20 Moments That Made Lewis Hamilton a Legend
Lewis Hamilton’s journey from a karting prodigy to a seven-time Formula 1 world champion is told through 20 defining moments that shaped his historic career.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 6 min read
Lewis Hamilton is one of the most successful drivers in the history of Formula 1. These 20 moments highlight key milestones that show his skill, mental strength, and lasting influence on the sport. Each one reflects a step in his rise to global recognition and lasting legacy.
1. 1998 – Signed to McLaren Young Driver Programme
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At just 13 years old, Hamilton signed with McLaren and Mercedes-Benz after meeting Ron Dennis years earlier. This was the first time a major F1 team invested in a driver so young. The decision gave him access to funding, training, and a clear path to Formula 1. It showed how early his talent was recognized by people inside the sport.
2. 2006 – Winning the GP2 Championship
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In 2006, Hamilton won the GP2 title (now Formula 2) in his rookie season with ART Grand Prix. He took standout wins in Monaco and Silverstone. The title confirmed he was ready for Formula 1. His success made it nearly impossible for McLaren to overlook him for the top level.
3. 2007 – F1 Debut with McLaren at Australian Grand Prix
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Hamilton made his F1 debut on March 18, 2007, finishing third in Melbourne. He became the first Black driver in Formula 1 history and impressed by overtaking at the first corner. He went on to earn nine podiums in his first nine races. His debut season changed how rookies were judged in the sport.
4. 2007 – First F1 Win in Canada
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On June 10, 2007, Hamilton won his first Formula 1 race at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. He took pole position and led most of the race under intense pressure. The victory came in only his sixth F1 start. It confirmed he was not just fast, but a true competitor under race-day pressure.
5. 2008 – First World Championship at Age 23
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Hamilton won his first title on November 2, 2008, at the Brazilian Grand Prix. He finished fifth in the final lap, passing Timo Glock to win the championship by one point. He became the youngest world champion at the time. The dramatic finish is still considered one of the most intense in F1 history.
6. 2012 – Last Win for McLaren in the United States
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On November 18, 2012, Hamilton won the inaugural race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. It was his last win with McLaren before joining Mercedes. He passed Sebastian Vettel on track to take the lead. The performance was a final reminder of his peak talent during the McLaren years.
7. 2013 – Moving to Mercedes
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In September 2012, Hamilton announced his move to Mercedes for the 2013 season. Many in the F1 world doubted the decision. Mercedes was not a front-running team at the time. The move later became one of the most important career decisions in modern F1 history.
8. 2014 – First Title with Mercedes in Abu Dhabi
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On November 23, 2014, Hamilton won his second world title after winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It was his first championship with Mercedes during the first year of the turbo-hybrid era. He finished the season with 11 wins. The title marked the beginning of the Mercedes era of dominance.
9. 2015 – Third World Title at United States Grand Prix
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Hamilton secured his third title on October 25, 2015, at the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin. He won the race and matched Ayrton Senna’s three-title mark. It was a wet-dry race, and he passed teammate Nico Rosberg for the lead. The championship confirmed he was among the sport’s greats.
10. 2016 – Losing the Title to Rosberg
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In 2016, teammate Nico Rosberg won the championship after a tense season-long battle. Hamilton won more races but lost points to mechanical failures. Rosberg retired immediately after winning the title. The year taught Hamilton how to handle defeat and rebuild.
11. 2017 – Fourth Title and Beating Vettel
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In 2017, Hamilton beat Sebastian Vettel to win his fourth world title. It was his first major championship battle against Ferrari. He won nine races and clinched the title with two races to go. The season showed how well he could manage pressure and rivalries.
12. 2018 – Fifth World Title and Strong Second Half
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Hamilton won 11 races in 2018 and secured his fifth championship at the Mexican Grand Prix. He had a slow start but dominated the second half of the season. Ferrari had a fast car, but Hamilton outperformed Sebastian Vettel in key moments. This season confirmed he was now among the most successful drivers in history.
13. 2019 – Sixth Title with Consistency
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In 2019, Hamilton won 11 races again and sealed the title at the United States Grand Prix. He only retired once all season. His control, strategy, and adaptability helped him dominate again. His sixth title moved him closer to Michael Schumacher’s record of seven.
14. 2020 – Matching Schumacher with Seventh Title
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Hamilton won his seventh world championship at the Turkish Grand Prix on November 15, 2020. He won the race in wet conditions with perfect tire management. The victory tied him with Michael Schumacher for the most F1 world titles. It was a historic moment in modern motorsport.
15. 2020 – Taking a Knee and Speaking Out on Racial Justice
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In 2020, Hamilton became a major voice for social justice in Formula 1. He took a knee before races and wore shirts supporting racial equality. He launched the Hamilton Commission to improve diversity in motorsport. These actions made him a global figure beyond racing.
16. 2021 – Battle with Verstappen and Controversial Finale
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The 2021 season ended at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 12. A late-race decision under the safety car changed the outcome, and Max Verstappen won the race and the championship. Hamilton had led most of the race. The ending sparked major debate and led to rule changes in Formula 1.
17. 2022 – First Winless Season
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For the first time in his career, Hamilton failed to win a race in the 2022 season. Mercedes struggled with car performance, especially with porpoising. Despite this, he still finished in the top six in the championship. It was a reminder that even the best drivers face setbacks.
18. 2023 – Return to Form and Podiums
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In 2023, Hamilton returned to regular podium finishes with Mercedes. He had multiple top-three finishes, including second place at the Mexican Grand Prix. He ended the year third in the drivers’ standings. His consistency stood out in a difficult car.
19. 2024 – Announcement of Move to Ferrari
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In February 2024, Hamilton announced he would join Ferrari for the 2025 season. The move ended his long relationship with Mercedes. It was one of the biggest driver transfers in F1 history. Fans and media saw it as a bold new chapter late in his career.
20. 2024 – Final Season with Mercedes Begins
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In March 2024, Hamilton began his final season with Mercedes. The team confirmed he would stay fully involved in car development and team decisions. He remained focused on pushing Mercedes back to the top. This season is seen as a farewell to one of the most dominant partnerships in F1 history.