He is arguably F1’s greatest driver with a fortune set to crash through the £250million barrier as his move to Ferrari is confirmed.
Sir Lewis Hamilton had been expected to see out his glittering career with Mercedes but he is now changing teams in a move that will shake the sport.
It is yet another extraordinary twist in Sir Lewis’ life, which began on a Stevenage council estate where his father worked multiple jobs to pay for tyres and kart fuel so his prodigiously talented son could race.
The British sports megastar has won a joint-record seven drivers’ championships, tied with Michael Schumacher. He is said to be on the brink of following one of his childhood heroes, and fulfilling his dream, of taking a seat with the Scuderia as early as 2025.
From a £32million penthouse in New York to an £18million London mansion and a Monte Carlo retreat, a new home in Italy could also be on the cards as he will need a base close to Maranello, Ferrari’s headquarters.
Since his debut in 2007 he has led the way and holds the record for most F1 wins, pole positions and podium finishes. He has also become a fashion icon, a celebrated activist and was knighted in 2021 for services to motorsport.
Hamilton has continued to explore his interests in the fashion and music industries, while his recently launched production company are involved in a Hollywood blockbuster starring Brad Pitt. His business interests are wide and varied, including a non-alcoholic tequila brand and his friendship group is pure A-list.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari underlines that Formula One remains the star’s focus despite his multiple interests away from the sport
Hamilton shares a joke with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur in Azerbaijan last year
Lewis and his first karting championship, aged eight
Lewis Hamilton stands with his with his mother Carmen Lockhart, as he poses with his medal after being given a Knighthood for services to motorsports
Naomi Campbell, Lewis Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger
Lewis Hamilton stands on his McLaren in Monaco, where he has a home
Before Hamilton lived in this three-bedroom council house in Stevenage (pictured)
His status away from the track has continued to soar further, with Hamilton last year having been linked to singer Shakira amid long interest and speculation about his love life.
The 39-year-old will have fresh hope he will the title again to become the greatest ever after a poor season and losing out on his record-breaking eighth F1 world championship title when he was pipped by Dutch rival Max Verstappen in controversial style in Abu Dhabi in 2021.
The Ferrari deal is rumoured to come with a pay packet of at least £40million-a-year and a chance to continue his work to get more black drivers into F1 before he retires.
MailSport’s Jonathan McEvoy says that the Italian press has stated that Hamilton, 39, is wanted to replace Spaniard Carlos Sainz, whose contract negotiations ground to a standstill in December.
Hamilton is already arguably F1’s greatest ever sportsman.
Born Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton, Hamilton grew up in the Hertfordshire town of Stevenage to parents Anthony and Carmen.
Lewis Hamilton as a child
Lewis with his father Anthony, who worked several jobs to pay for his racing as a child
The seven-times Formula One world champion, 38, has been a voice against racism, revealing that pupils would throw bananas at him and call him the ‘N-word’ when he grew up in Stevenage
Lewis Hamilton has an extensive list of interest including fashion, music and the film industry, becoming a sports and cultural icon
Lewis Hamilton, JR, and Robert De Niro attend CHANEL Tribeca Festival Artists Dinner last year
Will Smith hugs Lewis Hamilton at the 2023 FIA Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Lewis with David Furnish at Glastonbury and Leonardo DiCaprio at a Lakers game
Lewis’ London home – one of several extraordinary properties he owns
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.
Hamilton then lived with his father, stepmother Linda, and his half-brother, who is a professional racing driver in the British Touring Car Championship. His father bought him his first go-kart when he was six and took redundancy from his IT job, working jobs as a contractor, to support his son’s racing career.
Hamilton has used his sporting prowess and fame to shine a spotlight on racism, which he suffered during his upbringing.
For many years he has been the only black driver in F1 and has been campaigning to encourage more BAME people into the sport.
He has previously has opened up about facing racist bullying at school as a child in Stevenage.
Lewis Hamilton’s former babysitter says the future Formula One star was ‘always happy and smiling’ while growing up (pictured) in the Hertfordshire town he branded a slum
Candid: Speaking to the On Purpose podcast, he said: ‘School was the most traumatising and most difficult part of my life’
Hamilton was last year linked to Shakira after being pictured together with the singer numerous times since her split from ex-partner Gerard Pique
Hamilton’s production company are working on a F1 film featuring Brad Pitt as the lead
The F1 star revealed in 2020 he had featured on a song with Christina Aguilera two years prior
Hamilton became a global ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger in 2018 with the fashion brand highlighting the star’s boldness and being unafraid to take risks
Awful: Lewis Hamilton has opened up about facing racist bullying at school as a child in Stevenage
The seven-times Formula One world champion, 39, detailed the horrific abuse where fellow pupils would throw bananas at him and call him the ‘N-word‘.
Speaking to the On Purpose podcast, he said: ‘School was the most traumatising and most difficult part of my life.
‘I was already being bullied at the age of six. At that particular school I was one of three kids of colour and just bigger, stronger, bullying kids were throwing me around a lot of the time.’
Lewis continued: ‘And the constant jabs, the things that are either thrown at you, like bananas, or people that would use the N-word just so relaxed.
‘People calling you half-caste and not knowing where you fit in. That was difficult.’
‘In my [secondary] school there were six or seven black kids out of 1,200 kids and three of us were put outside the headmasters’ office all the time. The headmaster just had it out for us – and particularly me.’
He admitted: ‘I felt the system was up against me and I was swimming against the tide.
‘There were a lot of things I suppressed. I didn’t feel I could go home and tell my parents that these kids kept calling me the N-word or I got bullied or beaten up at school today, I didn’t want my dad to think I was not strong.’
Elsewhere in the podcast – which was recorded in November of last year – Lewis spoke about his future after Formula One.
He said: ‘It is going to be really, really hard when I stop racing. I have been doing it for 30 years. When you stop, what is going to match that?
‘Nothing is going to match being in a stadium, being at a race, being at the pinnacle of the sport and being at the front of the grid or coming through the grid and that emotion that I get with that.
‘When I do stop there will be a big hole so I am trying to focus and find things that can replace that and be just as rewarding.’
Lewis has previously spoken about facing racism as a child and how his upbringing made him more determined than ever to spark change – urging youngsters not give up on their dreams.
In an interview with BBC News in 2020, Lewis said: ‘For the kids out there who dream the impossible, do not give up on that dream because I am living proof that you can manifest your dreams and even the impossible ones.
‘I remember as a kid; adults, teachers, parents of other drivers telling me that I would not make it. “You’re not going to make it, go back to your country.”
‘All these horrible things and I remember thinking I’m going to prove you wrong.
‘The message is for all the kids out there who feel they don’t have a voice and might be dreaming of something or want to dream big.’
When he began racing Hamilton quickly began winning races and cadet class championships and became the youngest driver to win the British cadet karting championship at the age of ten.
A generational talent, Hamilton quickly rose through the junior karting ranks and began his car racing career in the 2001 British Formula Renault Winter Series.
He joined GP2 – F1’s second competition – in 2006 winning the championship at his first attempt.
He signed an F1 contract with British team McLaren for the 2007 season, becoming the first, and as of yet only black racer in F1’s history.
Hamilton made the podium in his debut race and lost out on the driver’s championship to Kimi Räikkönen by one point.
He won the first of his seven F1 world championship – his only one with McLaren – the following season after a dramatic finale in Brazil.
With the backing of the German team Mercedes Hamilton won six out of seven of the next world championships, losing only once to his team mate Nico Rosberg in a dramatic and fiery title fight.
Despite losing the crown to Verstappen in dramatic style, Hamilton looks likely to battle on for his eight world championship.
He signed a contract that will keep him in F1 with the Silver Arrows – but may now be moving on.
The 39-year-old reportedly raked in £51million last year according to Forbes, with the Briton labelled as Formula One’s most marketable asset.
Kristina O’Neill, Lewis Hamilton, Kim Kardashian West, Demi Moore, and Kim Jones attend the WSJ. Magazine 2021 Innovator Awards
Zendaya and Lewis Hamilton attend the Valentino Womenswear Fall/Winter 2022/2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week
Hamilton had been seen with the singer numerous times since her split from ex-partner Gerard Pique. As well as enjoying boat trips together with friends in Miami the pair also dined in Barcelona after Hamilton’s second place at Grand Prix.
Shakira had also been pictured as Silverstone last year, as Hamilton finished third at the British Grand Prix.
Hamilton has admitted that his lifestyle has changed as he approaches the latter stages of his career, with his business empire expanding away from the race track.
In October, he told CNBC that expanding his business interests was vital in giving him balance.
‘When I first started in Formula One, I didn’t have any leeway to do anything else, but since I have been with Mercedes I have been more open to doing other things outside of the sport,’ Hamilton said.
‘Ultimately there are so many business ventures I am involved in, for example, the movie I am involved in producing for Formula One. I have a bunch of other things I am invested in and start-ups I’m invested in as well.
‘I can’t race forever, and it’s good to have other things that you can be creative and tap into. You can’t be thinking about racing 24/7, because you’ll go out of your head.’
Hamilton’s involvement in the F1-inspired film marked his entry in the industry, with the driver playing a key role in casting decisions.
The film is one of two projects Hamilton’s film and production company Dawn Apollo Films – launched in 2022 – are involved in. The second is a documentary which will chart Hamilton’s journey to becoming an F1 driver.
The Briton revealed last year that he had been playing a background role in the F1 film project, stressing the need to ensure there was diverse team to help boost the future of the sport.
Hamilton serves as a producer of the film directed by Joseph Kosinski, which features Brad Pitt as the lead with Damson Idris and Kerry Condon also included on the cast.
‘I’m more enjoying the part in the background, making sure that I’m really talking to Joe about who we’re hiring, making sure that it’s diverse, making sure that the sport looks how it’s supposed to look in the future, in terms of being more accessible,’ Hamilton told Sky Sports last year.
‘It’s such a privilege… because we weren’t racing, we spent the whole day going through the script in London. Just to be able to sit there with Joe and Jerry [Bruckheimer], who are such legends, and then sit there and watch Brad work.
‘I’m learning so much through the process and have even more of an appreciation of what it takes to create a movie.’
While Hamilton may only have a cameo in the film, the star revealed he previously had to turn down a role in Top Gun’s sequel in 2022 due to his Mercedes’ commitments.
Hamilton has also been open in the past about his love of music and confirmed in 2020 that he had featured on a 2018 Christina Aguilera song.
He confirmed rumours that he was the mysterious XNDA who featured on the track Pipe.
‘Guys, I’ve spent the last 10 years or more writing and recording, working with some of the most talented and beautiful people which I’m so grateful for. It’s been the most incredible outlet,’ Hamilton wrote on Instagram.
Hamilton, pictured on the runway with Naomi Campbell, has had a growing influence in the fashion industry
Lewis Hamilton and Winnie Harlow
Lewis Hamilton laughs and chats with a very animated Cara Delevingne
‘Finding something you love so much and can do just for you, for your spirit is I think such an important process. I’ve come to the place where I’d love to share it with you.
‘I haven’t got a project or album, just a bunch of different songs that perhaps some of you will be able to connect to. They have helped me get through some of the most difficult times.
‘At some stage I’m going to find a moment to share with you so bare with me.’
Hamilton had previously told Mail Sport that he approached music as a hobby, one which allowed him to show vulnerability.
Hamilton’s desire for peak performance in F1 and expanding his business portfolio were central to the star launching the non-alcoholic tequila brand Almave last year, collaborating with Casa Lumbre master distiller Ivan Saldana.
He claimed the decision to stop drinking alcohol was part of his efforts to seek an ‘extra one per cent’ to boost performances.
Hamilton has claimed his brand will ‘honour the soul of tequila’ by keeping to its traditions.
‘I’ve always loved a good tequila, but on days or nights when I needed a clear mind – either the night before a race or while hanging with friends- I could not find an authentic non-alcoholic option that delivered on the premium quality and experience of my favorite full-proof tequilas,’ Hamilton said on Almave’s website.
‘And so began a relentless pursuit to create a non-alcoholic spirit that does not compromise on authenticity or quality.’
Hamilton launched a non-alcoholic tequila brand last year and has invested in the vegan fast food chain Neat Burger
Hamilton was part of a group to invest into the Denver Broncos NFL team back in 2022
Lewis Hamilton (right) cheered on his Denver Broncos team from the stands for the first time
The Mercedes star’s fashion choices have been notable on the grid at Formula One races
Hamilton is also a co-investor in the vegan fast food chain Neat Burger, while he became part of a group including former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to invest in the Denver Broncos NFL team in August 2022.
Hamilton joined the Broncos franchise as part of the Walton-Penner family takeover.
A statement by Rob Walton, on behalf of the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group, read: ‘We’re delighted to welcome seven-time Formula One world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton to our ownership group.
‘He is a champion competitor who knows what it takes to lead a winning team and a fierce advocate for global equality, including in his own sport.
‘His resilient spirit and standard of excellence will be an asset to the ownership group and the Broncos organization.’
Hamilton shared his excitement at becoming a part of the Broncos team by writing on his Twitter profile at the time, alongside a photo of his dog Roscoe in Broncos accessories: ‘Excited to join an incredible group of owners and become a part of the @Broncos story!!’
‘Honored to work with a world class team and serve as an example of the value of more diverse leadership across all sports. Roscoe already thinks he made the team.’
While his interests have grown vastly in recent years, fashion has arguably been at the top of Hamilton’s priorities away from F1.
Hamilton became a global ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger in 2018, shortly after the fashion brand became a partner of Mercedes.
‘Lewis is bold in everything he does,’ Tommy Hilfiger told GQ after confirming the partnership with Hamilton, highlighting his appeal to the brand.
‘He’s not afraid to take risks. And he has a cool and sophisticated style that really speaks to the new generation of Tommy fans.
Hamilton has launched several collections with the brand, while his fashion choices on the grid have constantly garnered attention during F1 seasons.
Hamilton is a menswear ambassador for The British Fashion Council, offering support and advice on key issues facing the British design industry. He has also been a regular attendee at leading fashion shows, including Paris Fashion Week and the Met Gala.
David Beckham, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady and Lewis Hamilton at the F1 Miami Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton in a bombshell move has switched from Mercedes to Ferrari
The star will look to challenge Max Verstappen’s dominance with Red Bull by making the move
The Mercedes driver was listed in listed as one of Sports Illustrated’s ‘Fashionable 50 Icons’ in 2019, while he has worked with Esquire, L’Officiel, Vogue, ICON and Men’s Health.
It was perhaps no surprise the, that when Hamilton launched his non-alcoholic tequila brand, he spoke about the product in an interview with Vogue.
Hamilton’s interests away from the sport have only furthered expanded F1’s reach to a wider audience.
This has only been furthered by his previous high-profile relationship with Nicole Scherzinger, as well as rumours last year that Hamilton had been dating Shakira.
Despite his high-profile lifestyle, interests and social activism away from F1, Hamilton’s shock move to Ferrari confirms the sport will remain his ultimate focus for the foreseeable future.
