COLEGIUL NAȚIONAL ”MIHAI EMINESCU”

SATU MARE

LUCRARE DE ATESTAT LA LIMBA ENGLEZĂ

Lewis Hamilton

Candidat:
Racolța-Pop Antonio
Coordonator:
Prof. Csirak Mirabela

CLASA A XII-A A
Specializare Matematiă-Informatică, Bilingv Engleză
2023-2024
 Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................3

1. Personal life...................................................................................................................................4

1.1 Origins.........................................................................................................................................4

1.2 First steps towards becoming a race car driver...........................................................................5

1.3 Education.................................................................................................................................5

1.3 Adult life..................................................................................................................................6

2.Early career.........................................................................................................................................6

2.1 Karting.........................................................................................................................................6

2.2 Formula Renault and Formula Three...........................................................................................7

2.3 GP2..............................................................................................................................................8

3.Formula One Career...........................................................................................................................9

3.1 His first season in F1 2007...........................................................................................................9

3.2 Team tensions............................................................................................................................11

3.3 2008 Season...............................................................................................................................12

3.3 Racial abuse...............................................................................................................................14

4.Records.............................................................................................................................................14

1. London – a City of Three Olympics..............................................................................................16

5.1 1908 Summer Olympics.............................................................................................................16

5.2 Olympic Spirit During War.........................................................................................................16

5.2.1 1944 Cancellation...............................................................................................................16

5.2.2 1948 Summer Olympics......................................................................................................17

5.3 2012 Summer Paralympics........................................................................................................17

Conclusion...........................................................................................................................................19

References...........................................................................................................................................20

Appendices..........................................................................................................................................21

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 Introduction

Lewis Hamilton stands as an icon in the realm of motorsport, transcending the boundaries of
racing to become a global figure synonymous with excellence, determination, and advocacy.
With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Hamilton's journey from a young
karting prodigy to a seven-time Formula One World Champion has captivated the
imagination of fans worldwide. Beyond his unparalleled success on the track, Hamilton's
influence extends far beyond the confines of the circuit, igniting conversations on diversity,
social justice, and environmental sustainability.

This study endeavours to delve into the multifaceted persona of Lewis Hamilton, dissecting
the intricacies of his racing prowess, the challenges he has encountered, and the impact he
has made both within and outside the sport. By analysing his career trajectory, racing
strategies, and notable achievements, we aim to unravel the formula behind his unparalleled
success and shed light on the factors that have propelled him to the summit of motorsport.

Moreover, this study seeks to explore the broader significance of Hamilton's influence
beyond the racetrack. As an outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion, Hamilton has
utilized his platform to address systemic issues within the sport and society at large,
challenging conventions and paving the way for a more inclusive future. His efforts to
promote environmental sustainability and combat climate change further underscore his
commitment to driving positive change beyond the realm of motorsport.

Through a comprehensive analysis of Hamilton's career, achievements, and impact, this study
aims to provide a nuanced understanding of his legacy and contributions to both motorsport
and society. By unravelling the triumphs and tribulations of Lewis Hamilton, we endeavor to
illuminate the enduring impact of one of the most influential figures in the history of Formula
One racing.

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 1. Personal life

1.1 Origins

Lewis Hamilton's background is as diverse as his achievements on the racetrack. Born to a

white British mother, Carmen Larbalestier (now Carmen Lockhart), and with paternal roots
tracing back to Grenada, Hamilton's familial tapestry reflects the rich multicultural fabric of
modern Britain. His paternal grandfather, Oliver Hamilton, contributed to the infrastructure
of London as a worker on the iconic London Underground, embodying the industrious spirit
that would later be echoed in Hamilton's relentless pursuit of excellence on the Formula One
circuit.

The early years of Hamilton's life were marked by the dynamics of a family in transition. His
parents separated when he was just two years old, and he spent his formative years under the
care of his mother, alongside his half-sisters Nicola and Samantha. However, at the age of
twelve, Hamilton's life took a significant turn as he began living with his father, stepmother
Linda, and half-brother Nicholas, who bravely navigates life with cerebral palsy. This
familial shift not only shaped Hamilton's personal journey but also provided him with a
unique perspective on resilience, empathy, and the importance of support systems.

Hamilton's upbringing amidst diverse family dynamics not only influenced his character but
also played a pivotal role in shaping his outlook on issues of inclusivity and social justice. As
he ascended the ranks of Formula One, Hamilton became a vocal advocate for diversity,
using his platform to champion the inclusion of underrepresented groups in motorsport and
beyond. His experiences within his own family unit undoubtedly informed his unwavering
commitment to breaking barriers and fostering a more inclusive world.

Thus, understanding Hamilton's family background is integral to comprehending the

multifaceted dimensions of his identity and the values that underpin his remarkable journey
both on and off the racetrack. It serves as a testament to the transformative power of personal
experiences in shaping individuals who go on to leave an indelible mark on the world stage.

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1.2 First steps towards becoming a race car driver

Hamilton's introduction to the world of racing began with the nimble control of radio-
controlled cars. In 1991, his father, Anthony, gifted him one, setting the stage for young
Hamilton's remarkable journey. By the following year, Hamilton showcased his natural
talent, clinching second place in the national BRCA championship. Reflecting on this period,
Hamilton reminisced, "I was racing these remote-controlled cars and winning club
championships against adults."

This initial success ignited Hamilton's passion for racing, leading him to venture into kart
racing at the tender age of six. With a go-kart gifted to him as a Christmas present by his
father, Hamilton embarked on his first foray into competitive karting. Anthony Hamilton,
inculcating values of hard work and dedication, made a pivotal promise to his son: support
for his racing aspirations would be contingent upon diligent academic effort.

As Hamilton's racing ambitions grew, so did the sacrifices made by his father. Anthony,
departing from his role as an IT Manager, transitioned to a contractor, often juggling multiple
jobs simultaneously to finance his son's burgeoning career. Despite the demanding nature of
his endeavours, Anthony remained unwavering in his support, ensuring his presence at all of
Hamilton's races. Eventually, he even established his own computer company while
concurrently serving as Hamilton's full-time manager.

This narrative epitomizes the profound familial dedication and the relentless pursuit of
dreams that characterized Hamilton's ascent in the world of motorsport. It underscores the
pivotal role played by Anthony Hamilton in nurturing and facilitating his son's extraordinary
talent, laying the foundation for Lewis Hamilton's meteoric rise to prominence in Formula
One.

1.3 Education

Hamilton was educated at The John Henry Newman School, a voluntary aided Catholic
secondary school in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. He extended his skills to football, playing in
his school team alongside current Everton and former England international Full-back Ashley
Young. Hamilton mentioned that if Formula 1 had not worked for him, he would have
pursued a career in football or cricket, having played for both his school teams as a
youngster.

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1.3 Adult life
On October 29, 2007, Hamilton made public his decision to relocate to Switzerland, citing a
desire to escape the intense media scrutiny he had endured in the United Kingdom. In an
interview on the television program Parkinson, aired on November 10, 2007, Hamilton
indicated that taxation played a role in his decision, alongside his longing for increased
privacy. This move drew criticism from UK Members of Parliament, including Liberal
Democrat MP Bob Russell, who accused Hamilton of tax avoidance. Interestingly,
Switzerland also attracted other Formula One luminaries like Michael Schumacher, Kimi
Räikkönen, and Fernando Alonso for similar reasons. However, Hamilton faced a setback on
December 18, 2007, when he was suspended from driving in France for a month after being
caught speeding at 122 mph (196 km/h) on a French motorway, resulting in the impoundment
of his Mercedes-Benz. Additionally, it's noteworthy that Hamilton has been romantically
involved with Nicole Scherzinger, the lead singer of the American girl band Pussycat Dolls.
Hamilton was awarded an MBE in the 2009 New Year Honours.

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 2.Early career

2.1 Karting
Hamilton embarked on his karting journey in 1993 at the tender age of eight, honing his skills
at the Rye House Kart Circuit. With remarkable swiftness, he began clinching victories and
Cadet class championships. At the age of ten, Hamilton approached Ron Dennis, the boss of
the McLaren F1 team, seeking an autograph. In a moment that would shape his destiny, he
boldly declared, "Hi. I'm Lewis Hamilton. I won the British Championship, and one day I
want to be racing your cars." Dennis, impressed by the young prodigy's ambition, inscribed in
his autograph book, "Phone me in nine years, we'll sort something out then." True to his
word, Dennis reached out in 1998 after Hamilton secured an additional Super One series
victory and his second British championship. This marked the beginning of Hamilton's
journey with McLaren, as he was signed to their driver development program. The contract
included the tantalizing prospect of a future Formula One seat, eventually making Hamilton
the youngest driver ever to secure such an agreement, setting the stage for his meteoric rise in
the world of motorsport.

"He's a quality driver, very strong and only 16. If he keeps this up, I'm sure he will reach F1.

It's something special to see a kid of his age out on the circuit. He's clearly got the right

racing mentality."- said Michael Schumacher

Lewis Hamilton's ascent through the ranks of karting was marked by consistent progress and
remarkable achievements. From Intercontinental A in 1999 to Formula A in 2000 and
Formula Super A in 2001, Hamilton showcased his talent and determination, culminating in
his European Championship victory in 2000, where he secured maximum points. During his
tenure with TeamMBM.com in Formula A and Formula Super A, Hamilton found himself
alongside future Formula One star Nico Rosberg, who later joined the Williams team. In
recognition of his karting prowess, the British Racing Drivers' Club honored Hamilton as a
'Rising Star' Member in 2000, acknowledging his potential and promising future in
motorsport.

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In a memorable moment of his karting career, Hamilton crossed paths with Formula One
legend Michael Schumacher in 2001. Schumacher, in a one-off return to karts, competed
against Hamilton, alongside other future F1 drivers like Vitantonio Liuzzi and Nico Rosberg.
Despite finishing seventh in the final, four places behind Schumacher, Hamilton's
performance garnered praise from the seasoned champion. While their on-track encounters
were brief, Schumacher's commendation of the young Briton underscored Hamilton's
emerging talent and foreshadowed his future success in Formula One.

2.2 Formula Renault and Formula Three

Hamilton embarked on his car racing career in the 2001 British Formula Renault Winter Series,
despite encountering an early setback with a crash during testing. Despite this, he showcased his
resilience by finishing fifth overall in the winter series. This promising start led to a full campaign in
the 2002 Formula Renault UK with Manor Motorsport, where Hamilton secured third place overall
with three wins and three pole positions. Staying with Manor for the following year, Hamilton's
dominance shone through as he clinched the championship title with an impressive tally of ten wins
and 419 points, leaving his nearest rival far behind. Following his championship victory, Hamilton
made his debut in the season finale of the British Formula Three Championship, although his
performance was marred by misfortune, including a forced retirement due to a puncture and a
collision that led to a hospital visit. Nonetheless, he showcased his speed at prestigious events like
the Macau and Korean Grand Prix, even securing pole position in his first visit to the latter circuit and
only his fourth F3 race.

In 2004, Hamilton found himself at odds with McLaren, resulting in a temporary rift. Despite this, he
nearly joined Williams after McLaren briefly dropped him, only to be thwarted by BMW's refusal to
finance his career. Eventually, Hamilton reconciled with McLaren and made his debut in the 2004
Formula Three Euro series with Manor, finishing fifth in the championship standings. His season
included a victory at the Bahrain F3 Super Prix and participation in the Macau F3 Grand Prix.
Subsequently, Hamilton tested for McLaren at Silverstone in late 2004.

For the 2005 season, Hamilton moved to ASM, the reigning Euro series champions, where he
demonstrated unparalleled dominance by winning 15 out of 20 rounds. His stellar performance was
further highlighted by victory at the Marlboro Masters of Formula 3 at Zandvoort. Despite being
disqualified from one win at Spa-Francorchamps due to a technical infringement, Hamilton's

8
prowess earned him recognition, with British magazine Autosport featuring him in their "Top 50
Drivers of 2005" issue, ranking him 24th.

2.3 GP2
Following his remarkable success in Formula Three, Hamilton transitioned to ART Grand
Prix, the sister team of ASM, for the 2006 GP2 season. Like their counterparts in Formula
Three, ART Grand Prix was at the forefront of the field, reigning as champions after securing
the 2005 GP2 crown with Nico Rosberg. In his debut GP2 campaign, Hamilton showcased
his exceptional talent by clinching the GP2 championship title, triumphing over his closest
rival, Nelson Piquet Jr.

Hamilton's dominance in the GP2 series was underscored by several notable performances.
Notably, at the Nürburgring, he secured a commanding victory despite serving a penalty for
speeding in the pit lane. His home race at Silverstone during the British Grand Prix further
solidified his reputation, as he executed impressive overtaking maneuvers at Becketts, a
notoriously challenging section of the circuit. In Istanbul, Hamilton demonstrated his
resilience by recovering from a spin that initially dropped him to eighteenth place, ultimately
securing a remarkable second position in the final corners.

The circumstances surrounding Hamilton's GP2 championship victory were unconventional.

He secured the final point needed for the title after Giorgio Pantano was disqualified from
setting the fastest lap in the Monza feature race. Despite finishing second in the sprint race,
Hamilton maintained a twelve-point lead over his closest competitor, Piquet Jr.

Hamilton's triumph in the 2006 GP2 championship coincided with a vacant seat at McLaren
following the departures of Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Räikkönen. After months of
speculation regarding McLaren's driver lineup for the 2007 season, Hamilton was eventually
confirmed as the team's second driver alongside defending champion Fernando Alonso.
While Hamilton was informed of McLaren's decision on September 30, the news was not
publicly announced until November 24, with the team opting to delay the announcement to
avoid overshadowing Michael Schumacher's retirement announcement.

9
 3.Formula One Career

3.1 His first season in F1 2007

It was announced prior to the start of the season that Hamilton would be partnering defending
double World Champion Fernando Alonso who had joined McLaren after leaving Renault.
On his début at the Australian Grand Prix, he qualified fourth and finished third in the race,
becoming the thirteenth driver to finish on the podium in his first F1 career race (excluding
those in the first ever World Championship round). In Bahrain, Hamilton got his first front-
row start, qualifying and finishing second behind Felipe Massa. Hamilton again finished
second behind Massa in the Spanish Grand Prix, to take the lead in the drivers championship.
This meant that Hamilton took the record from Bruce McLaren as the youngest driver to ever
lead the world championship. Hamilton finished second behind Alonso at Monaco and
afterwards suggested he was prevented from racing his team mate. But the FIA cleared
McLaren following an investigation (see below). Hamilton had both his first pole position
and first victory of his F1 career in the Canadian Grand Prix at Montreal. He led for most of
the race even after the safety car was deployed four times increasing the chances of his being
overtaken. A week later Hamilton won the United States Grand Prix, also from pole position,
becoming the first Briton since John Watson in 1983 to win an F1 race in the US, and only
the second person, after Jacques Villeneuve, to win more than one race in his rookie F1
season since the first year of the Championship. Hamilton at the start of the 2007 French
Grand Prix behind Ferrari's Felipe Massa. By finishing third at Magny-Cours behind Ferrari
drivers Kimi Räikkönen and Felipe Massa, Hamilton extended his lead in the Driver's
Championship to 14 points. This was the first time in his F1 career he finished a race in a
lower position than he started, and the first time he had been passed on the race track in
Formula One. He took pole at his home Grand Prix at Silverstone and led for the first 16 laps,
but slipped to third, 40 seconds behind Räikkönen and Alonso. During qualifying for the
European Grand Prix, Hamilton crashed at the Schumacher chicane after a problem with the
wheel nut caused by the air gun used on his car. He was taken to the circuit's medical centre
on a stretcher with an oxygen mask and drip, but was conscious throughout. He was unable to
complete qualifying and his Q2 time was surpassed by all other competitors during Q3, thus
he qualified in tenth position. After a final medical check on Sunday morning, Hamilton was

10
cleared to race. During a heavy rainstorm which caused the race to be red-flagged Hamilton
slid off into a gravel trap, however as he kept his engine runing he was lifted back on to the
circuit and able to rejoin the race after the restart. His nineth place finish in this race was his
first non-podium and non-points finish, enabling title contenders Alonso and Massa to reduce
Hamilton's championship lead. Hamilton won the Hungarian Grand Prix from pole position
following a controversial qualifying session. Alonso had set the fastest time, but was
relegated five places down the grid to sixth for preventing Hamilton to leave the pit lane in
time to complete his final qualifying lap – preventing Hamilton from potentially claiming
pole position. Kimi Räikkönen stayed within five seconds of Hamilton for the entire race
(excluding pit stop periods). McLaren were docked any constructor's points earned during the
race due to the incident in qualifying. After declaring he had restored his relationship with
Alonso, Hamilton qualified second in Turkey. After dropping to third at the first corner,
Hamilton looked set for a podium finish with 15 laps remaining, but a right-front tyre
puncture forced him to crawl back to the pits, leaving him to finish fifth meaning his
championship lead was cut once more. Hamilton took fourth place in the 2007 Belgian Grand
Prix. Alonso beat Hamilton in the Italian and Belgian Grands Prix, leaving the Briton with a
two-point lead in the title race. However he extended his lead to 12 points after winning the
Japanese Grand Prix in heavy rain after Alonso crashed. Following the race Hamilton was
investigated by the race stewards over his involvement in an incident behind the safety car,
which saw both Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber crash out of the race while following the
McLaren. The trio were cleared on the Friday of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend. After
securing pole position in China, which saw changeable weather conditions, Hamilton retired
from the race. He experienced considerable tyre wear, notably his right rear, and he ran wide
into the gravel trap in the pitlane where his car beached. This was Hamilton's first retirement
of his Formula One career. It was later revealed that Bridgestone became unnerved at the
glaringly worn tyres and advised McLaren to order him to make a pit stop which McLaren
refused to do, believing it would be counterproductive. Hamilton himself couldn't tell the full
extent of the tyre problem as raindrops were in his wing mirrors. Hamilton thus went into the
final race of the season four and seven points ahead of Alonso and Räikkönen respectively. In
the Brazilian Grand Prix he failed to finish in a championship-winning position, finishing the
race in seventh overall after being in eighteenth place at his worst point of the race. The drop
to eighteenth occurred due to two incidents. In the first he was passed by Räikkönen away
from the line before being boxed in by Massa and Räikkönen into the first corner, and
'wrong-footed' by Räikkönen mid-corner, Hamilton was passed by Alonso in Turn 3.

11
Hamilton attempted to re-pass Alonso in turn four, but ran wide, dropping four places to
eighth. The second problem started on lap 9 when Hamilton encountered a gearbox problem,
which meant that he was stuck in neutral and could not select any gears. The gearbox became
operational again after Hamilton switched settings on his steering wheel, but he lost 40
seconds while his car was coasting. For most of the race, Massa was leading with Räikkönen
in second. If this had been the case come the chequered flag with Hamilton in seventh place,
Hamilton would have become world champion. After the second round of pit stops,
Räikkönen stayed out a couple of laps longer than Massa and took the lead. Once in front
Räikkönen made no mistakes in the remaining laps and won the race to become the Formula
One world champion. On 21 October 2007 it was announced that the FIA were investigating
BMW Sauber and Williams for fuel irregularities, the BMW drivers had finished in fifth and
sixth place, and if they were to be excluded Hamilton would be promoted to fifth and would
win the 2007 Drivers World Championship by one point over Räikkönen. Ultimately no
penalty whatsoever was given to any team as there was "sufficient doubt as to render it
inappropriate to impose a penalty", though McLaren have officially appealed this decision.
Hamilton subsequently told the BBC he does not want to win an F1 title through the
disqualifications of other drivers. A precedent had been set in 1995 when Michael
Schumacher, then of Benetton-Renault, and David Coulthard, then of Williams-Renault, were
both found guilty of possessing illegal fuel in their cars and in that situation both drivers were
initially docked drivers points, but for unspecified reasons it would transpire over a week
later that constructor points would be docked instead. Ahead of the world championship
finale, Hamilton answered a question about what it would mean to him to become the first
black champion, saying: "It will show that not only white people can do it, but also black
people, Indians, Japanese and Chinese. It will be good to mean something." Having made few
public remarks about his ethnicity since becoming an F1 driver, Hamilton added: "Outside of
Formula One my heroes are foremost my father, then Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther
King. Being black is not a negative. It’s a positive, if anything, because I’m different. In the
future it can open doors to different cultures and that is what motor sport is trying to do
anyway".

3.2 Team tensions

Hamilton's relationship with McLaren team boss Ron Dennis dates back to 1995, with the
first indication that Hamilton was unhappy with his team appearing after he finished second
12
at Monaco in 2007. After post-race comments made by Hamilton which suggested he had
been forced into a supporting role, the FIA initiated an inquiry to determine whether
McLaren had broken rules by enforcing team orders. McLaren denied favoring double world
champion Fernando Alonso, and the FIA subsequently vindicated the team, stating that:
"McLaren were able to pursue an optimum team strategy because they had a substantial
advantage over all other cars. They did nothing which could be described as interfering with
the race result". The tensions within the team surfaced again at the 2007 Hungarian Grand
Prix. During the final qualifying session for the race Hamilton was delayed in the pits by
Alonso and thus unable to set a final lap time before the end of the session. McLaren pointed
out that Hamilton had disobeyed an earlier instruction to let Alonso pass in qualifying.
Alonso was relegated to sixth place on the starting grid, thus elevating Hamilton (who had
originally qualified second) to first, while McLaren were docked constructors championship
points. Hamilton said he thought Alonso's penalty was "quite light if anything" and only
regretted the loss of constructors' points. Hamilton was reported to have sworn at Dennis on
the team radio following the incident. British motorsport journal Autosport claimed that this
"[led] Dennis to throw his headphones on the pit wall in disgust (a gesture that was
misinterpreted by many to be in reaction to Alonso's pole)". However, McLaren later issued a
statement on behalf of Hamilton which denied the use of any profanity. As a result of these
events, the relationship between Hamilton and Alonso temporarily collapsed, with the pair
not on speaking terms for a short period. In the aftermath, it was reported that Hamilton had
been targeted by Luca Cordero di Montezemolo regarding a Ferrari drive for 2008.

Following the stewards' investigation into the incident at the 2007 Japanese Grand Prix,
Alonso insinuated that the verdict had settled the championship in Hamilton's favor, saying:
"I’m not thinking of this championship anymore, it’s been decided off the track. The drivers’
briefing has no purpose. You go there to hear what Charlie Whiting and the other officials
say. Twenty-one drivers have an opinion, Charlie and the officials another, and so it’s like
talking to a wall". The rivalry between Hamilton and teammate Alonso led to speculation that
one of the pair would leave McLaren at the end of the 2007 season, and Alonso and McLaren
subsequently terminated their contract by mutual consent on November 2, 2007.

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3.3 2008 Season

On December 14, 2007, it was confirmed that Heikki Kovalainen, who drove for Renault in
2007, would drive the second car for McLaren-Mercedes for the 2008 Formula One season
alongside Hamilton. In January 2008, Hamilton signed a new five-year multi-million pound
contract to stay with McLaren-Mercedes until the end of the 2012 season. Hamilton won the
first race of the 2008 season, the Australian Grand Prix, having qualified on pole. In the
second race of the season, the Malaysian Grand Prix, he finished fifth after long duels with
both Mark Webber and Jarno Trulli. He had been demoted to ninth on the grid, from fourth,
for impeding Heidfeld's flying lap. At the third race of the year, the Bahrain Grand Prix,
things did not start well for Hamilton when he had a crash in practice which destroyed his
car. He continued with a spare chassis and took third place in qualifying. In the race, after a
bad start, he crashed into the back of Alonso's Renault finishing 13th. This led to him being
overtaken in the drivers Championship by Kimi Räikkönen and Nick Heidfeld. He was back
on the podium at the Spanish Grand Prix, finishing third from fifth on the grid. Hamilton
finished second in the Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday May 11, 2008. He said that this was his
best race he had ever competed in. Two weeks later, he won the Monaco Grand Prix putting
him in the lead of the championship.

He achieved his eighth career pole position at the Canadian Grand Prix. During the race, he
crashed into the back of Räikkönen after failing to see that the Finn was waiting at a red light
at the end of the pit lane. Both cars were forced to retire and Hamilton was given a 10-
position grid penalty for the next race, the French Grand Prix, as a result of this incident. At
that race, Hamilton overtook Sebastian Vettel at the chicane on lap 1 but missed the apex and
was given a drive-through penalty which he served on lap 13, finishing the race in 13th.
Despite an error in qualifying that saw him start fourth on the grid, Hamilton went on to win
the British Grand Prix in difficult, wet conditions. His performance was stated as being one
of his best drives to date. Hamilton himself said in the post-race press conference that it was
his most difficult and most meaningful win. In the next race at Hockenheim, Hamilton started
from pole position, building up an 11-second lead over second-placed Felipe Massa early in
the race. After stopping and re-emerging in the lead, McLaren then decided to keep Hamilton
out on-track when the safety car was deployed mid-way through the race. When Hamilton

14
finally pitted, he came out in fifth place, jumping to third after his team-mate let him by and
Nick Heidfeld pitted. He then overtook Massa and Nelson Piquet Jr. for the lead, eventually
winning by 9 seconds.

Hamilton was penalized at the 2008 Belgian Grand Prix for passing Kimi Räikkönen after
cutting the previous corner. The stewards judged that he gained an illegal advantage, and the
penalty dropped him from first to third position. Hamilton won the Belgian Grand Prix on the
road, however he was later judged to have gained an unfair advantage by cutting a chicane
when he used a tarmac run-off area to avoid hitting Kimi Räikkönen. McLaren said that their
telemetry showed Hamilton backed off to let Räikkönen past but Hamilton was given a 25-
second penalty, thereby dropping him to third. As a result, his main title rival Massa inherited
the win. Hamilton's lead in the drivers' championship was cut to two points, and a subsequent
appeal by McLaren to the FIA World Council was rejected on the grounds that the case was
inadmissible. The Italian Grand Prix was won by Sebastian Vettel in the Toro Rosso. Both
Massa and Hamilton failed to capitalize on the weather and each other's poor grid positions
finishing 6th and 7th respectively. This result cut Hamilton's lead in the Championship to 1
point.

Hamilton finished third at the next race, the Singapore Grand Prix. Massa failed to score any
points, allowing Hamilton to increase his championship lead to 7 points. At the Japanese
Grand Prix, Hamilton took pole in qualifying. His closest rival for the Championship title,
Felipe Massa, could only manage to qualify fifth. As the race began, Kimi Räikkönen made a
good start from second position, getting ahead of pole-sitter Hamilton. Hamilton moved
down the inside before the first corner, out-braking himself and running wide. This forced
some of the drivers behind him to go off the track, including the cars of Räikkönen and
Heikki Kovalainen, for which Hamilton was given a drive-through penalty. A second incident
followed soon afterward, on the second lap, when Hamilton attempted to pass Massa into the
chicane at turn 10. Hamilton pulled alongside the Ferrari and as Massa ran wide to avoid a
car ahead, Hamilton made a move to pass him. Massa was pushed off the track by Hamilton's
maneuver and crossed the grass, returning to the track at the second bend of the chicane,
pushing the McLaren into a spin. Massa was later given a drive-through penalty for this
move. Hamilton, who had been in sixth place behind Massa, dropped down to last place but

15
managed to regain some places and managed to finish the race in 12th position. However, his
title rival Felipe Massa finished seventh after being given an extra point after a penalty was
given to Sébastien Bourdais of Scuderia Toro Rosso. This meant that with just two races to
go, Hamilton led the World Championship by five points.

At the penultimate race of the season, the 2008 Chinese Grand Prix, Hamilton was much
faster than all the other cars in the practice sessions, and in qualifying he did well again,
qualifying on pole position. He went on to win the race from Felipe Massa and Kimi
Räikkönen, taking a 7-point lead in the World Championship into the last race of the season.
Hamilton needed to finish at least fifth in the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix to secure the World
Championship. After a hard-fought race, Lewis was in fifth but, after rain, and in the closing
laps of the race, Sebastian Vettel of Scuderia Toro Rosso took the fifth position away from
Hamilton. Had the race ended then, this would have given the driver's title to Massa. On the
final lap of the race first Vettel and then Hamilton managed to pass Timo Glock of Toyota,
after Glock (unlike Hamilton) had risked staying on the track with dry-weather tires, despite
the rain. This moved Hamilton back up to fifth, ensuring that he finished one point ahead of
Massa overall and winning the 2008 title. Hamilton's overtaking move happened after Massa
had crossed the line, and TV cameras showed Massa's entourage apparently celebrating
winning the title and suddenly noticing that Hamilton had snatched it. This meant that
Hamilton had clinched the 2008 Formula One World Championship, becoming the youngest
driver to win the title, as well as the first black driver.

3.3 Racial abuse

On February 4, 2008, Lewis Hamilton was verbally heckled and otherwise abused during pre-season
testing at the Circuit de Catalunya in Catalonia by several Spanish spectators who wore black face
paint and black wigs, as well as shirts bearing the words "Hamilton's family". Hamilton became
widely unpopular in Spain because of his rivalry with Spanish former team-mate Fernando Alonso.
The FIA have warned Spanish authorities about the repetition of such behavior. In reaction to this
behavior, the FIA announced on 13 February 2008 that it will launch a "Race Against Racism"
campaign.

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 4.Records

Hamilton has matched or set the following records in Formula One:

• Most consecutive podiums from debut race: 9 – Australian GP 2007 – British GP 2007

(previous record was 2 by Peter Arundell – Monaco GP 1964 – Dutch GP 1964)

• Most consecutive podiums for a British driver: 9 – Australian GP 2007 – British GP 2007

(tied with Jim Clark – Belgian GP 1963 – South African GP 1963)

• Youngest driver to lead the World Championship: 22 years, 4 months, 8 days – at the

Bahrain GP 2007 (Previous record was 23 years, 7 months, 22 days by Fernando Alonso

at the Malaysian GP 2005)

• Most wins in a debut season: 4, Canadian, USA, Hungarian and Japanese GPs 2007

(equalling Jacques Villeneuve, European, British, Hungarian and Portuguese GPs 1996)

• Most pole positions in a debut season: 6, Canadian, USA, British, Hungarian, Japanese

and Chinese GPs 2007 (Previous record was 3 held jointly by Jacques Villeneuve (1996)

and Juan Pablo Montoya (2001))

• Youngest F1 World Champion (2008 season) 23 years, 8 months, 26 days, previously

held by Fernando Alonso with 24 years and 58 days.

Hamilton is the first driver of black heritage to compete in Formula One (although Willy T.

Ribbs tested an F1 car in 1986) and the first driver of black heritage to win a major race

at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in any discipline. In addition, he is the third youngest

driver to achieve an F1 pole position, and the fourteenth F1 driver to achieve a podium

finish on his debut.

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Hamilton is also the first champion of the European Formula Two, International Formula

3000 GP2 series to win Formula One World Championship.

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 5. Driver profile

5.1 Driving style

Hamilton is widely recognized as one of the most versatile and accomplished drivers in
Formula One, demonstrating excellence across various aspects of the sport. Renowned for his
aggressive driving style, he possesses a natural knack for pushing the limits of the car while
maintaining precision control. Mark Hughes, writing for the official Formula One website,
lauded Hamilton's exceptional braking skills, noting his ability to modulate pressure to
optimize grip without risking wheel lock-ups. Paddy Lowe, formerly of McLaren, highlighted
Hamilton's unique comfort with rear instability, a quality that sets him apart from his peers.
Moreover, Hamilton's adaptability to changing track conditions and car setups has earned him
praise throughout his career. He consistently maximizes momentum through corners, often
using less fuel than his teammates while maintaining impressive speed. Pedro de la Rosa, a
former McLaren test driver, commended Hamilton and Alonso as the best he had seen
firsthand, particularly noting their ability to maintain speed despite deteriorating rear tire grip.
Hamilton's remarkable consistency further sets him apart, particularly during his tenure at
Mercedes. He embarked on a streak of 33 consecutive point-scoring finishes from 2017 to
2018, a testament to his unwavering performance. Ross Brawn, in reflecting on Hamilton's
2018 season, emphasized his flawless execution, not only winning expected races but also
triumphing in challenging circumstances. Martin Brundle, ahead of the 2021 season,
highlighted Hamilton's rarity in making errors, both in wheel-to-wheel combat and
qualifying, praising his mental and physical resilience. Overall, Hamilton's prowess across
diverse racing scenarios solidifies his status as a true champion of the sport.

5.2 Rivals
Lewis Hamilton has faced formidable rivals throughout his illustrious Formula One career,
contributing to some of the sport's most memorable battles. One of his most notable
adversaries was Fernando Alonso, his teammate during his debut season at McLaren in 2007.
Their intense intra-team rivalry, marked by on-track duels and off-track tensions, captivated
fans and pundits alike. Additionally, Sebastian Vettel emerged as a prominent challenger to
Hamilton's dominance during the early 2010s, with their rivalry intensifying as both drivers
vied for championship glory. The duels between Hamilton and Vettel, often involving wheel-
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to-wheel combat and strategic battles, added another layer of excitement to the sport. More
recently, Max Verstappen has emerged as Hamilton's fiercest rival, representing a new
generation of talent eager to dethrone the reigning champion. Their head-to-head battles for
race wins and championships have electrified fans, showcasing the competitive spirit and
skill of both drivers. Despite facing formidable opponents, Hamilton's ability to rise to the
challenge and maintain his status as one of the sport's greatest drivers has solidified his
legacy in Formula One history.

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 Conclusion

Lewis Hamilton's indelible mark on Formula One extends far beyond his impressive
tally of race wins and championship titles. His narrative, from a young driver with a
dream to a global icon of motorsport, reflects not only his extraordinary talent behind
the wheel but also his unwavering commitment to breaking barriers and effecting
positive change. Hamilton's journey has been characterized by resilience in the face of
adversity, as he navigated the complexities of a fiercely competitive sport while
challenging prevailing norms and advocating for inclusivity and equality. His success
on the track has been matched by his influence off it, where he has used his platform
to address issues of racial injustice, environmental sustainability, and diversity in
motorsport. As Formula One enters a new era, Hamilton's legacy as a trailblazer and a
role model for aspiring athletes and changemakers alike will continue to resonate,
shaping the future of the sport and inspiring generations to come.

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 References

Online sources

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Hamilton
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Formula_One_World_Championship
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Hamilton#Early_life_and_education
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Hamilton#Karting
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Hamilton#Formula_Renault_and_Formula_Three
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Hamilton#GP2

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 Appendices

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

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Appendix 3

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Appendix 4

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