hamilton-signs-new-two-year-mercedes-deal-to-end-speculation-over.34mqHxiSRGnkFhPdWrOdW5.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-2023-italian-grand-prix-news-lewis-hamilton-signs-new-mercedes-contract-value-worth-salary-george-russell/news-story/1803025636f2c6a866019e1a84e767b6|title='Story isn't finished': Lewis Hamilton locks in F1 future with staggering new $196m deal

Prior to the start of the {{F1|2024}} season, Hamilton triggered an exit-clause in his Mercedes contract, allowing him to leave the team at the end of thehis 2024 seasoncampaign, a year before his contract was due to expire.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13061245/lewis-hamilton-to-join-ferrari-for-2025-formula-1-season|title=Lewis Hamilton to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari for 2025 Formula 1 season|website=[[Sky Sports F1]]|date=2 February 2024|access-date=26 November 2024|first1=Nigel|last1=Chiu|first2=Craig|last2=Slater}}</ref> Having been associated with the German marque since the age of 13, Hamilton explained the decision was one of his hardest to make, andadding that he needed a new challenge and a different work environment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and Lewis Hamilton to part ways |url=https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/news/mercedes-amg-f1-lewis-to-part-ways |access-date=1 February 2024 |website=Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team |language=en-US |archive-date=1 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201190122/https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/news/mercedes-amg-f1-lewis-to-part-ways |url-status=live }}</ref> FollowingMercedes' inconsistent form, coupled with Hamilton's qualifying difficulties, resulted in another challenging startseason toin 2024,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/why-mercedes-winning-f1-2024-form-vanished/#|title=Why Mercedes' winning F1 form has vanished|date=27 November 2024|access-date=17 September 2024|website=The Race|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917170056/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/why-mercedes-winning-f1-2024-form-vanished/|archive-date=17 September 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| last= Cerasoli|first= Julianne |url=https://www.uol.com.br/esporte/colunas/pole-position/2024/10/14/por-que-o-recordista-de-poles-hamilton-anda-sofrendo-nas-classificacoes.htm|title=Por que o recordista de poles Hamilton anda sofrendo nas classificações?… |trans-title=Why is pole record holder Hamilton struggling in qualifying?…|language=pt |date=14 October 2024|access-date=27 November 2024|website=[[Universo Online|UOL]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127035806/https://www.uol.com.br/esporte/colunas/pole-position/2024/10/14/por-que-o-recordista-de-poles-hamilton-anda-sofrendo-nas-classificacoes.htm|archive-date=27 November 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13210932/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-drivers-f1-qualifying-struggles-analysed-ahead-of-key-azerbaijan-and-singapore-challenges |title=Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes driver's F1 qualifying struggles analysed ahead of key Azerbaijan and Singapore challenges |date=12 September 2024 |website=[[Sky Sports]] |publisher=[[Sky Group]] |access-date=16 December 2024 |archive-date=11 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911171055/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13210932/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-drivers-f1-qualifying-struggles-analysed-ahead-of-key-azerbaijan-and-singapore-challenges |url-status=live}}</ref> with Hamilton admitting he was "looking forward to the end [of the season]".<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 July 2024 |title=I've still got it, says Hamilton endedafter hispoor 31Qatar qualifying|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cn8l8z0z37do |access-monthdate=7 winlessDecember drought2024 by|website=BBC winningSport |archive-date=3 December 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241203193745/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cn8l8z0z37do |url-status=live}}</ref> Mercedes' short-lived resurgence during the European rounds enabled Hamilton to deliver his ninth {{F1GP|2024|British}} victory,<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 July 2024 |title=Lewis Hamilton wins British Grand Prix and says he thought it was never going to happen again |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cl5ywv730ezo |access-date=8 July 2024 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB |archive-date=7 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707232133/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cl5ywv730ezo |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite breakingweb Schumacher's|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/mercedes-andrew-shovlin-enjoyment-w15-correlation-issues-addressed |title=Mercedes W15 correlation breakthrough with ‘a route back’ plotted |last=Maher |first=Thomas |date=19 August 2024 |website=PlanetF1 |access-date=17 December 2024 |archive-date=19 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819103848/https://www.planetf1.com/news/mercedes-andrew-shovlin-enjoyment-w15-correlation-issues-addressed |url-status=live}}</ref> which ended his 31-month winless drought; he broke the record for [[List of Formula One driver records#Most wins at the same Grand Prix|most wins at the same Grand Prix]], and becomingbecame the first driver to win a race beyond their 300th start.<ref>{{Cite web |lasturl=Leeks |https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/facts-and-stats-a-record-17-years-since-his-first=Jacob-evergreen-hamilton-takes.RsS0aWwhowZv6EyyWMLCO |datetitle=7Facts Julyand 2024Stats: |title=LewisA Hamiltonrecord sets17 fiveyears F1since recordshis infirst, memorableevergreen BritishHamilton Grandtakes Prixhis 104th F1 win |urllast=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/lewis-hamilton-records-british-gp-33188750Kelly |first=Sean |access-date=87 July 2024 |website=The[[Formula Mirror1]] |languagepublisher=en[[Formula One Group]] |archiveaccess-date=816 JulyDecember 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708184047/https://www.mirror.co.uk/web/20240708184047/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/lewis-hamilton-records-british-gp-33188750 |url-status=live}}</ref> HeHamilton achievedsecured his 200th podium finish in [[2024 Hungarian Grand Prix|Hungary]],<ref name="Race result">{{Cite web |date=21 July 2024|title=Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix 2024 – Race Result|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2024/races/1241/hungary/race-result.html|access-date=21 July 2024|website=Formula 1 |archive-date=21 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721205203/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2024/races/1241/hungary/race-result.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and another victory at the {{F1GP|2024|Belgian}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Russell disqualified from Belgian Grand Prix |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/breaking-russell-disqualified-from-belgian-grand-prix-for-underweight-car-as.2NIuo4cHgOl1LgplIkGG5D |date=28 July 2024|access-date=28 July 2024|website=Formula 1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728171206/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/breaking-russell-disqualified-from-belgian-grand-prix-for-underweight-car-as.2NIuo4cHgOl1LgplIkGG5D|archive-date=28 July 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> HisAfter strugglesa series of races with fluctuating results, Hamilton ended the season a career-lowest seventh in qualifyingthe championship—22 points behind teammate Russell—marking the end sessionsof his Mercedes career,<ref>{{citeCite web| last1= Cerasoli|first1= Julianne |url=https://www.uolbbc.comco.bruk/esportesport/colunasformula1/pole-positionarticles/2024/10/14/por-que-o-recordista-de-poles-hamilton-anda-sofrendo-nas-classificacoes.htmcq8qkkzq2lgo |title=WhyHamilton is'finished poleon recorda holderhigh' Hamiltonwith strugglingMercedes in|last=Benson qualifying?…|first=Andrew (in Portuguese)|date=148 OctoberDecember 2024 |website=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=279 NovemberDecember 2024|website=UOL|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024112703580620241209170059/https://www.uolbbc.com.br/esportesport/colunasformula1/pole-positionarticles/2024/10/14/por-que-o-recordista-de-poles-hamilton-anda-sofrendo-nas-classificacoes.htmcq8qkkzq2lgo|archive-date=279 NovemberDecember 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> coupled with Mercedes' decline in performance after the summer break,<ref>{{citeCite web |url=https://www.the-racenytimes.com/formula-1athletic/why5974648/2024/12/06/lewis-hamilton-final-mercedes-winningrace-f1-2024-form-vanishedferrari/# |title=WhyLewis Mercedes'Hamilton’s winningfinal F1 formlap haswith Mercedes: A year of challenges, a decade of triumphs |last=Smith |first=Luke vanished|date=276 NovemberDecember 2024 |website=[[New York Times]] |access-date=1718 SeptemberDecember 2024|website=The Race|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024091717005620241213033438/https://www.the-racenytimes.com/formula-1athletic/5974648/2024/why12/06/lewis-hamilton-final-mercedes-winningrace-f1-2024-form-vanishedferrari/|archive-date=1713 SeptemberDecember 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> preventedwhich Hamiltonwas fromthe maintainingmost hissuccessful success,driver-constructor admittingpartnership hein "didn'tFormula wantOne tohistory comeby back"several formetrics.{{refn|group=note|Including the finalmost three[[List of Formula One driver records#Most races with a single constructor|races]] (246), [[List of theFormula seasonOne driver records#Most wins with a single constructor|wins]] (84), pole positions (78), podium finishes (153), and [[List of Formula One driver records#Multiple championships with a single constructor|World Drivers' Championships]] (6).<ref>{{citeCite web |url=https://www.formula1autosport.com/enf1/latestnews/article/hamiltonranking-admitslewis-hehamiltons-didnt12-wantf1-toseasons-comewith-back-after-brazil-struggles-as-he.3LFNm7ZZZVfxeU1cS8bpe6mercedes/10429276/ |title=HamiltonRanking admitsLewis heHamilton's ‘didn’t12 wantF1 toseasons comewith back’Mercedes after|last=Turner Brazil|first=Kevin struggles|date=8 asDecember he looks2024 ahead to|website=[[Autosport]] final three races at Mercedes|datepublisher=21[[Motorsport NovemberNetwork]] 2024|access-date=2716 NovemberDecember 2024 |websiteissn=[[Formula0269-946X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web 1]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121164019/https://www.formula1telegraph.comco.uk/enformula-1/latest2024/article12/08/lewis-hamilton-admitsmercedes-he-didnt-want-to-come-back-aftersix-brazilworld-struggles-as-he.3LFNm7ZZZVfxeU1cS8bpe6titles/ |title=Six world titles and 84 race wins – so much for Lewis Hamilton's 'awful mistake' joining Mercedes |last=Cary |first=Tom |archive-date=218 NovemberDecember 2024 |urlwebsite=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |publisher=[[Telegraph Media Group]] |access-statusdate=live16 December 2024}}</ref>}}

Following the announcement of Hamilton's departure from Mercedes, [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]] announced prior to the start of the 2024 season that they had reached ana multi-year agreement with Hamilton to join the team in {{F1|2025}}, on a multi-year contract reportedly worth around {{currency|41|GBP}} million per year, replacing [[Carlos Sainz Jr.]] to partner [[Charles Leclerc]].<ref name="Athletic1Feb"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Team Statement|date=1 February 2024|access-date=1 February 2024|publisher=[[Scuderia Ferrari]]|url=https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/articles/scuderia-ferrari-press-release-01-feb-2024|archive-date=2 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202001954/https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/formula1/articles/scuderia-ferrari-press-release-01-feb-2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BBC24"/> Hamilton stated it was a "childhood dream" to drive for Ferrari.<ref>{{Cite web |title='The hardest decision I've ever had to make' – Hamilton opens up on 'childhood dream' Ferrari switch |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-hardest-decision-ive-ever-had-to-make-hamilton-opens-up-on-childhood.53BBbL49tddWcXr6HGExo4 |access-date=3 February 2024 |website=Formula 1 |archive-date=10 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510175452/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-hardest-decision-ive-ever-had-to-make-hamilton-opens-up-on-childhood.53BBbL49tddWcXr6HGExo4 |url-status=live }}</ref> Luke Smith of ''[[The Athletic]]'' described the move as "one of the biggest driver transfer shocks the sport has known", recalling his similar shock move from McLaren to Mercedes back in 2013.<ref name="Athletic1Feb">{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Luke |title=Hamilton to join Ferrari in shock switch from Mercedes |url=https://theathletic.com/5243409/2024/02/01/lewis-hamilton-ferrari-mercedes/ |access-date=6 February 2024 |work=The Athletic |date=1 February 2024 |language=en |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206201050/https://theathletic.com/5243409/2024/02/01/lewis-hamilton-ferrari-mercedes/ |url-status=live}}</ref> This transition marks the first time in his Formula One career that Hamilton will not drive for a Mercedes-powered team.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 February 2024 |title=Hamilton agrees shock Ferrari F1 move for 2025 |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/hamilton-agrees-to-shock-ferrari-f1-move-for-2025/ |access-date=1 February 2024 |website=The Race |archive-date=2 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202001843/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/hamilton-agrees-to-shock-ferrari-f1-move-for-2025/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Hamilton is regarded as one of the most complete drivers on the grid,<ref name="f1 debate"/> excelling across a wide range of areas.<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/championship/drivers/lewis-hamilton/Biography.html|title=Lewis Hamilton|date=26 November 2014|work=Sky News|access-date=9 August 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=27 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627011343/https://www.formula1.com/en/championship/drivers/lewis-hamilton/Biography.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He has been described as having an aggressive driving style,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12430/9559490|title=Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: A subtle difference in driving style|work=Formula One|access-date=9 August 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=10 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810013855/http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12430/9559490|url-status=live}}</ref> with a natural aptitude for identifying the limits of the car; Mark Hughes, writing for the official Formula One website, described how Hamilton is "super-hard on the brakes ... but has a fantastic ability to match how quickly the downforce is bleeding off with his modulation of the pressure so that there's no wasted grip but no locked wheels either."<ref name="f1 evolution">{{cite web |last1=Hughes |first1=Mark |title=LONG READ: The constant evolution behind Hamilton's greatness |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.long-read-the-constant-evolution-behind-hamiltons-greatness.6CptiTarBKWmhjKBVCPZ5o.html |website=formula1.com |publisher=FIA Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=1 January 2020 |archive-date=21 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221122451/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.long-read-the-constant-evolution-behind-hamiltons-greatness.6CptiTarBKWmhjKBVCPZ5o.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-real-differences-hamilton-vs-senna-vs-schumacher-vs-alonso/|title=The real differences: Hamilton vs Senna vs Schumacher vs Alonso|date=9 September 2015|work=motorsport.com|access-date=9 August 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=11 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911040313/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-real-differences-hamilton-vs-senna-vs-schumacher-vs-alonso/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Paddy Lowe]], previously the engineering director for McLaren, described how Hamilton is comfortable with levels of rear instability that most other drivers would find intolerable.<ref name="f1 evolution"/> This aggressive driving style struggled to mesh with the characteristics of Formula One's current ground effect cars, primarily causing rear-end instability, hindered his qualifying performances during this period.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/lewis-hamilton-f1-ground-effect-cars-driving-style-clash/|title=What Hamilton hates about driving F1's current cars|date=16 August 2024|work=The Race|access-date=7 December 2024|archive-date=16 August 2024|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240816130815/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/lewis-hamilton-f1-ground-effect-cars-driving-style-clash/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BBC24">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/crk4gnzgv3no|title=A bittersweet ending but the achievements remain indelible|date=4 December 2024|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 December 2024|archive-date=4 December 2024|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241204180029/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/crk4gnzgv3no|url-status=live}}</ref>

Hamilton has also been praised for his ability to adapt to variances in the car set-up and changing track conditions; throughout his career, he has typically used less fuel than his teammates as a result of his ability to carry momentum through corners despite instability in the car.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12430/9559490/|title=Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: A subtle difference in driving style|work=Formula One|access-date=9 August 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=10 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810013855/http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12430/9559490|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Pedro de la Rosa]], a former test driver for McLaren who worked with Hamilton and Alonso, rated the pair as the best he had seen first hand, stating that they shared a strength in terms of "how much speed they can run into the apex [of a corner] and still have a decent exit speed", highlighting in particular their ability to maintain this speed when their rear tyres have lost grip during a longer stint.<ref name="benson" />

Hamilton is regarded as one of the best wet-weather drivers in the sport, with some of his best performances occurring in those conditions. In the [[2008 British Grand Prix]], Hamilton bested second-place [[Nick Heidfeld]] by over a minute, the largest margin of victory recorded since the [[1995 Australian Grand Prix]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bailiwickexpress.com/jsy/life/sport-xtra/lewis-hamiltons-9-most-memorable-races-ever-he-wins-his-third-f1-championship-title/|title=Lewis Hamilton most memorable races|date=2016|work=Bailiwick Express|access-date=9 August 2017|language=en-GB|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810012036/https://www.bailiwickexpress.com/jsy/life/sport-xtra/lewis-hamiltons-9-most-memorable-races-ever-he-wins-his-third-f1-championship-title/|archive-date=10 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.grandprix.com/race/r794racereport.html|title=Lewis shows his class|date=2008|work=grandprix.com|access-date=9 August 2017|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401223304/http://www.grandprix.com/race/r794racereport.html|archive-date=1 April 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> During the turbo-hybrid era, Hamilton remained unbeaten in every race affected by wet weather from the [[2014 Japanese Grand Prix]] up to the [[2019 German Grand Prix]], where his almost five-year streak was broken by [[Max Verstappen]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Horton |first1=Phillip |title=FORMULA 1 Remember when ... Lewis Hamilton last missed a wet weather F1 win |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/21255 |website=motorsportweek.com |publisher=Motorsport Week |access-date=4 August 2019 |archive-date=4 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804221058/https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/21255 |url-status=dead }}</ref> His wet weather drive at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix where he clinched his seventh world title was widely acclaimed, with [[Joe Saward]] describing it as "one of his greatest performances".<ref name="Saward 2020"/> Despite only qualifying sixth for the race after Mercedes struggled with tyre temperatures and a track that lacked grip after being recently resurfaced, during the race he gambled on a one-stop strategy in mixed conditions whilst his rivals chose to change their tyres for a second time, enabling him to take the lead and win by over 30 seconds. His performance was contrasted with that of his team-mate Bottas, who spun four times and finished a lap down in 14th place.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/nov/15/lewis-hamilton-wins-turkish-gp-to-clinch-record-equalling-seventh-f1-world-title-michael-schumacher |title=Lewis Hamilton wins Turkish GP to clinch record-equalling seventh F1 title |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=15 November 2020 |website=[[theguardian.com]] |access-date=9 May 2021 |archive-date=15 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115120238/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/nov/15/lewis-hamilton-wins-turkish-gp-to-clinch-record-equalling-seventh-f1-world-title-michael-schumacher/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/lewis-hamilton-turkish-grand-prix-result-f1-b1723200.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/lewis-hamilton-turkish-grand-prix-result-f1-b1723200.html |archive-date=14 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Turkish Grand Prix result: Lewis Hamilton wins seventh F1 world title |last=Duncan |first=Philip |date=15 November 2020 |website=[[independent.co.uk]]|access-date=9 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/formula-one/lewis-hamilton-f1-champion-turkey-gp-2020-standout-moment-b458265.html |title=My sporting moment of 2020: Lewis Hamilton's Turkish GP triumph was the mark of a true champion |last=Majendie |first=Matt |date=30 December 2020 |website=[[standard.co.uk]] |access-date=9 May 2021 |archive-date=9 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509104533/https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/formula-one/lewis-hamilton-f1-champion-turkey-gp-2020-standout-moment-b458265.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Hamilton cited the race as his "stand-out" performance of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-turkish-gp-my-stand-out-performance-of-f1-2020/4932498/ |title=Hamilton: Turkish GP my 'stand-out performance' of F1 2020 |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=29 December 2020 |website=[[Motorsport.com]] |access-date=9 May 2021 |archive-date=9 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509103026/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-turkish-gp-my-stand-out-performance-of-f1-2020/4932498/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Ayrton Senna]] was a major influence on Hamilton's driving style, recalling: "I think it's partly because I watched [him] when I was young and I thought 'this is how I want to drive when I get the opportunity' and I went out there and tried it on the kart track. My whole approach to racing has developed from there."<ref name="auto6">{{Cite web|url=http://www.lewishamilton.com/post/senna-hero/#QjmYrMIcoYJOA1pb.97|title=Senna – The genuine hero|access-date=9 August 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=17 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817163231/http://www.lewishamilton.com/post/senna-hero/#QjmYrMIcoYJOA1pb.97|url-status=dead}}</ref> He has been compared to Senna in raw speed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/130130|title=Lewis Hamilton has Ayrton Senna's speed but not ruthlessness|date=14 June 2017|work=Autosport|access-date=9 August 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=10 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810050831/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/130130|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2010, Hamilton drove Senna's original title-winning [[McLaren MP4/4]] as part of a tribute documentary by the BBC motoring show ''[[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]]''. In the documentary, along with fellow racing drivers, he named Senna as the number one driver ever.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1695114/plotsummary?ref_=tt_ov_pl|title=Top Gear: Episode #15.5 (2010) Summary|website=[[IMDb]]|access-date=21 May 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170919/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1695114/plotsummary?ref_=tt_ov_pl|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/motorsport/here-are-f1-legend-ayrton-sennas-top-ten-defining-moments#1|title=Ayrton Senna's top ten defining moments|access-date=21 May 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=22 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522041636/https://www.topgear.com/car-news/motorsport/here-are-f1-legend-ayrton-sennas-top-ten-defining-moments#1|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Earlier in his career, Hamilton was criticised for being hot-headed at times, as demonstrated when he was disqualified in Imola in the [[GP2 Series]] for overtaking the safety car, something he went on to repeat four years later in Formula One at the [[2010 European Grand Prix]] in Valencia.<ref name="auto7">{{Cite news|url=http://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/lewis-hamilton-racer-mercedes-comfortable-in-own-fame-will-buxton/|title=The Complete Driver|work=NBC Sports|access-date=9 August 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=10 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810012647/http://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/lewis-hamilton-racer-mercedes-comfortable-in-own-fame-will-buxton/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following his move to Mercedes, Hamilton was credited with demonstrating greater maturity, while maintaining his ruthlessness and aggression. The official Formula One website describes him as "invariably a fierce but fair fighter".<ref name="halloffame"/>

Hamilton has been described as the best driver of his generation,<ref name="Coulthard 2015"/><ref name="Gregory 2016"/><ref name="Saward 2020"/> and one of the greatest Formula One drivers<ref name="BBC 2018"/><ref name="Maltby 2018"/><ref name="Comfortably">{{cite news |last=Nicholls |first=Jack |date=3 November 2018|title=Lewis Hamilton is comfortably one of the greatest racing drivers the world has ever seen |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/formula1/46076323 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=14 November 2018 |archive-date=12 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112061628/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/formula1/46076323 |url-status=live }}</ref> including by [[Chase Carey]] and [[Martin Brundle]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lewin|first=Andrew|date=6 November 2019|title=Hamilton 'one of the greatest of all time', declares Brundle|url=https://f1i.com/news/361058-hamilton-one-of-the-greatest-of-all-time-declares-brundle.html|access-date=15 January 2021|website=F1i.com|language=en|archive-date=6 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306180550/https://f1i.com/news/361058-hamilton-one-of-the-greatest-of-all-time-declares-brundle.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=20 December 2019|title=Carey: Drivers are our heroes, Lewis among the greatest|url=https://www.grandprix247.com/2019/12/20/carey-drivers-are-our-heroes-lewis-among-the-greatest/|access-date=14 January 2021|website=GRAND PRIX 247|language=en-US|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121043202/https://www.grandprix247.com/2019/12/20/carey-drivers-are-our-heroes-lewis-among-the-greatest/|url-status=live}}</ref> Several Formula One drivers and experts have described Hamilton as the greatest Formula One driver of all time.{{refn|group=note|These include former-Jordan team boss [[Eddie Jordan]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=McCague|first=Niall|date=27 November 2019|title=Lewis Hamilton has already surpassed Michael Schumacher as greatest of all time, says Eddie Jordan|url=https://sport360.com/article/motorsport/339306/lewis-hamilton-has-already-surpassed-michael-schumacher-as-greatest-of-all-time-says-eddie-jordan|access-date=14 January 2021|website=sport360.com|language=en-US|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121054156/https://sport360.com/article/motorsport/339306/lewis-hamilton-has-already-surpassed-michael-schumacher-as-greatest-of-all-time-says-eddie-jordan|url-status=live}}</ref> and Mercedes team boss [[Toto Wolff]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hamilton is 'just the best that there has ever been'|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-lewis-hamilton-best-ever|access-date=18 February 2024|website=planetf1.com|date=28 September 2021 |language=en-US|archive-date=10 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010001600/https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-lewis-hamilton-best-ever/|url-status=live}}</ref> ex-drivers [[Eddie Irvine]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=Frontstretch|date=30 November 2019|title='Lewis Hamilton's the Best Racer That's Ever Been:' Eddie Irvine Speaks Out|url=https://www.frontstretch.com/2019/11/30/lewis-hamiltons-the-best-racer-thats-ever-been-eddie-irvine-speaks-out/|access-date=14 January 2021|website=Frontstretch|language=en-US|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120230731/https://www.frontstretch.com/2019/11/30/lewis-hamiltons-the-best-racer-thats-ever-been-eddie-irvine-speaks-out/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Johnny Herbert]],<ref name="auto2" /> [[Niki Lauda]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lauda labels Hamilton as "the greatest driver ever"|url=https://www.gptoday.net/en/news/f1/231870/lauda-labels-hamilton-as-the-the-greatest-driver-ever#:~:text=Speaking%20to%20the%20Daily%20Mail,Focused.|access-date=18 February 2024|website=gptoday.net|language=en-US|archive-date=28 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728113023/https://www.gptoday.net/en/news/f1/231870/lauda-labels-hamilton-as-the-the-greatest-driver-ever|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Damon Hill]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=15 November 2020|title=Damon Hill hails 'best of all time' Lewis Hamilton|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/damon-hill-hails-best-time-145937687.html|access-date=14 January 2021|website=uk.news.yahoo.com|language=en-GB|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121034522/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/damon-hill-hails-best-time-145937687.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[David Coulthard]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Adedokun|first=Naomi|date=30 November 2020|title=Lewis Hamilton is 'the greatest' because he 'doesn't have Schumacher's ruthlessness!'|url=https://todaynewspost.com/sports-news/lewis-hamilton-is-the-greatest-because-he-doesnt-have-schumachers-ruthlessness/|access-date=15 January 2021|website=Express.co.uk|language=en|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120134124/https://todaynewspost.com/sports-news/lewis-hamilton-is-the-greatest-because-he-doesnt-have-schumachers-ruthlessness/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[John Watson (racing driver)|John Watson]],<ref name="watsonj"/> rivals [[Nico Rosberg]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rosberg: 'Talent-wise, Hamilton the best of all-time'

|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/nico-rosberg-lewis-hamilton-best-f1-talent|website=planetf1.com|date=18 October 2021 |language=en-US|archive-date=18 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018133719/https://www.planetf1.com/news/nico-rosberg-lewis-hamilton-best-f1-talent/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sebastian Vettel]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vettel names his GOAT after stating Hamilton and Verstappen as 'incomparable'|url=https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1003826/sebastian-vettel-f1-lewis-hamilton-max-verstappen-goat-sky-sports-interview/|access-date=18 February 2024|website=gpfans.com|date=16 September 2023 |language=en-US|archive-date=18 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218172715/https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1003826/sebastian-vettel-f1-lewis-hamilton-max-verstappen-goat-sky-sports-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Max Verstappen]],<ref>{{Cite AV media|title=CarNext presents: Keeping Up with the Verstappens, ft. David Coulthard – The Day After in Abu Dhabi

|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0AQf_eJ8ug|language=en-US|archive-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223121946/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0AQf_eJ8ug|url-status=live}}</ref> Formula E driver [[Sam Bird]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pringle|first=Ben|date=22 November 2019|title=Lewis Hamilton 'greatest ever' F1 driver ahead of Michael Schumacher – Sam Bird|url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1206398/Lewis-Hamilton-Sam-Bird-Mercedes-greatest-ever-F1-driver-Michael-Schumacher|access-date=14 January 2021|website=Express.co.uk|language=en|archive-date=13 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113045924/https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1206398/Lewis-Hamilton-Sam-Bird-Mercedes-greatest-ever-F1-driver-Michael-Schumacher|url-status=live}}</ref> and ex-commentator [[Murray Walker]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smart|first=Ryan|date=6 August 2020|title='Lewis Hamilton is the greatest F1 driver in history because he's a clean racer' Murray Walker|url=https://www.givemesport.com/1589452-lewis-hamilton-is-the-greatest-formula-1-driver-of-all-time-says-murray-walker|access-date=14 January 2021|website=GiveMeSport|language=en-GB|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120234612/https://www.givemesport.com/1589452-lewis-hamilton-is-the-greatest-formula-1-driver-of-all-time-says-murray-walker|url-status=live}}</ref>}} Writing in [[Autocar (magazine)|''Autocar'']], Jim Holden suggested Hamilton might not only be among the greatest British drivers in Formula One but one of the greatest British sportsmen.<ref name="autocarjim"/> Despite receiving plaudits from experts and fans in and out of the sport, Hamilton has been a divisive figure in the eyes of the general public, with some journalists arguing his exploits on the track have been underappreciated.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nicholls |first=Jack |date=3 November 2018 |title='Hamilton just has the best car, doesn't he?' |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/formula1/46076323 |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217121830/https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/formula1/46076323 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="totobest" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Grez |first1=Matias |title=Lewis Hamilton 'could go on until he's 40,' says dad Anthony |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/04/motorsport/lewis-hamilton-sixth-formula-one-title-greatest-ever-spt-intl/index.html |access-date=5 November 2019 |work=edition.cnn.com |agency=CNN |publisher=CNN Sport |date=4 November 2019 |archive-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105034304/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/04/motorsport/lewis-hamilton-sixth-formula-one-title-greatest-ever-spt-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Holden has suggested that racial bias may have contributed towards Hamilton's perceived lack of popularity relative to his achievements, with Hamilton's race and physical appearance – being mixed-race and often seen sporting earrings, dreadlocks[[Braid (hairstyle)|braids]] and designer clothing – alienating some of the sport's traditional white, elderly male fanbase.<ref name="autocarjim">{{cite news |last1=Holder |first1=Jim |title=Is Lewis Hamilton the greatest British sportsman of all time? |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/opinion/motorsport/lewis-hamilton-greatest-british-sportsman-all-time |access-date=5 November 2019 |work=autocar.co.uk |publisher=Autocar |date=4 November 2019 |archive-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105195555/https://www.autocar.co.uk/opinion/motorsport/lewis-hamilton-greatest-british-sportsman-all-time |url-status=live }}</ref> Others have attributed his lack of appreciation to the perceived predictability of results during the turbo-hybrid era, likening his period of dominance to that of Schumacher in the early 2000s, and to tennis players [[Steffi Graf]] and [[Martina Navratilova]], all of whom became more appreciated in the latter part of their careers.<ref name="autocarjim" /><ref name="powellchampion" />

Figures in the sport, such as [[Emerson Fittipaldi]] and [[Christian Horner]], have voiced their support for Hamilton's ability to connect with fans, while [[Bernie Ecclestone]] frequently commented on his admiration of Hamilton's ability to promote the sport, observing how he is happy to engage with fans, unlike some of his peers.<ref name="fittipaldi">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/30/lewis-hamilton-formula-one-emerson-fittipaldi|title=Lewis Hamilton is a great example for the other F1 drivers, says Emerson Fittipaldi|work=The Guardian|date=30 October 2016|access-date=9 April 2017|archive-date=28 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328181217/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/30/lewis-hamilton-formula-one-emerson-fittipaldi|url-status=live}}</ref> Since Hamilton's rookie season in 2007, Formula One's annual global revenue rose by 53%, to $1.83&nbsp;billion as of 31 July 2016.<ref name="Gregory 2016"/> In 2019, ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'' sports journalist Luke Slater went as far as to argue that "[t]here have been few better representatives of the sport than Hamilton ... [both] on and off the track."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Slater |first1=Luke |title=After a sixth world title, should Lewis Hamilton be considered greater than seven-time winner Michael Schumacher? |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2019/11/05/sixth-world-title-should-lewis-hamilton-considered-greater-seven/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2019/11/05/sixth-world-title-should-lewis-hamilton-considered-greater-seven/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |website=telegraph.co.uk |publisher=The Telegraph |access-date=9 November 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Following Hamilton's knighthood in 2020,<ref>{{cite news |title=Speedy Sir: Lewis Hamilton knighted in year-end royal honours |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/speedy-sir-lewis-hamilton-knighted-in-year-end-royal-honours/story-4TnbLvNEXtfRkfOCJjgGCN.html |access-date=6 January 2021 |work=Hindustan Times |date=31 December 2020 |language=en |archive-date=5 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105223439/https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/speedy-sir-lewis-hamilton-knighted-in-year-end-royal-honours/story-4TnbLvNEXtfRkfOCJjgGCN.html |url-status=live }}</ref> newly appointed Formula One CEO [[Stefano Domenicali]] said that Hamilton is "a true giant of our sport" and that "his influence is huge both in and out of a car".<ref>{{cite web |title=Arise Sir Lewis! Hamilton to be awarded knighthood after historic seventh world title |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.arise-sir-lewis-hamilton-to-be-awarded-knighthood-after-historic-seventh.2oKynH8fOmJytSk8mOo0o9.html |website=formula1.com |publisher=FIA Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=2 January 2021 |date=30 December 2020 |archive-date=30 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230233848/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.arise-sir-lewis-hamilton-to-be-awarded-knighthood-after-historic-seventh.2oKynH8fOmJytSk8mOo0o9.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

After Hamilton clinched his second and third World Championship titles with Mercedes in 2014 and 2015, [[David Coulthard]] declared Hamilton the best driver of his generation, calling him "the Ayrton Senna of his era",.<ref name="Coulthard 2015"/> an opinion which was widely accepted among the public, experts, and fellow and former drivers.<ref name="Gregory 2016"/> As Hamilton became more widely considered the best driver of his era, public and expert debate moved from his status in modern Formula One to his status among the greatest drivers in history.<ref name="auto10"/> The next few seasons saw Hamilton eclipse a number of records, including achieving the most all-time pole positions ahead of [[Michael Schumacher]], leading him to be regarded by some as the greatest qualifier in history.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Barretto|first1=Tremayne|last2=Lawrence|first2=David |title=THE DEBATE: Should Hamilton now be considered the greatest of all time? |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-debate-should-hamilton-now-be-considered-the-greatest-of-all-time.6P9M9FINCEqYOSEumUqqIS.html |website=formula1.com |publisher=Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091810/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-debate-should-hamilton-now-be-considered-the-greatest-of-all-time.6P9M9FINCEqYOSEumUqqIS.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=12 October 2017|title=The reason why Hamilton is the best qualifier in F1 history|url=https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/10/12/the-reason-why-hamilton-is-the-best-qualifier-in-f1-history/|access-date=14 January 2021|website=GRAND PRIX 247|language=en-US|archive-date=16 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116110007/https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/10/12/the-reason-why-hamilton-is-the-best-qualifier-in-f1-history/|url-status=live}}</ref> After winning his fourth and fifth world titles, Hamilton's place among the greats of the sport became firmly established in the opinions of experts, rivals, and teammates alike,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Richards|first=Giles|date=29 October 2017|title=Why Lewis Hamilton has secured his place among the greatest F1 drivers {{!}} Giles Richards|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2017/oct/29/lewis-hamilton-greatest-f1-drivers-damon-hill|access-date=14 January 2021|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=15 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115205621/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2017/oct/29/lewis-hamilton-greatest-f1-drivers-damon-hill|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Hamilton is champion once more and will now rightly be considered one of the greatest drivers of all time. |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-crowned-2018-world-champion-in-mexico.5dcaVjEZK0m2IEqW666GE4.html |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=28 October 2018 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116193535/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-crowned-2018-world-champion-in-mexico.5dcaVjEZK0m2IEqW666GE4.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Horton |first=Phillip |title=Champion Hamilton proves his greatness |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/20506 |website=Motorsport Week |access-date=28 October 2018 |archive-date=29 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029030948/https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/20506 |url-status=dead }}</ref> including among others [[Fernando Alonso]], [[Carlos Sainz Jr.]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 October 2018|title=Hamilton among F1's greatest drivers – Carlos Sainz|url=https://www.news24.com/wheels/FormulaOne/hamilton-among-f1s-greatest-drivers-carlos-sainz-20181019|access-date=14 January 2021|website=Wheels|language=en-US|archive-date=15 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115213901/https://www.news24.com/wheels/FormulaOne/hamilton-among-f1s-greatest-drivers-carlos-sainz-20181019|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Felipe Massa]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 November 2017|title=Hamilton just as good as Senna, Schumacher – Massa|url=https://www.news24.com/wheels/FormulaOne/hamilton-just-as-good-as-senna-schumacher-massa-20171109|access-date=14 January 2021|website=Wheels|language=en-US|archive-date=17 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117183116/https://www.news24.com/wheels/FormulaOne/hamilton-just-as-good-as-senna-schumacher-massa-20171109|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gerhard Berger]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=24 April 2019|title=Hamilton the only F1 driver to reach same level as Senna – Berger|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142910/hamilton-the-only-driver-on-senna-level--berger|access-date=14 January 2021|website=Autosport.com|language=en|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121041429/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142910/hamilton-the-only-driver-on-senna-level--berger|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Ross Brawn]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Thorn|first=Dan|date=3 November 2017|title=Lewis Hamilton Is One of the All-Time Great F1 Drivers According To Ross Brawn|url=https://wtf1.com/post/lewis-hamilton-is-one-of-the-all-time-great-f1-drivers-according-to-ross-brawn/|access-date=15 January 2021|website=WTF1|language=en-US|archive-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307005725/https://wtf1.com/post/lewis-hamilton-is-one-of-the-all-time-great-f1-drivers-according-to-ross-brawn/|url-status=live}}</ref> Some journalists and pundits also consider the possibility of Hamilton being the greatest Formula One driver of all time.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Barretto|first1=Lawrence|last2=Tremayne|first2=David|title=THE DEBATE: Should Hamilton now be considered the greatest of all time?|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-debate-should-hamilton-now-be-considered-the-greatest-of-all-time.6P9M9FINCEqYOSEumUqqIS.html|website=formula1.com|publisher=Formula One World Championship Limited|access-date=3 November 2018|archive-date=3 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091810/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-debate-should-hamilton-now-be-considered-the-greatest-of-all-time.6P9M9FINCEqYOSEumUqqIS.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Edmondson |first1=Laurence |title=Is Lewis Hamilton F1's G.O.A.T.? |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/25117730/is-lewis-hamilton-f1-goat |website=Espn.co.uk |date=29 October 2018 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091918/http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/25117730/is-lewis-hamilton-f1-goat |url-status=live }}</ref>

Following Hamilton clinching a sixth World Drivers' Championship title in 2019, ex-Formula One driver and pundit [[Johnny Herbert]] acclaimed Hamilton as the greatest driver ever,<ref name="auto2">{{cite news |last1=Herbert |first1=Johnny |title=Six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton is the best driver I have seen |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2019/nov/03/lewis-hamilton-f1-world-championship-michael-schumacher |access-date=5 November 2019 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=3 November 2019 |archive-date=4 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104170850/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2019/nov/03/lewis-hamilton-f1-world-championship-michael-schumacher |url-status=live }}</ref> a sentiment echoed by Wolff, who described him as "maybe the best driver that has ever existed",<ref name="totobest"/> while Formula One staff writer Greg Stuart described Hamilton as "arguably the most complete Formula [One] driver ever".<ref name="f1 debate">{{cite web |title=THE DEBATE: How much better can Lewis Hamilton get? |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.big-debate-how-much-better-can-lewis-hamilton-get.4L8xtYTmsyvJZgLfR9oosd.html |website=formula1.com |publisher=FIA Formula One World Championship Ltd |access-date=9 November 2019 |date=8 November 2019 |archive-date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108193549/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.big-debate-how-much-better-can-lewis-hamilton-get.4L8xtYTmsyvJZgLfR9oosd.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After Hamilton won his seventh title in 2020, [[John Watson (racing driver)|John Watson]] stated that Hamilton "is, by a million miles, the greatest driver of his generation and you can argue he will go on to be the greatest Formula One driver of all time", and highlighted his fearlessness as being key to his success, as evidenced by his performance against double world champion team-mate Alonso in his rookie season and his decision to leave McLaren for Mercedes.<ref name="watsonj">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/nov/16/lewis-hamilton-bravery-aged-10-extraordinary-f1-background |title=Lewis Hamilton's bravery stood out at 10 – what he has done since is extraordinary |last=Watson |first=John |author-link=John Watson (racing driver) |date=16 November 2020 |website=[[theguardian.com]] |access-date=16 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116131150/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/nov/16/lewis-hamilton-bravery-aged-10-extraordinary-f1-background |url-status=live }}</ref> Herbert compared Hamilton to tennis player [[Roger Federer]] and golfer [[Tiger Woods]].<ref>{{Cite news|title= 'Hopefully this sends a message to kids'. Lewis Hamilton wants F1 feats to inspire |url= https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/nov/15/lewis-hamilton-hopes-his-f1-success-can-be-inspiration-to-children |work= [[The Guardian]] |date= 15 November 2020 |access-date= 5 April 2021 |url-status= live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117064135/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/nov/15/lewis-hamilton-hopes-his-f1-success-can-be-inspiration-to-children|archive-date=17 November 2020|last= Richards |first= Giles}}</ref>

[[File:Hamilton helmet 2007.jpg|thumb|upright|Hamilton's 2007 helmet for McLaren]]

From a young age, Hamilton's helmet throughout his karting years was predominantly yellow with blue, green and red ribbons. In later years, a white ring was added and the ribbons were moved forward to make room for logos and advertisement space.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hamilton's helmet|work=AsiaOne|date=23 July 2007|url=http://www.asiaone.com/Multimedia/Story/A1Multimedia20070723-844.html|access-date=2 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024084323/http://www.asiaone.com/Multimedia/Story/A1Multimedia20070723-844.html|archive-date=24 October 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Hamilton continued to run a predominantly yellow design forthroughout the early stagestages of his Formula One career, but in 2014 decided to changeswitch to a mostly white approachdesign with three red ribbons on the side.<ref name="petronashelmet">{{cite news |last1=Horton |first1=Phillip |title=Remember when ... Hamilton's Petronas helmet was banned |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/21147 |access-date=29 November 2019 |work=motorsportweek.com |publisher=Motorsport Week |date=16 January 2019 |archive-date=6 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706163037/https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/21147 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 20172016, Hamilton added three stars beneath the ribbons, representing each of his World Drivers' Championships. Hamilton selected his helmet design from fan submissions. in 2017;<ref>{{cite news|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|url=http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-asks-fans-to-design-2017-f1-helmet-868803/|title=Hamilton asks fans to design 2017 F1 helmet|work=motorsport.com|access-date=27 January 2017|archive-date=27 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127115031/http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-asks-fans-to-design-2017-f1-helmet-868803/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Thethe winning design used a white and yellow base colour with red and orange details, and the addition of three stars, one for each of Hamilton's three Formula One championships at that time, on either side.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/128210/hamilton-reveals-winning-2017-helmet-design|title=Lewis Hamilton reveals F1 2017 helmet competition design winner|work=Autosport|last=Mitchell|first=Scott|access-date=22 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107004746/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/128210/hamilton-reveals-winning-2017-helmet-design|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Over the following seasons, Hamilton continuedbegan toa tradition of addadding more stars to his helmet onupon winning furthereach World Championship titlestitle.<ref name="Grand Prix 24/7">{{cite web |title=HAMILTON TO USE GOLD HELMET FOR ABU DHABI SEASON FINALE |url=https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/11/23/hamilton-reveals-gold-helmet-for-abu-dhabi-season-finale/ |website=grandprix247.com |date=23 November 2018 |publisher=Grand Prix 24/7 |access-date=19 December 2018 |archive-date=23 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123143111/https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/11/23/hamilton-reveals-gold-helmet-for-abu-dhabi-season-finale/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Having switched back to a 2014-inspired white-and-red design in 2018,<ref>{{cite web |title=Hamilton reveals he spent hours editing car livery; adds on Apple docu |url=https://formularapida.net/en/hamilton-reveals-he-spent-hours-editing-helmet-livery-adds-on-apple-docu/|date=22 March 2024 |publisher=Formula Rapida |access-date=7 December 2024 |archive-date=7 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207105710/https://formularapida.net/en/hamilton-reveals-he-spent-hours-editing-helmet-livery-adds-on-apple-docu/|url-status=live }}</ref> Hamilton opted a different colour palette in 2020, which used matte black as base colour with purple details; he later added a [[Black Lives Matter]] emblem to the lid, in support of the movement.<ref>{{Citation |title=Revealed! Lewis' 2020 F1 Helmet! | date=2 July 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrKLqCMSklc |access-date=26 March 2023 |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326183003/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrKLqCMSklc |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2022, Hamilton moved to a fluorescent yellow design, retaining the purple details and championship stars.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Walsh |first1=Fergal |title=Hamilton returns to yellow helmet design for 2022 F1 season |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/03/18/hamilton-returns-to-yellow-helmet-design-for-2022-f1-season/ |website=motorsportweek.com |publisher=Motorsport Week |access-date=19 March 2022 |date=17 March 2022 |archive-date=18 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318115222/https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/03/18/hamilton-returns-to-yellow-helmet-design-for-2022-f1-season/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Lewis Hamilton 2013 helmet 2017 Museo Fernando Alonso.jpg|thumb|upright|Hamilton's first Mercedes helmet in 2013, featuring colour ribbons moved forward.|left]]

Hamilton has wornused specially designedseveral one-off helmetshelmet fordesigns several weekends throughoutacross his career. At the [[2010 Monaco Grand Prix]], he sported an altered helmet design with the addition of a roulette wheel image on the top.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://f1chronicles.com/2010/05/13/mclarens-lewis-hamilton-looks-to-repeat-monaco-2008-with-new-helmet/|title=McLaren's Lewis Hamilton looks to repeat Monaco 2008 with new Helmet|publisher=F1 Chronicles|date=13 May 2010|access-date=31 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100518141459/http://f1chronicles.com/2010/05/13/mclarens-lewis-hamilton-looks-to-repeat-monaco-2008-with-new-helmet/|archive-date=18 May 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>year At the [[2015 Malaysian Grand Prix]], Hamilton brought with him a striking blue-and-green design in honour of team sponsor Petronas but was prevented from using the helmet by the FIAcareer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 March 2015 |title=Lewis Hamilton notsported allowedgold tohelmets wearfor newseason helmet at Malaysia GP |url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/27/lewis-hamilton-new-helmet-malaysia-gp |access-date=26 April 2022 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=3 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503143656/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/27/lewis-hamilton-new-helmet-malaysia-gp |url-status=live }}</ref> Hamilton has sported gold coloured helmetsfinales three times in his career. After winning his fourth title in 2017, he entered the [[2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix]] in a gold helmet with four stars adorning the top of the helmet with the words ''"World Champion''".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/883807/Lewis-Hamilton-Formula-One-world-champion-Abu-Dhabi-Grand-Prix-helmet|title=Lewis Hamilton: Formula One world champion unveils GOLD helmet for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix|work=The Express|access-date=11 May 2018|archive-date=12 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512044307/https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/883807/Lewis-Hamilton-Formula-One-world-champion-Abu-Dhabi-Grand-Prix-helmet|url-status=live}}</ref> HamiltonHe woreused asimilar golddesigns helmet at thein [[2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix|2018]] afterand sealing[[2019 hisAbu fifthDhabi worldGrand title, towards which he made referencePrix|2019]] with five starsand onsix eitherstars, side of the design,respectively.<ref name="Grand Prix 24/7"/> and did so again at the [[2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix]], this time with six stars following his sixth World Championship title.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Benson |first1=Andrew |title=Lewis Hamilton takes dominant Abu Dhabi pole position |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/50614929 |access-date=1 December 2019 |work=bbc.co.uk |agency=BBC |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 November 2019 |archive-date=30 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130195113/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/50614929 |url-status=live }}</ref> This practice altered in [[2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix|2020]], when Hamilton wore his base helmet with gold outlines and accents, instead of a full gold design.

As a result of the events over the 2007 season, the relationship between Hamilton and Alonso reportedly collapsed, with the pair not on speaking terms for a short period.<ref name="Hamilton calls for truce">{{cite news|title=Hamilton calls for truce and targets the bigger battles ahead|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/aug/25/motorsports.sport|work=The Guardian|date=25 August 2007|access-date=25 August 2007|location=London|first=Richard|last=Williams|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022070930/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/aug/25/motorsports.sport|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Alonso is ignoring me&nbsp;– Hamilton|work=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6932653.stm|date=6 August 2007|access-date=17 August 2010|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309164431/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6932653.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> In the aftermath it was reported that Hamilton had been targeted by [[Luca di Montezemolo]] regarding a [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]] drive for {{F1|2008}}.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Cooper|first=Steve|date=August 2007|title=McLaren dream team turns into nightmare|magazine=Autosport|volume=189|issue=6|pages=6–8}}</ref> The rivalry between the pair led to speculation that either Hamilton or Alonso would leave McLaren at the end of the season;<ref>{{cite news|title=The future of Fernando Alonso|publisher=grandprix.com|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns19511.html|date=6 August 2007|access-date=12 September 2007|archive-date=30 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430210153/http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns19511.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Alonso cool on future at McLaren|publisher=BBC|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6932307.stm|date=5 August 2007|access-date=13 September 2007|archive-date=26 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026194316/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6932307.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Million dollar babies|first=Eddie|last=Irvine|author-link=Eddie Irvine|work=[[Virgin Media]]|publisher=[[Virgin Group]]|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/sport/motorsport/formula1/features/eddie-irvine-12.php|date=8 August 2007|access-date=17 August 2010|archive-date=1 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901133511/http://www.virginmedia.com/sport/motorsport/formula1/features/eddie-irvine-12.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Alonso and McLaren terminated their contract by mutual consent in November that year, ending his and Hamilton's time as teammates.<ref>{{cite news|titlename=Alonso secures exit from McLaren|publisher=BBC|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7074737.stm|date=2 November 2007|access-date=2 November 2007|first=Andrew|last=Benson|archive-date=4 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071104063623/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7074737.stm|url-status=live}}<"ALO07"/ref> In subsequent years, tensions between the pair dissipated, and the mutual respect has grown,<ref>{{cite web |title=Hamilton 'grateful' for congratulatory text message from old foe Alonso |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-grateful-for-congratulatory-text-message-from-old-foe-alonso.720QjqnoDl3rxVUslApjb4.html |website=formula1.com |publisher=FIA Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=15 November 2019 |archive-date=14 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114204436/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-grateful-for-congratulatory-text-message-from-old-foe-alonso.720QjqnoDl3rxVUslApjb4.html |url-status=live }}</ref> with Alonso praising Hamilton in 2017 saying "[Hamilton] was able to win with a dominant car, with a good car like 2010 or 2012, or with bad cars like 2009 and 2011. Not all the champions can say that."<ref name="BBC 2017"/> Alonso later described Hamilton as one of the top five greatest drivers of all time.<ref name="BBC 2018"/> On the cool-down lap after Alonso's final race before his two-year hiatus in 2018, Hamilton joined Sebastian Vettel in paying tribute to Alonso by driving, each on one side, in a formation to the start-finish straight where all three executed donuts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://formulaspy.com/formula-1/alonso-grateful-for-hamilton-vettel-gesture-57716|title=Alonso "grateful" for Hamilton & Vettel gesture|date=25 November 2018|website=formulaspy.com|access-date=3 December 2018|archive-date=2 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202202727/https://formulaspy.com/formula-1/alonso-grateful-for-hamilton-vettel-gesture-57716|url-status=live}}</ref>

In their time together asWhilst teammates, Hamilton and Alonso won 8eight of 17 races inheld. theBoth 2007drivers Formulaachieved Onefour season.victories Hamilton had 4 victories,and 12 podium finishes, andwhilst qualifiedHamilton ahead ofoutqualified Alonso 10 times. Alonso also had 4 victories, 12 podium finishes but qualified ahead of Hamilton only 717 times. At the end of their season as teammates, the pair were tied on 109 points, with Hamilton placing second and Alonso third in the World Drivers' Championship by virtue of Hamilton having more second-place finishes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Teammate – Fernando ALONSO |url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/lewis-hamilton/coequipier-detail.aspx?p1=1484&p2=757 |website=statsf1.com |publisher=Stats F1 |access-date=31 July 2019 |archive-date=13 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613113708/https://www.statsf1.com/en/lewis-hamilton/coequipier-detail.aspx?p1=1484&p2=757 |url-status=live }}</ref>

When Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013, he was paired alongside old karting teammate and friend [[Nico Rosberg]]. Over their four seasons as teammates, a period of Mercedes dominance in Formula One, the pair's relationship became strained and, at times, led to volatile confrontations on and off the track.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/16758147/a-line-lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg-rivalry|title=Lewis Hamilton-Nico Rosberg rivalry: A timeline|last=Saunders|first=Nate|date=5 July 2016|work=ESPN|access-date=10 August 2017|archive-date=5 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705132511/http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/16758147/a-line-lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg-rivalry|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton and Rosberg were first teammates in 2000, when they were in karting.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Oliver |date=30 November 2016 |title=Nico Rosberg: Taking title from Lewis Hamilton is a phenomenal feeling |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2016/11/27/nico-rosberg-hope-dont-experience-time-soon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623124054/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2016/11/27/nico-rosberg-hope-dont-experience-time-soon/ |archive-date=23 June 2023 |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235 }}</ref> They raced for Mercedes Benz McLaren in Formula A, where Hamilton became European champion, with Rosberg not far behind. [[Robert Kubica]], who raced with them before Formula One, recalled how they were competitive both on and off the track, saying that "they would even have races to eat pizza, always eating two at a time."<ref name="auto11">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/25/lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg-friendship-rivalries#img-1|title=Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: how friendship turned to fiercest of rivalries|last=Weaver|first=Paul|date=25 November 2016|work=The Guardian|access-date=10 August 2017|archive-date=26 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126090616/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/25/lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg-friendship-rivalries#img-1|url-status=live}}</ref> Sports journalist Paul Weaver contrasts their upbringings;<ref name="auto11"/> Rosberg, an only child, was born in Germany but brought up in Monaco and was the son of a wealthy former Formula One world champion, [[Keke Rosberg]], whereas Hamilton was born on a [[council estate]] in Stevenage, and his father had to work multiple jobs to fund his son's junior racing.<ref name=observer/>

In their time together as teammates, Hamilton and Rosberg won 54 of 78 races over four seasons. Hamilton had 32 victories, 55 podium finishes, and qualified ahead of Rosberg 42 times, while Rosberg had 22 victories, 50 podium finishes, and qualified ahead of Hamilton 36 times. During this period, Hamilton won two World Championship titles to Rosberg's one, and scored more points in three out of their four seasons together.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dailyautosport.com/f1/2016/12/lewis-hamilton-vs-nico-rosberg-statistics-of-the-confrontation-between-teammates-at-mercedes/|title=Lewis Hamilton vs Nico Rosberg: Statistics of the Confrontation Between Teammates at Mercedes|work=Daily Auto Sport|access-date=9 August 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811055158/http://dailyautosport.com/f1/2016/12/lewis-hamilton-vs-nico-rosberg-statistics-of-the-confrontation-between-teammates-at-mercedes/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Hamilton describes his rivalry with [[Sebastian Vettel]] as his favourite, believing their battles helped bring them closer together.<ref>{{cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=15 April 2021|title=Why Vettel rivalry is the favourite of Hamilton's F1 career - so far|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/975047/1/why-vettel-rivalry-favourite-hamilton-s-f1-career-so-far|access-date=17 May 2021|website=Crash|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517003114/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/975047/1/why-vettel-rivalry-favourite-hamilton-s-f1-career-so-far|url-status=live}}</ref> After three years of Mercedes's dominance from 2014 to 2016, Ferrari produced a car that was capable of fighting for the championship in 2017 and 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ferrari Year by Year - F1 Grand Prix Wins and Highlights|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/teams/Ferrari/Year_by_Year.html|access-date=25 January 2022|website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website|language=en|archive-date=7 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015738/https://www.formula1.com/en/teams/Ferrari/Year_by_Year.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=6 August 2018|title=2018 F1 car performance: Are Mercedes or Ferrari quickest?|url=https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/06/2018-f1-car-performance-mercedes-ferrari-quickest/|access-date=17 May 2021|website=RaceFans|language=en-GB|archive-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004042101/https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/06/2018-f1-car-performance-mercedes-ferrari-quickest/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Gill|first=Pete|date=10 April 2017|title=Who's fastest in F1 2017: Mercedes or Ferrari, Vettel or Hamilton?|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10832006/whos-fastest-in-f1-2017-mercedes-or-ferrari-vettel-or-hamilton|access-date=17 May 2021|website=Sky Sports|archive-date=10 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410233146/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10832006/whos-fastest-in-f1-2017-mercedes-or-ferrari-vettel-or-hamilton|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=29 August 2017|title=Vettel: I believe we have the best car|url=https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/29/vettel-i-believe-we-have-the-best-car/|access-date=17 May 2021|website=GRAND PRIX 247|archive-date=29 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829134257/https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/29/vettel-i-believe-we-have-the-best-car/|url-status=live}}</ref> Vettel, who was then driving for [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]], enjoyed an early lead on points, but Mercedes and Hamilton fought back and ultimately won the championships in both seasons. While there were some on-track flash points, most notably the [[2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix]], when Vettel accused Hamilton of [[brake check]]ing and drove into Hamilton in retaliation, earning a penalty,<ref>{{cite web|last=Wood|first=Will|date=25 June 2017|title=Vettel handed three penalty points for Hamilton clash|url=https://www.racefans.net/2017/06/25/vettel-handed-three-penalty-points-hamilton-clash/|access-date=2 June 2021|website=RaceFans|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215955/https://www.racefans.net/2017/06/25/vettel-handed-three-penalty-points-hamilton-clash/|url-status=live}}</ref> the pair developed a strong mutual respect in a hard but fairly contested fight.<ref>{{cite web|last=Galloway|first=James|date=4 December 2018|title=Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton: F1's respectful rivals|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24181/11529040/sebastian-vettel-and-lewis-hamilton-f1s-respectful-rivals|access-date=2 June 2021|website=Sky Sports|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214627/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24181/11529040/sebastian-vettel-and-lewis-hamilton-f1s-respectful-rivals|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=20 October 2018|title=Vettel acknowledges 'mutual respect' in Hamilton rivalry|url=https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsport/vettel-acknowledges-mutual-respect-in-hamilton-rivalry-20181020|access-date=2 June 2021|website=News24 Sport|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602220155/https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsport/vettel-acknowledges-mutual-respect-in-hamilton-rivalry-20181020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Galloway|first=James|date=11 December 2018|title=Lewis Hamilton: Sebastian Vettel respect higher since Baku 2017|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11347348/lewis-hamilton-sebastian-vettel-respect-higher-since-baku-2017|access-date=2 June 2021|website=Sky Sports|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602221220/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11347348/lewis-hamilton-sebastian-vettel-respect-higher-since-baku-2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, Hamilton recalled:

===Public image and influence===

====Racist treatment====

The first and as of 2024 the only black driver to race in Formula One, Hamilton has been subject to racist abuse throughout his career. In 2007, Hamilton suffered racist abuse from Spanish Formula One supporters at the [[2007 Chinese Grand Prix|Chinese Grand Prix]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Baldwin|first=Alan|date=10 February 2008|title=Hamilton also suffered abuse in China, says Mosley|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-31860420080210|access-date=16 April 2021|archive-date=16 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416215921/https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-31860420080210|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008, Hamilton was heckled and otherwise abused during pre-season testing at the [[Circuit de Catalunya]] by several Spanish spectators who wore [[Blackface|black face paint]] and black wigs, as well as shirts bearing the words "Hamilton's {{sic|famil|ly}}".<ref name="times20080204">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article3305228.ece|title=Lewis Hamilton 'saddened' by racist abuse|date=4 February 2008|access-date=27 July 2009|work=The Times|location=London|first=Sadie|last=Gray|archive-date=2 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202090658/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article3305228.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]] warned Spanish authorities about the repetition of such behaviour,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7225523.stm|title=Hamilton saddened by racist abuse|work=BBC Sport|access-date=4 February 2008|date=4 February 2008|archive-date=1 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301185240/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7225523.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> and launched a "Race Against Racism" campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/2/7355.html |title=FIA to launch anti-racism initiative |publisher=Formula1.com |access-date=4 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708212218/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/2/7355.html |archive-date=8 July 2008 }}</ref> Shortly before the [[2008 Brazilian Grand Prix]], a website owned by the Spanish branch of the New York-based advertising agency [[TBWA Worldwide|TBWA]] and named ''pinchalaruedadeHamilton'', which translates into English as "burst Hamilton's tyre", was featured in the British media. The site contained an image of [[Autódromo José Carlos Pace|Interlagos]] that allowed users to leave nails and porcupines on the track for Hamilton's car to run over. Among thousands of comments left since 2007, some included racial insults.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/nov/01/hamilton-racism-formula-one-spain|title=Website used to abuse Lewis Hamilton owned by global ad agency|work=The Guardian|location=London|first=Giles|last=Tremlett|date=1 November 2008|access-date=7 May 2010|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126203000/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/nov/01/hamilton-racism-formula-one-spain|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, Hamilton was subjected to online racist abuse following a controversial win at the [[2021 British Grand Prix|British Grand Prix]]. [[Mercedes-Benz in Formula One|Mercedes]], Formula One, and the [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]] issued a joint statement condemning the abuse and called for those responsible to be held accountable.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 July 2021|title=Hamilton subjected to racist abuse online after British GP|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/hamilton-subjected-racist-abuse-online-after-british-gp-reports-2021-07-19/|access-date=30 July 2021|website=Reuters|archive-date=23 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723043317/https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/hamilton-subjected-racist-abuse-online-after-british-gp-reports-2021-07-19/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Hamilton's treatment by the media and critics has, at times, been criticised as being racist. In 2014, ''[[The Guardian]]'' journalist Joseph Harker highlighted double-standards in Hamilton's treatment compared to other British drivers by British newspapers, suggesting that his skin colour has played a factor in a perceived lack of acceptance among the British public.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harker |first1=Joseph |title=Lewis Hamilton's lack of popularity: is it cos he is black? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/nov/24/lewis-hamilton-lack-popularity-black-formula-1-champion |access-date=5 August 2019 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=24 November 2014 |archive-date=5 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805215212/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/nov/24/lewis-hamilton-lack-popularity-black-formula-1-champion |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2019, footballer [[Rio Ferdinand]] described media scrutiny of Hamilton as having "racist undertones" and contrasted Hamilton's treatment to that of fellow British driver [[Jenson Button]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Ferdinand points to 'racist' element in criticism of Lewis Hamilton |url=https://jerseyeveningpost.com/sport/uk-sport/2019/07/14/ferdinand-points-to-racist-element-in-criticism-of-lewis-hamilton/ |access-date=14 July 2019 |work=jerseyeveningpost.com |publisher=Jersey Evening Post |date=14 July 2019 |archive-date=14 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714212341/https://jerseyeveningpost.com/sport/uk-sport/2019/07/14/ferdinand-points-to-racist-element-in-criticism-of-lewis-hamilton/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the start of his Formula One career, Hamilton said that he "tried to ignore the fact [he] was the first black guy ever to race in the sport" but later stated that he had since grown to "appreciate the implications",<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mitchell |first1=Scott |title=Mercedes F1's Lewis Hamilton: Racism won't change for a long time |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142385/hamilton-racism-wont-change-for-a-long-time |access-date=14 July 2019 |work=autosport.com |publisher=Autosport |date=28 March 2019 |archive-date=29 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329041419/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142385/hamilton-racism-wont-change-for-a-long-time |url-status=live }}</ref> and changed his approach to promote equality within the sport.<ref>{{cite news |last1=de Menezes |first1=Jack |title=Bahrain Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton says racism remains 'all around the world' after England players abused |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/bahrain-grand-prix-lewis-hamilton-racism-abuse-all-around-the-world-england-players-sterling-rose-a8844171.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/bahrain-grand-prix-lewis-hamilton-racism-abuse-all-around-the-world-england-players-sterling-rose-a8844171.html |archive-date=14 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=14 July 2019 |work=independent.co.uk |publisher=The Independent |date=28 March 2019}}</ref> In 2019, [[Toto Wolff]], Hamilton's team boss at Mercedes, described how Hamilton was "scarred for life" by racist abuse inflicted during his childhood.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/25/f1-lewis-hamilton-scarred-for-life-childhood-racist-abuse|title='Lewis Hamilton scarred for life by childhood racist abuse,' says Wolff|last=Media|first=PA|date=25 October 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=7 November 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=7 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107234932/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/25/f1-lewis-hamilton-scarred-for-life-childhood-racist-abuse|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2020, Hamilton established ''The Hamilton Commission'' with the [[Royal Academy of Engineering]], tasked with finding ways for motorsport to engage more black people with [[STEM]] subjects and increase employment in motorsport or other engineering sectors.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lewis-hamilton-i-wont-keep-quiet-about-the-unspoken-racism-in-this-country-0w53x30s3|title=Lewis Hamilton: I won't keep quiet about the unspoken racism in this country|access-date=20 June 2020|website=The Sunday Times|last1=Hamilton|first1=Lewis|archive-date=21 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621182913/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lewis-hamilton-i-wont-keep-quiet-about-the-unspoken-racism-in-this-country-0w53x30s3|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Hamilton Commission|url=https://www.hamiltoncommission.org/|access-date=8 March 2021|website=The Hamilton Commission|language=en-US|archive-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325144046/https://www.hamiltoncommission.org/|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2021, Hamilton became the inaugural recipient of the [[Laureus World Sports Awards|Laureus Athlete Advocate of the Year Award]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 May 2021|title=Lewis Hamilton awarded special Laureus prize for fight against racism {{!}} Formula 1®|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-awarded-special-laureus-prize-for-fight-against-racism.3qyzk8A1w6howcT3iMYJ2S.html|access-date=6 May 2021|website=Formula1.com|language=en|archive-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506193237/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-awarded-special-laureus-prize-for-fight-against-racism.3qyzk8A1w6howcT3iMYJ2S.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton founded ''Mission 44'' in July 2021, a charity designed to help young people from under-represented backgrounds achieve their ambitions in wider society. Hamilton pledged {{currency|20|GBP}} million to support the work of the charity.<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 July 2021|title=Sir Lewis Hamilton pledges £20 million to empower young people through Mission 44 initiative|url=https://www.voice-online.co.uk/sport/2021/07/28/sir-lewis-hamilton-pledges-20-million-to-empower-young-people-through-mission-44-initiative/|access-date=30 July 2021|website=Voice Online|language=en|archive-date=29 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729074627/https://www.voice-online.co.uk/sport/2021/07/28/sir-lewis-hamilton-pledges-20-million-to-empower-young-people-through-mission-44-initiative/|url-status=live}}</ref> Mission 44 collaborates with a joint foundation between Hamilton and Mercedes called ''Ignite'', which was also launched in July.<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 2021|title=Mercedes and Lewis Launch Joint Charitable Initiative, Ignite|url=https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/news/2021/07/mercdes-lewis-hamilton-launch-joint-charitable-initiative-ignite/|access-date=30 July 2021|website=mercedesamgf1.com|language=en|archive-date=30 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730220648/https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/news/2021/07/mercdes-lewis-hamilton-launch-joint-charitable-initiative-ignite/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ignite focuses on increasing diversity in motorsport by improving opportunities in education and offering financial support.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Johnathan|date=28 July 2021|title=Hamilton, Mercedes F1 launch charitable diversity initiative|url=https://uk.motor1.com/news/522932/hamilton-mercedes-charitable-diversity-initiative/|access-date=30 July 2021|website=Motor1.com|language=en-gb|archive-date=30 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730220647/https://uk.motor1.com/news/522932/hamilton-mercedes-charitable-diversity-initiative/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2020, Hamilton confronted the [[Bahrain's human rights abuses]] and spoke out on the allegations of [[sportswashing]]. Hamilton said he "won't let it go unnoticed" after an 11-year-old boy, Ahmed Ramadhan, wrote a letter to Hamilton, asking him to save his father, who was facing the death penalty, after a confession was allegedly extracted through torture for the death of a policeman.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/boys-death-row-plea-drives-lewis-hamilton-to-make-human-rights-pledge-m9nrlt0rd|title=Boy's death row plea drives Lewis Hamilton to make human rights pledge|access-date=14 December 2020|website=The Times|last1=Rose|first1=David|archive-date=14 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214002401/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/boys-death-row-plea-drives-lewis-hamilton-to-make-human-rights-pledge-m9nrlt0rd|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton says Bahrain 'death-row' letter hit home|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/lewis-hamilton-formula-one-bahrain-death-row-letter-hit-home|access-date=14 December 2020|website=Middle East Eye|language=en|archive-date=12 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212193818/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/lewis-hamilton-formula-one-bahrain-death-row-letter-hit-home|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton spoke to human rights organisations and legal experts. He also spoke with Bahraini officials about the country's human rights. The F1 champion said that while he had no authority to choose the location for his race, "going to these countries and just ignoring what is happening in those places" is not the right way.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-motor-f1-bahrain-rights-idUSKBN2BH2YV|title=Hamilton spoke to Bahrain officials about human rights|access-date=25 March 2021|work=Reuters|archive-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325190111/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-motor-f1-bahrain-rights-idUSKBN2BH2YV|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2021, Hamilton spoke out against the "cowardly" [[Hungarian anti-LGBT law]], after the country introduced a law that limits discussions of LGBT sexualities in school.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/31910236/lewis-hamilton-condemns-hungary-cowardly-anti-lgbtq+-laws|title = Hamilton slams Hungary's anti-LGBTQ+ laws|date = 29 July 2021|access-date = 13 December 2021|archive-date = 25 December 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221225092653/https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/31910236/lewis-hamilton-condemns-hungary-cowardly-anti-lgbtq+-laws|url-status = live}}</ref>

Hamilton has repeatedly discussed [[environmental issues]] and [[animal rights]] at conferences, in interviews and in documentaries.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020|title=This Earth Day, Lewis Hamilton is fighting climate change|url=https://www.we.org/en-us/we-stories/we-day/this-earth-day-lewis-hamilton-is-fighting-climate-change|access-date=16 March 2021|website=WE|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801172817/https://www.we.org/en-us/we-stories/we-day/this-earth-day-lewis-hamilton-is-fighting-climate-change/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hope |first=Russell |date=7 August 2018 |title=F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton cleans up plastic littered beach |url=https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/f1-world-champion-lewis-hamilton-cleans-plastic-littered-192400932.html |access-date=9 March 2021 |website=ca.finance.yahoo.com |language=en-CA |archive-date=1 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170920/https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/f1-world-champion-lewis-hamilton-cleans-plastic-littered-192400932.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He also uses his social media platforms to gather support for his initiatives,<ref>{{cite web|last=Priya|date=15 November 2020|title=7 Amazing Things 7-Time F1 Champ Lewis Hamilton Is Doing for Animals|url=https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/hamilton-animals/|access-date=9 March 2021|website=PETA UK|archive-date=5 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205093616/https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/hamilton-animals/|url-status=live}}</ref> which range from urging [[China]] to reclassify dogs as pets instead of livestock,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gilliver|first=Liam|date=10 April 2020|title=Lewis Hamilton Urges Followers To Help China Reclassify Dogs As Pets Rather Than Livestock|url=https://plantbasednews.org/culture/lewis-hamilton-urges-followers-to-help-china-reclassify-dogs-as-pets/|access-date=9 March 2021|website=Plant Based News|language=en-GB|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301124211/https://plantbasednews.org/culture/lewis-hamilton-urges-followers-to-help-china-reclassify-dogs-as-pets/|url-status=live}}</ref> and backing charities which fight the [[Wildlife trade#Illegal wildlife trade|illegal wildlife trade]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Ledger|first=Emma|date=27 November 2020|title=Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton draws on 21m followers to back our Art for Animals drive|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/stop-wildlife-trade/formula-one-lewis-hamilton-art-for-animals-b79513.html|access-date=9 March 2021|website=London Evening Standard|archive-date=13 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013183806/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/stop-wildlife-trade/formula-one-lewis-hamilton-art-for-animals-b79513.html|url-status=live}}</ref> to calling for the protection of the Amazon rainforest.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Green|first=Alex|date=16 September 2020|title=Lewis Hamilton calls for protection of Amazon rainforest in WWF film|language=en-GB|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/lewis-hamilton-calls-for-protection-of-amazon-rainforest-in-wwf-film-39538490.html|access-date=9 March 2021|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801172422/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/lewis-hamilton-calls-for-protection-of-amazon-rainforest-in-wwf-film-39538490.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2020, he donated US$500,000 (approximately £383,000) to a variety of causes relating to the [[2019–20 Australian bushfire season|bushfire crisis]] in Australia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Australian fires: Lewis Hamilton pledges more than £380,000 to aid fight against disaster|work=BBC Sport|date=9 January 2020|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/51054445|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-date=24 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024142334/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/51054445|url-status=live}}</ref> The money went towards the fire services and animal welfare charities.<ref>{{cite web|last=Starostinetskaya|first=Anna|date=12 March 2020|title=Lewis Hamilton Goes to Australia to Help Baby Animals Devastated by Wildfires|url=https://vegnews.com/2020/3/lewis-hamilton-goes-to-australia-to-help-baby-animals-devastated-by-wildfires|access-date=9 March 2021|website=VegNews.com|archive-date=5 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305111246/https://vegnews.com/2020/3/lewis-hamilton-goes-to-australia-to-help-baby-animals-devastated-by-wildfires|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2019, Hamilton asked Mercedes-Benz to swap animal-derived leather in the company's models worldwide: "I am trying to push for sustainability with my team. I am trying to get&nbsp;more involved in Formula 1 and be more conscious''.'' Mercedes-Benz is a huge organisation. I have got a phone call with the CEO later today to discuss how we can work on getting rid of all the leather supplied to the cars. That is something I want to be involved in."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pritchet|first=Liam|date=12 December 2019|title=Mercedes to Ditch Leather for Vegan Interiors Thanks to Lewis Hamilton|url=https://www.livekindly.co/mercedes-ditching-leather-lewis-hamilton|access-date=9 March 2021|website=LIVEKINDLY|language=en-US|archive-date=10 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410183433/https://www.livekindly.co/mercedes-ditching-leather-lewis-hamilton/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=16 June 2020|title=Mercedes Responds to Lewis Hamilton's Pleas to Stop Leather, Other Luxury Automotive Brands Follow|url=https://vegconomist.com/environment/mercedes-responds-to-lewis-hamiltons-pleas-to-stop-leather-other-luxury-automotive-brands-follow/|access-date=9 March 2021|website=vegconomist – the vegan business magazine|language=en-GB|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411122709/https://vegconomist.com/environment/mercedes-responds-to-lewis-hamiltons-pleas-to-stop-leather-other-luxury-automotive-brands-follow/|url-status=live}}</ref> The next year, he announced his aim of being carbon neutral by the end of the year, saying: "I don't allow anyone in my office, but also within my household, to buy any plastics. I want everything recyclable, down to deodorant, down to toothbrush, all these kinds of things ... I'm trying to make as much change as I can in my personal space. I sold my plane over a year ago. I fly a lot less now. I'm trying to fly less through the year."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Sam |title=Lewis Hamilton: Cultural icon, activist and musician |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/54478983 |access-date=3 January 2021 |work=bbc.co.uk |agency=BBC |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 October 2020 |archive-date=20 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220222445/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/54478983 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2012, Hamilton began working with the [[United Nations Children's Fund]] (UNICEF). In March 2012, Hamilton travelled to the [[Philippines]] where he made a short film about [[Manila|Manila's]] [[Street children in the Philippines|street children]]. The film was shown on [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV1]] during [[Soccer Aid]] and helped raise over £4.9 million for UNICEF.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 March 2012|title=Hamilton travels to Manila with UNICEF|url=http://www.pitpass.com/45933/Hamilton-travels-to-Manila-with-UNICEF|access-date=16 March 2021|website=Pitpass|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170926/https://www.pitpass.com/45933/Hamilton-travels-to-Manila-with-UNICEF|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=30 March 2012|title=Lewis Hamilton visits street children in The Philippines|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/201203307605/lewis-hamilton-unicef/|access-date=16 March 2021|website=HELLO!|language=en|archive-date=16 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116175323/https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/201203307605/lewis-hamilton-unicef/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Elks|first=Sonia|date=29 March 2012|title=Lewis Hamilton snubs F1 party to visit poverty-stricken children in Far East|url=https://metro.co.uk/2012/03/29/lewis-hamilton-snubs-f1-party-to-visit-poverty-stricken-children-in-far-east-370355/|access-date=16 March 2021|website=Metro|language=en|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170919/https://metro.co.uk/2012/03/29/lewis-hamilton-snubs-f1-party-to-visit-poverty-stricken-children-in-far-east-370355/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2012, while in [[India]] for the [[Indian Grand Prix|Grand Prix]], Hamilton visited a UNICEF-funded newborn care unit and nutrition centre. Hamilton said: "As a sportsman in the public eye, I know I have a role to play in helping to tell the stories of the world's most vulnerable children and I jumped at the chance to be able to do that again after a visit to Manila."<ref>{{cite web|date=3 November 2012|title=Lewis Hamilton in India with UNICEF|url=https://grandprix20.com/2012/11/03/lewis-hamilton-in-india-with-unicef/|access-date=16 March 2021|website=GRANDPRIX20.COM|archive-date=3 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303141100/https://grandprix20.com/2012/11/03/lewis-hamilton-in-india-with-unicef/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=8 November 2012|title=Lewis Hamilton visits UNICEF nutrition centre in India – XIX Press Centre|url=https://www.xixentertainment.com/press/2012/08/11/lewis-hamilton-visits-unicef-nutrition-centre-in-india/|access-date=16 March 2021|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121183851/https://www.xixentertainment.com/press/2012/08/11/lewis-hamilton-visits-unicef-nutrition-centre-in-india/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Weaver|first=Paul|date=29 October 2012|title=Lewis Hamilton stays after India Grand Prix to help children left behind|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/oct/29/lewis-hamilton-india-grand-prix|access-date=16 March 2021|website=The Guardian|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112032532/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/oct/29/lewis-hamilton-india-grand-prix|url-status=live}}</ref>

Over the past decade, Hamilton has made time for a variety of good causes, such as making donations and hospital visits to sick children.<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 March 2014|title=Formula One star visits sick kids at Royal Children's Hospital|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/formula-one-star-lewis-hamilton-visits-sick-kids-at-royal-childrens-hospital-21940245.html|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Au.news.yahoo.com|language=en-AU|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170920/https://au.news.yahoo.com/formula-one-star-lewis-hamilton-visits-sick-kids-at-royal-childrens-hospital-21940245.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=23 October 2014|title=Celebrity donations boost sick children|url=https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/11555230.celebrity-donations-boost-sick-children/|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Gazette|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=6 July 2017|title=Lewis Hamilton treats young patients to an afternoon in the fast lane at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital|url=https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/about-us/news/news-archive/2017/lewis-hamilton-treats-young-patients-to-an-afternoon-in-the-fast-lane-at-chelsea-and-westminster-hospital|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Chelwest.nhs.uk|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170921/https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/about-us/news/news-archive/2017/lewis-hamilton-treats-young-patients-to-an-afternoon-in-the-fast-lane-at-chelsea-and-westminster-hospital|url-status=live}}</ref> He has invited fans, young people,<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 March 2018|title=Hospice makes patient's dream come true with Lewis Hamilton meeting|url=https://ehospice.com/uk_posts/hospice-makes-patients-dream-come-true-with-lewis-hamilton-meeting/|access-date=22 March 2021|website=Ehospice.com|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170922/https://ehospice.com/uk_posts/hospice-makes-patients-dream-come-true-with-lewis-hamilton-meeting/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Bagdi|first=Annabal|date=24 July 2019|title=Wolverhampton schoolgirl's dreams come true after meeting F1 ace Lewis Hamilton|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2019/07/24/wolverhampton-schoolgirls-dreams-come-true-after-meeting-lewis-hamilton/|access-date=22 March 2021|website=Expressandstar.com|language=en|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170920/https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2019/07/24/wolverhampton-schoolgirls-dreams-come-true-after-meeting-lewis-hamilton/|url-status=live}}</ref> and their families to join him at Grand Prix races and social events.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bunce|first=Alan|date=6 January 2011|title=Help us boost charity funds|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/music/help-us-boost-charity-funds-4217876|access-date=22 March 2021|website=BerkshireLive|language=en|archive-date=3 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203143035/https://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/music/help-us-boost-charity-funds-4217876|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=22 September 2017|title=Klaas Prinsloo (18) – Reach for A Dream|url=https://reachforadream.org.za/dt_portfolios/klaas-prinsloo/|access-date=22 March 2021|language=en-US|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411182700/https://reachforadream.org.za/dt_portfolios/klaas-prinsloo/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=15 July 2019|title=A HUGE congratulations|url=https://twitter.com/makeawishuk/status/1150720281150939137|access-date=22 March 2021|website=Make-A-Wish UK|language=en|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801170919/https://twitter.com/makeawishuk/status/1150720281150939137|url-status=live|via=Twitter}}</ref> In 2013, he became the Global Education Ambassador for [[Save the Children]], supporting and promoting its education campaigns.<ref>{{Cite web|date=29 March 2013|title=Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton signs up to our global education campaign|url=https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/blogs/2013/f1-superstar-lewis-hamilton-signs-up-to-our-global-education-campaign|access-date=18 March 2021|website=Save the Children|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120141903/https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/blogs/2013/f1-superstar-lewis-hamilton-signs-up-to-our-global-education-campaign|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Tahir|first=Tariq|date=30 October 2013|title=F1's Lewis Hamilton meets child labourers|url=https://metro.co.uk/2013/10/30/f1-star-lewis-hamilton-meets-child-labourers-in-india-4167767/|access-date=18 March 2021|website=Metro}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton named Save the Children ambassador|url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/lewis_hamilton_named_save_the_children_ambassador|access-date=18 March 2021|website=Sportspromedia.com|date=15 November 2013|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120134132/https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/lewis_hamilton_named_save_the_children_ambassador/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Two years later, Hamilton became the first ambassador for the [[Invictus Games Foundation]], supporting wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.<ref>{{cite web|date=26 June 2015|title=Lewis Hamilton Unveiled as First Ambassador for Invictus Games Foundation – Invictus Games Foundation|url=https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/lewis-hamilton-unveiled-as-first-ambassador-for-invictus-games-foundation/|access-date=10 March 2021|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031022450/https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/lewis-hamilton-unveiled-as-first-ambassador-for-invictus-games-foundation/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=3 July 2015|title=He's busy getting ready 4 #BritishGP but @lewishamilton spent time meeting #InvictusGames competitors @SilverstoneUK |website=Invictus Games Foundation|url=https://twitter.com/weareinvictus/status/616944871870492672|access-date=10 March 2021|via=Twitter}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=30 September 2015|title=Lewis Hamilton Inspires Veterans With Driving Masterclass|url=https://www.forces.net/services/tri-service/lewis-hamilton-inspires-veterans-driving-masterclass|access-date=10 March 2021|website=Forces Network}}</ref> During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Hamilton's Neat Burger restaurant donated free meals to frontline [[NHS]] workers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton donates free vegan burgers to hospital workers – Be More Elephant|date=30 March 2020 |url=https://bemoreelephant.org/news/lewis-hamilton-donates-free-vegan-burgers-to-nhs-staff/|access-date=15 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=14 April 2020|title=Lewis Hamilton's vegan burger chain is giving free vegan meals to NHS workers|url=https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/lewis-hamiltons-vegan-burger-chain-is-giving-free-vegan-meals-to-nhs-workers/|access-date=15 March 2021|website=Vegan Food and Living}}</ref> Neat Burger also launched the "Kids Eat Free" scheme, serving free meals to school children during the [[English school holidays|half-term break]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Abernethy|first=Laura|date=30 March 2020|title=Deliveroo gives 500,000 free meals to NHS workers fighting coronavirus|url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/30/deliveroo-12476809/|access-date=15 March 2021|website=Metro}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Pointing|first=Charlotte|date=30 October 2020<!--Modified 15 December 2020-->|title=Cheers to These Leaders Helping Kids Facing Food Insecurity|url=https://www.livekindly.co/vegan-businesses-feed-kids|access-date=15 March 2021|website=Live Kindly}}</ref>

Hamilton often donates personal and professional paraphernalia for [[charity auction]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Miles|first=Tina|date=11 August 2008|title=Well-heeled stars in shoe sale|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/well-heeled-stars-in-shoe-sale-3478477|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Liverpool Echo|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=9 October 2011|title=Stars on the ball for charity sale|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/uk-news/stars-ball-charity-sale-1658728|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Scotsman.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Goolistan|first=Cooper|date=24 January 2016|title=Olympic & F1 heroes, rock Gods & a Python give hats for St Mungo charity auction<!--https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/olympic-gold-medallist-f1-champ-10775079-->|url=http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/west-london-news/olympic-gold-medallist-f1-champ-10775079|access-date=25 March 2021|website=MyLondon|language=en}}</ref> He auctioned a racing kart and raised over £42,000 for [[St Thomas' Hospital]] baby charity.<ref name="BBC_07-06-19"/> He raised £6,411 for the Small Steps Project in 2018, and £6,000 in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About Celebrity Shoes|url=http://www.smallstepsproject.org/celebrity-shoes/about-celebrity-shoes/|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Small Steps Project|language=en-US|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801183935/http://www.smallstepsproject.org/celebrity-shoes/about-celebrity-shoes/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2020, he raised another £4,000 for the Small Steps Project, while a donated race suit reportedly raised €20,000 for vulnerable children.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 November 2020|title=2020 celebrity leaderboard|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CH-F2vnn5pM/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/smallstepsproject/2449420999551064652_2449420996145178800 |archive-date=23 December 2021 |url-access=subscription|access-date=27 March 2021|website=Instagram.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Hamilton also frequently attends charitable functions,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012|title=2012|url=https://www.bgcpartners.com/charity-day/charity-day-2012/|access-date=22 March 2021|website=BGC Partners}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=5 January 2013|title=Lewis Hamilton with Samuel L. Jackson at a charity event|url=https://grandprix20.com/2013/01/05/lewis-hamilton-with-samuel-l-jackson-at-a-charity-event/|access-date=22 March 2021|website=GrandPrix20.COM|language=en}}</ref> including the [[amfAR]] gala in New York,<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 May 2014|title=Oh what a night: the A-list party set leave Cannes and grace the amfAR|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/oh-what-a-night-the-alist-party-set-leave-cannes-and-grace-the-amfar-gala-9423329.html|access-date=22 March 2021|website=standard.co.uk|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Simpson|first=Menelik|date=12 February 2015|title=Lewis Hamilton steps out at the amfAR NY Gala|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/gallery/lewis-hamilton-steps-out-amfar-5151326|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Mirror|language=en}}</ref> and has supported projects and charities such as the [[Make-A-Wish Foundation]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=I wish to meet Lewis Hamilton {{!}} Make-A-Wish|url=https://www.makeawish.ie/our-wishes/story/i-wish-to-meet-lewis-hamilton|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Makeawish.ie}}</ref> [[Comic Relief]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton {{!}} Comic Relief|url=https://www.comicrelief.com/lewis|access-date=22 March 2021|website=Comicrelief.com|language=en|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127112218/https://www.comicrelief.com/lewis/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Rays of Sunshine,<ref>{{Cite web|date=31 July 2019|title=Lewis Hamilton is a ray of sunshine for six seriously ill children|url=https://raysofsunshine.org.uk/lewis-hamilton-is-a-ray-of-sunshine-for-six-seriously-ill-children/|access-date=22 March 2021|website=Rays of Sunshine|language=en-US}}</ref> [[Children in Need]],<ref>{{Cite news|date=13 November 2015|title=Lewis Hamilton among celebrities in Star Wars sketch for Children in Need|language=en-GB|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/lewis-hamilton-among-celebrities-in-star-wars-sketch-for-children-in-need-34196473.html|access-date=22 March 2021}}</ref> and [[Stevenage]]'s [[Keech Hospice Care Children's Service]], among others.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 March 2010|title=Charity of Stevenage-born Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton makes 'substantial donation' to hospice|url=https://www.thecomet.net/news/charity-of-stevenage-born-formula-1-star-lewis-hamilton-makes-5239062|access-date=22 March 2021|website=The Comet|language=en-UK}}</ref> He is also involved in charitable work through the creation of his Lewis Hamilton Foundation. Registered in June 2008, the foundation provides grants and donations to a number of charitable causes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton Foundation - TotalGiving™ - Donate to Charity {{!}} Online Fundraising for Charity UK|url=https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/charity/lewis-hamilton-foundation|access-date=21 March 2021|website=Total Giving}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton Foundation :: OpenCharities|url=http://opencharities.org/charities/1124368|access-date=21 March 2021|website=OpenCharities}}</ref>

===MediaPopular receptionculture===

==Other==Video venturesgames====

In September 2020, Hamilton launched [[Team X44]] to compete in the all-electric SUV off-road racing series [[Extreme E]] from the 2021 season on.<ref>{{Cite web|date=8 September 2020|title=Lewis Hamilton launches his own Extreme E offroad racing team {{!}} Formula 1®|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-launches-electric-off-road-racing-team-to-compete-in-the-new.1QyuQTR8aZNKpygkjqGeJu.html|access-date=27 January 2021|website=F1}}</ref> The X44 team finished 2nd in the inaugural Extreme E championship, behind Nico Rosberg's RXR team.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kew |first1=Matt |title=Jurassic X-Prix: RXR seals Extreme E title on countback, X44 wins finale |url=https://www.autosport.com/extreme-e/news/rosberg-team-seals-extreme-e-title-on-countback-x44-wins-jurassic-x-prix/6912819/ |website=autosport.com |date=19 December 2021 |publisher=Autosport Magazine |access-date=19 December 2021}}</ref> In January 2022, X44 were crowned inaugural winners of Extreme E Sustainability Award.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fortuna|first=Carolyn|date=17 January 2022|title=Extreme E Sustainability Award Goes To Team X44 (Video)|url=https://cleantechnica.com/2022/01/17/extreme-e-sustainability-award-goes-to-team-x44-video/|access-date=24 January 2022|website=CleanTechnica|language=en-US}}</ref> The team won the 2022 Championship in the final race of the season, beating RXR, who were disqualified from the race.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lewis Hamilton's X44 Vida Carbon Racing claim first Extreme E title in rollercoaster second season |url=https://www.extreme-e.com/en/news/727_Lewis-Hamiltons-X44-Vida-Carbon-Racing-claim-first-Extreme-E-title-in-rollercoaster-second-season |access-date=28 November 2022 |website=Extreme E - The Electric Odyssey |language=en}}</ref>

In 2017, Hamilton told the BBC that he had become [[vegan]] because "[a]s the human race, what we are doing to the world ... the pollution [in terms of emissions of global-warming gases] coming from the amount of cows that are being produced is incredible. The cruelty is horrible and I don't necessarily want to support that and I want to live a healthier life."<ref>{{cite news |first=Andrew|last=Benson |title=Lewis Hamilton: F1 driver on going vegan and his fears for the planet |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/41296229 |publisher=BBC |date=16 September 2017 |access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref> In 2018 he was named the [[PETA]] Person of the Year for his vegan activism.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Watson |first1=Jack |title=Lewis Hamilton named Peta's 2018 Person of the Year |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/lewis-hamilton-peta-f1-2018-person-year-sports-personality-odds-a8670571.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/lewis-hamilton-peta-f1-2018-person-year-sports-personality-odds-a8670571.html |archive-date=14 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |website=The Independent |access-date=15 November 2020 |date=6 December 2018}}</ref> The same year Hamilton said in an interview that he [[Teetotalism|gave up drinking]] "a while ago".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Buxton |first1=Will |title=F1 Paddock Pass: Post-Race at the 2018 Mexican Grand Prix - Lewis Hamilton |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mITkwQ-k7So&t=1163 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/mITkwQ-k7So |archive-date=22 December 2021 |url-status=live|website=YouTube |date=28 October 2018 |publisher=FORMULA 1 |access-date=30 October 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> His racing number has always been 44 because when he started racing at age 8 his father's red [[Vauxhall Cavalier]] had the number plate "F44" and it was his father's idea to use it.<ref>{{Citation|title=Quickfire Questions with Lewis Hamilton| date=23 December 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHEN5ygE33o&t=300s|language=en|access-date=23 December 2021}}</ref>

Hamilton is a [[Catholic Church in the United Kingdom|Catholic]]; he says that he prays regularly and is guided by his faith.<ref>{{cite news|title=Red Bull addresses car issues; Hamilton wants to be F1's Picasso|newspaper=News.com.au|date=16 May 2017|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/motorsport/formula-one/red-bull-addresses-car-issues-hamilton-wants-to-be-f1s-picasso/news-story/a960088fda929ed342424ca1e1033e03}}</ref> Hamilton believes that he has the "hand of God" resting over him when racing in Formula One.<ref>{{cite news|last=Richards|first=Giles|date=4 July 2018|title=Lewis Hamilton guided by faith and perspective for new F1 challenges|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jul/04/lewis-hamilton-faith-perspective-f1|access-date=14 December 2021|work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=4 July 2018|title=Lewis Hamilton: I feel God has his hand over me|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/national/16332790.lewis-hamilton-feel-god-hand/|access-date=14 December 2021|website=The Northern Echo}}</ref> Hamilton is also a supporter of [[LGBT rights]], and strongly criticised the [[Hungarian government]] before the [[2021 Hungarian Grand Prix]],<ref>{{cite web|date=29 July 2021|title=Lewis Hamilton voices support for Hungary's LGBTQ+ community in Instagram post ahead of Hungarian Grand Prix|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24181/12367101/lewis-hamilton-voices-support-for-hungarys-lgbtq-community-in-instagram-post-ahead-of-hungarian-grand-prix|access-date=14 December 2021|website=Sky Sports}}</ref> while also calling out the "terrifying" [[LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabian LGBT laws]] before that [[2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix|Grand Prix]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Richard|first=Giles|date=2 December 2021|title=Lewis Hamilton condemns 'terrifying' LGBTQ+ laws before Saudi Arabian GP|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/dec/02/lewis-hamilton-condemns-terrifying-lgbtq-laws-before-saudi-arabian-gp|access-date=14 December 2021|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Hamilton revealed in March 2022 that he is in the process of legally changing his name to include his mother's maiden name, Larbalestier, as a middle name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/60738120|title=Lewis Hamilton to change name to incorporate mother's surname|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 March 2022|access-date=14 March 2022}}</ref> Hamilton was made an honorary citizen of Brazil on 9 June 2022 after a proposal made by politician [[André Figueiredo]] was passed in the Brazilian [[Chamber of Deputies (Brazil)|Chamber of Deputies]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/hamilton-gets-honorary-brazilian-citizenship-2022-06-09/|title=Hamilton gets honorary Brazilian citizenship|publisher=[[Reuters]]|date=9 June 2022|accessdate=9 June 2022}}</ref> In an interview in September 2024, Hamilton stated he has been battling [[Depression (mood)|depression]] from the age of 13.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 September 2024 |title=Hamilton reveals depression battle from 'early age' |url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/41525131/lewis-hamilton-reveals-battle-depression-early-age |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

In 2015 Hamilton was ranked as the richest British sportsperson, with an estimated personal fortune of £88&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/32455380|title=Lewis Hamilton stays top of 2015 Sunday Times Sport Rich List|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 March 2016}}</ref> In 2018 it was reported that Hamilton had a net worth of [[Pound sign|£]]159&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Sunday Times Rich List 2018: Lewis Hamilton net worth |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sunday-times-rich-list-2018-lewis-hamilton-net-worth-v7wctqdf6 |website=thetimes.co.uk |publisher=The Sunday Times |access-date=28 November 2018}}</ref> In 2020 Hamilton's fortune was an estimated £224 million, making him the richest British sports star in the history of the ''[[Sunday Times Rich List]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|last=McCall|first=Alastair|date=14 May 2020|title=Lewis Hamilton is the richest British sportsman of all time — Rich List 2020|newspaper=[[The Times]]|language=en|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/richest-sports-uk-2020-lewis-hamilton-sunday-times-rich-list-qjz3zk2c8|access-date=29 January 2021|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> By 2022 that figure had increased to £300 million.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lewis-hamilton-net-worth-sunday-times-rich-list-j8vgsnnd2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314180142/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lewis-hamilton-net-worth-sunday-times-rich-list-j8vgsnnd2 |archive-date=14 March 2023 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Sir Lewis Hamilton net worth — Sunday Times Rich List 2022 |date=20 May 2022|access-date=21 February 2024}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Before the [[2015 Monaco Grand Prix]] weekend, Hamilton signed a contract to stay with Mercedes until the end of the 2018 season in a deal reportedly worth more than £100&nbsp;million over the three years, making him one of the best-paid drivers in Formula One.<ref name="telegraph.co.uk"/> In the week leading up to the [[2018 German Grand Prix]], Hamilton signed a two-year contract with Mercedes, reported to be worth up to £40&nbsp;million per year, making him the best-paid driver in the history of Formula One.<ref name="Lewis Hamilton signs £40m-a-year Me"/> According to ''[[Forbes]]'', Hamilton was one of the [[Forbes list of the world's highest-paid athletes|highest-paid athletes]] of the 2010s decade,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Badenhausen |first=Kurt |title=The Highest-Paid Athletes of the Decade: Mayweather, Ronaldo And LeBron Dominate |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2019/12/23/the-highest-paid-athletes-of-the-decade-mayweatherronaldo-lebron-score/ |access-date=15 February 2023 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> and also the highest-paid Formula One driver from 2013 to 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knight |first=Brett |title=Formula 1's Highest-Paid Drivers 2022: Max Verstappen Zooms Past Lewis Hamilton |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2022/11/21/formula-1s-highest-paid-drivers-2022-max-verstappen-zooms-past-lewis-hamilton/ |access-date=15 February 2023 |magazine=Forbes}}</ref>

* [[Hawthorn Memorial Trophy]]: 2007, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023<ref>{{cite web|title=Hamilton receives Hawthorn Memorial Trophy|url=http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/178231/hamilton-receives-hawthorn-memorial-trophy/|access-date=5 September 2017|publisher=GPUpdate}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Hamilton receives Hawthorn Memorial|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/64783/hamilton-receives-hawthorn-memorial|magazine=Autosport|access-date=5 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton receives Hawthorn Memorial Trophy|url=https://www.msauk.org/Lewis-Hamilton-receives-Hawthorn-Memorial-Trophy|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906041007/https://www.msauk.org/Lewis-Hamilton-receives-Hawthorn-Memorial-Trophy|archive-date=6 September 2017|access-date=5 September 2017|publisher=Motor Sports Association UK}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lewis Hamilton receives Hawthorn Memorial Trophy|url=https://www.msauk.org/Lewis-Hamilton-receives-Hawthorn-Memorial-Trophy-2|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906040018/https://www.msauk.org/Lewis-Hamilton-receives-Hawthorn-Memorial-Trophy-2|archive-date=6 September 2017|access-date=5 September 2017|publisher=Motor Sports Association UK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=24 January 2022|title=Hamilton wins Hawthorn Trophy for 11th time in 15 years|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/995648/1/hamilton-wins-hawthorn-trophy-11th-time-15-years|access-date=24 January 2022|website=Crash|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhagi |first=Pranay |date=4 July 2024 |title=Lewis Hamilton Handed Special Award for the 12th Time at British GP |url=https://thesportsrush.com/f1-news-lewis-hamilton-handed-special-award-for-the-12th-time-at-british-gp/ |access-date=8 July 2024 |website=The SportsRush |language=en}}</ref>

* [[FIA Prize Giving Ceremony#Action of the Year|FIA Action of the Year]]: 2022<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 December 2022 |title=FIA champions honoured in record-breaking motor sport year |url=https://www.fia.com/news/fia-champions-honoured-record-breaking-motor-sport-year |access-date=12 January 2023 |website=Federation Internationale de l'Automobile |language=en}}</ref>

* [[FIA Prize Giving Ceremony#Personality of the Year|FIA Personality of the Year]]: 2014, 2018, 2020, 2021<ref>{{cite web |url=http://formulaspy.com/formula-1/formula-1-news/hamilton-crowned-champion-fia-gala-doha-gallery-8705 |title=Hamilton crowned Champion at FIA Gala in Doha - Gallery |author=Thomas Maher |date=6 December 2014 |publisher=Formula Spy |access-date=23 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150531071413/http://formulaspy.com/formula-1/formula-1-news/hamilton-crowned-champion-fia-gala-doha-gallery-8705 |archive-date=31 May 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-and-mercedes-receive-their-title-trophies-at-the-fia-prize-giving.5cjPO3FraMusoG0cGwyyau.html|title=Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes receive their title trophies at the FIA Prize Giving ceremony - VIDEO {{!}} Formula 1®|website=Formula1.com|language=encomn|date=8 December 2018|access-date=8 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=18 December 2020|title=Hamilton crowned World Champion at virtual FIA Prize Giving ceremony|url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2020/12/18/hamilton-crowned-world-champion-at-virtual-fia-prize-giving-ceremony/|access-date=18 December 2020|website=Motorsport Week}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=December 2021|title=Hamilton named 'Personality of the Year' at FIA Gala in Paris|url=https://news.fox-24.com/sport/news/65531.html|access-date=25 January 2022|website=News Fox24 Sport english|language=en-us|archive-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125230122/https://news.fox-24.com/sport/news/65531.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Throughout his two-decade career, Hamilton has received several awards and honours. He won the [[Laureus World Sports Award for Breakthrough of the Year|Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award]] in 2008, and shared the [[Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year|Sportsman of the Year Award]] with [[Lionel Messi]] in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.laureus.com/content/lewis-hamilton-breakthrough-2008|title=Lewis Hamilton – Breakthrough – 2008|publisher=Laureus|access-date=5 September 2017|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705224941/https://www.laureus.com/content/lewis-hamilton-breakthrough-2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Nair|first=Rohith|title=Messi, Hamilton joint winners of Sportsman of the Year at Laureus Awards|url=https://fr.reuters.com/article/uk-laureus-awards-idUKKBN20C0SJ|work=Reuters|date=18 February 2020|access-date=31 December 2020}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Hamilton also won the [[BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award]] ([[2014 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award|2014]], [[2020 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award|2020]]), [[Polish Press Agency|PAP]] [[European Sportsperson of the Year]] (2014, 2019), [[Best Driver ESPY Award]] ([[2017 ESPY Awards|2017]], [[2021 ESPY Awards|2021]]), ''[[L'Équipe]]'' [[L'Équipe Champion of Champions|Champion of Champions]] (2020), and ''[[La Gazzetta dello Sport|Gazzetta]]'' [[Gazzetta Sports Awards|World Sportsman of the Year]] (2018, 2020), among [[List of career achievements by Lewis Hamilton#Awards|others]].{{efn|Per sources:<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC Sports Personality of the Year – Lewis Hamilton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/bcTXV6z2tL2pm46MtD6Gb3/lewis-hamilton|access-date=5 September 2017|publisher=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sports Personality of the Year 2020: Lewis Hamilton crowned winner|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/sports-personality/55336369|access-date=20 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nzz.ch/sport/formel-1/formel-1-weltmeister-hamilton-zu-europa-sportler-des-jahres-gewaehlt-1.18451137|title=Hamilton Europas Sportler des Jahres|newspaper=Neue Zürcher Zeitung|access-date=5 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=S.A|first=Telewizja Polska|date=26 December 2019|title=62. Ankieta PAP: Lewis Hamilton najlepszym sportowcem świata|url=https://sport.tvp.pl/45942730/62-ankieta-pap-lewis-hamilton-najlepszym-sportowcem-swiata|access-date=5 January 2021|website=sport.tvp.pl|language=pl}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/19974721/2017-espys-award-winners|title=Full list of 2017 ESPYS winners|date=12 July 2017|publisher=ESPN |access-date=5 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=10 July 2021|title=2021 ESPYS award winners|url=https://www.espn.com/espys/story/_/page/voting-winners/2021-espys-award-winners|access-date=25 January 2022|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bielderman|first=Erik|title=Lewis Hamilton, Champion des champions Monde 2020 : " Dieu, Senna et moi ! "|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Formule-1/Article/Lewis-hamilton-champion-des-champions-monde-2020-dieu-senna-et-moi/1209731|agency=L'Équipe|date=27 December 2020|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=31 December 2018|title=Hamilton, Shiffrin, Francia: i migliori del 2018 secondo Gazzetta|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Sport-Vari/30-12-2018/gazzetta-referendum-migliori-2018-3101679071061.shtml|access-date=7 January 2021|website=La Gazzetta dello Sport - Tutto il rosa della vita|language=it}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=30 December 2020|title=Referendum Gazzetta: Hamilton, Brignone e Bayern Monaco i migliori del mondo nel 2020|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Nba/30-12-2020/referendum-gazzetta-hamilton-brignone-bayern-monaco-migliori-mondo-2020-3902076189623.shtml|access-date=7 January 2021|website=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it-IT}}</ref>}} Hamilton has won a record 19 [[Autosport Awards]], including eight [[Autosport Awards#International Racing Driver Award|International Racing Driver Awards]]. He was inducted into the [[FIA Hall of Fame]] in 2017, and shared the honorary [[FIA]] ''President Award'' in 2020 with [[Michael Schumacher]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 December 2017|title=F1 champions gather in Paris for Hall of Fame inauguration|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-champions-gather-in-paris-for-hall-of-fame-inauguration.2hLqnfDZNaGAYogqWuGMOe.html|access-date=7 March 2021|website=F1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/ozasp-uk-motor-awards-idAFKBN28T0EX-OZASP|title=Hamilton wins big at virtual FIA prizegiving|date=19 December 2020|work=Reuters}}</ref>

** [[File:BRA_Ordem_do_Congresso_Nacional_-_Cavaleiro.png|60px]] [[Honorary citizenship|Honorary Citizenship]] (2022)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/its-the-greatest-honour-hamilton-made-an-honorary-citizen-of-brazil-ahead-of.2ill5NsrW9K6piOMofJPuE|title=‘It’s'It's the greatest honour’honour' – Hamilton made an honorary citizen of Brazil ahead of Sao Paulo GP|date=8 November 2022|access-date=26 November 2024|website=[[Formula 1]]}}</ref>

** [[File:Order_of_the_British_Empire_(Civil)_Ribbon.svg|60px]] [[Member of the Order of the British Empire]] (2008[[2009 New Year Honours|2009]])<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=58929|date=31 December 2008|page=17 |supp=y}}</ref>

** [[File:Knight Bachelor Ribbon.svg|60px]] [[Knight Bachelor]] (2020[[2021 New Year Honours|2021]])<ref name="knight"/>

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Hamilton debuted at the [[2007 Australian Grand Prix]], becoming the first [[black people|black]] driver to compete in Formula One.{{efn|Hamilton is the first black driver to compete in the Formula One World Championship,<ref>{{cite web |title=Hamilton to be first black driver in F1 |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2006/11/28/hamilton-to-be-first-black-driver-in-f1/ |website=East Bay Times |date=28 November 2006 |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Grenadian roots of first black F1 driver |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/caribbean/news/story/2006/11/061127_grenadaf1.shtml |website=BBCCaribbean.com |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref> and the second to drive a Formula One car after [[Willy T. Ribbs]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/may/07/willy-t-ribbs-pioneering-f1-path-lewis-hamilton|title=Hamilton, hope and making history: Willy T Ribbs’Ribbs' pioneering F1 path|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=7 May 2022|access-date=26 November 2024|first=Giles|last=Richards}}</ref>}} He holds [[List of career achievements by Lewis Hamilton#Records|over 100 records]] in Formula One, including the most [[List of Formula One Grand Prix winners|race wins]] ({{F1stat|HAM|wins}}),<ref>{{cite web |author1=James Galloway |title=Portuguese GP: Lewis Hamilton breaks F1's all-time wins record |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/36668/12114231/portuguese-gp-lewis-hamilton-breaks-f1s-all-time-wins-record |website=[[Sky Sports]] |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=Andrew Benson |title=Lewis Hamilton breaks Michael Schumacher's win record at the Portuguese Grand Prix |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/54682833 |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref> [[List of Formula One polesitters|pole positions]] ({{F1stat|HAM|poles}}),<ref>{{cite news |author1=Gary Rose |title=Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton breaks pole record - how he did it in numbers |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/41003336 |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Lewis Hamilton breaks Michael Schumacher's all-time pole position record with dramatic last lap in Pista Magica |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-03/lewis-hamilton-sets-pole-record-with-dramatic-last-lap-in-rain/8867350 |website=ABC News |date=2 September 2017 |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref> [[List of Formula One drivers who have achieved a podium finish|podium finishes]] ({{F1stat|HAM|podiums}}),<ref>{{cite web |author1=James Galloway |title=Lewis Hamilton breaks Michael Schumacher F1 podium record |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12049169/lewis-hamilton-breaks-michael-schumacher-f1-podium-record |website=[[Sky Sports]] |date=16 August 2020|access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lewis Hamilton wins Spanish GP, achieves most podium finishes in F1 history |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/motor-sport/lewis-hamilton-wins-spanish-gp-podium-record-f1-6557531/ |website=The Indian Express |date=16 August 2020 |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref> and [[List of Formula One driver records#Total career points|championship points]] ({{Commas|{{F1stat|HAM|careerpoints}}}}).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/point/nombre.aspx|title=Statistics Drivers – Points – By number|work=statsf1.com|access-date=5 March 2017|archive-date=23 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023102201/http://www.statsf1.com/en/statistiques/pilote/point/nombre.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> With his victory at the [[2008 Formula One World Championship|2008 World Drivers' Championship]], Hamilton became the [[List of Formula One driver records#Youngest World Drivers' Championship - first-time winners|then-youngest]] driver to win the title, aged 23 years and 301 days.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Richard Williams |title=This is first of many says Hamilton as he becomes youngest champion |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/nov/03/formulaone-lewishamilton |website=[[The Guardian]] |date=3 November 2008 |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Kavin Garside |title=Lewis Hamilton keeps cool to become youngest ever world champion in rainy Brazil |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/3367873/Lewis-Hamilton-crowned-youngest-world-champion-at-Brazil-Grand-Prix-Formula-One.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lewishamilton/3367873/Lewis-Hamilton-crowned-youngest-world-champion-at-Brazil-Grand-Prix-Formula-One.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |website=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=2 November 2008 |access-date=3 April 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Hamilton won his seventh title in {{F1|2020}}, tying the [[World Drivers' Championship|all-time record]] set by [[Michael Schumacher]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/hamilton-seals-historic-7th-title-with-peerless-wet-weather-victory-in.4wK1atemiXDvWXQxOknL4J|title=Hamilton seals historic 7th title with peerless wet-weather victory in Turkey|website=[[Formula 1]]|date=15 November 2020|access-date=26 November 2024}}</ref>

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