Cover NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 18: Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on July 18, 2021 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 18: Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on July 18, 2021 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
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The F1 champion is the sport's first black driver and the youngest to ever achieve the top title. Read on to know a few facts about racing's man of the hour
British F1 driver, Lewis Hamilton, has been on every sports car enthusiast's radar since the driver has made history in the early 2000s. Throughout the years, Hamilton has been breaking records on the race track, making a name for himself. And today, the race car driver has been recognised as one of the greatest in his field.
Get to know Hamilton by reading facts about him below to see how this driver has become a respected driver over the years.
Knighted by the British Empire
Above Photo; Jen Ross / Wikimedia Commons
Photo; Jen Ross / Wikimedia Commons
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In 2009, Hamilton was recognised and admitted into the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. The honour was given to the racer for his long list of achievements and was part of the queen's New Year's honours list.
See also: 5 Historic Formula One Moments: Lewis Hamilton's Victory, Niki Lauda's Return, And More
First Black Driver to Win a Championship
Above Lewis Hamilton celebrating the F1 World Champion 2008 (Photo: diogo dubiella / Wikimedia Commons)
Lewis Hamilton celebrating the F1 World Champion 2008 (Photo: diogo dubiella / Wikimedia Commons)
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In 2008, Hamilton made headlines when he won the F1 world drivers championship. Not only did he garner much attention because of his victory, but it was also because he became the first black driver to win the world championship. Aware of the platform on which he stands, Hamilton even demanded diversity in the sport.
Youngest Driver to Lead a Championship
Above Photo: AngMoKio / Wikimedia Commons
Photo: AngMoKio / Wikimedia Commons
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The late Bruce McLaren made history as the youngest Grand Prix winner. But Hamilton broke this record in 2008 when he acquired the drivers' championship, becoming the youngest driver to win the title at age 23.
See also: Louis Vuitton Unveils Official Monaco Grand Prix 2021 Trophy Travel Case
He Once Wore Yellow Helmets
Above Photo: Rob Snell / Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Rob Snell / Wikimedia Commons
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Hamilton had donned different helmet liveries with pride over the years. It has evolved from the yellow helmet with red, blue, and green lines to the BLM helmet. Back then, from afar, you'll be able to spot Hamilton in his yellow helmet. For a few years, he wore a striking yellow helmet that served as a tribute to Ayrton Senna.
Racing Cars at 7
The British racer already had a knack for racing as early as seven years old. Hamilton can be seen to appear focused and determined to reach the finish line using his remote control to steer the radio-controlled car. Of course, the seven-year-old finished first place.
Born to Ride
Above Photo: PETRONAS Motorsports / YouTube
Photo: PETRONAS Motorsports / YouTube
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Hamilton recalled his favourite childhood memory during an interview with PETRONAS Motorsports. "It was when I was five," he said. He became attached to a bumper car that looked like a Formula 1 vehicle after driving it. "And I remember that day . . . it was only like three corners, it was a very small track but that braking technique that I had that day was the braking technique that I used from my whole karting career, and part of what I'm known for is being a late braker".
Footballer in Another Life
Hamilton might have been dubbed as one of the greats in the racing realm. But let's face it, if Hamilton never pursued racing, he would have also bagged titled in football. He has the skill to do well in the sport, but the driver humbly downplays it as seen in an interview.
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Christine Andas is a features writer and the style lead of Tatler Philippines. She mostly covers style-related content but enjoys writing about space, sneakers, and her favourite stars. She acquired a master's degree in Creative Writing at the University of Santo Tomas and has written young adult short stories which can be read online.
