Lewis Hamilton profile: A look at historic F1 driver’s career, net worth and personal life

Lewis Hamilton is widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time, having rewritten the record books and transformed the sport in ways few could have predicted.

Hamilton's rise from humble beginnings in Stevenage, England, to seven-time world champion has inspired millions.

In this profile, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo takes a look at his extraordinary career at Mercedes, his relationship with Ferrari, his earnings and net worth, as well as his personal life, family, age, and height.

Lewis Hamilton’s age and height

Lewis Hamilton, born on January 7, 1985, is now 39 years old and shows no signs of slowing down. His physical and mental fitness remain at the pinnacle of the sport, allowing him to consistently compete against younger drivers.

Hamilton, who stands 5ft 8ins tall, may not be the tallest athlete in the sport, but his accomplishments and influence are unparalleled.

In Formula One, where reaction times and stamina are critical, Hamilton's ability to maintain peak physical condition as he approaches 40 demonstrates his dedication and passion for the sport.

Despite his age, many believe he has more to accomplish and could solidify his status as the greatest F1 driver of all time.

Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton's time at Mercedes is the stuff of legend.

After making his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007, Hamilton stunned the world by winning his first World Championship only a year later, becoming the youngest champion in history (at 23).

However, it was his 2013 switch to Mercedes that propelled him to the pinnacle of F1 greatness.

Many questioned the move at first, but Hamilton quickly silenced all doubters, establishing Mercedes as the dominant force on the grid.

Hamilton has won six more World Championships since joining Mercedes (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020), tying Michael Schumacher's record of seven.

Hamilton's ability to extract every ounce of performance from the car, combined with his race craft and tactical brilliance, has established him as the standard for excellence in the modern era of Formula One.

He has set numerous records along the way, including the most pole positions (104), race wins (105), and podium finishes (201), cementing his status as one of the sport's greatest drivers.

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Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari

For years, rumours linked Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, F1's most iconic team, but he stayed loyal to Mercedes, where he began his career.

That changed in February 2024, when Hamilton stunned the Formula One world by announcing his move to Ferrari for the 2025 season.

Despite signing a new contract with Mercedes in 2023, Hamilton exercised his release clause, allowing him to make the switch.

Hamilton's passion for Ferrari stems from his childhood, as he says that he would always choose the red car in video games and fantasise about one day driving for the legendary team.

Now he has the opportunity to make his dream a reality.

Ferrari, which hasn't won a championship since 2008, made a bold move by signing the seven-time world champion.

His new contract is reportedly more lucrative than his previous one and extends beyond his 40th birthday, something Mercedes did not offer.

Hamilton has frequently expressed admiration for Ferrari, but he is joining the team with a specific goal in mind: to win a record-breaking eighth world championship.

Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari's team principal since 2023, is determined to return the team to title contention.

His relationship with Hamilton dates back to their GP2 days, and Vasseur was instrumental in securing this sensational deal, hoping Hamilton will help Ferrari end its 15-year title drought and reestablish its dominance in the sport.

Lewis Hamilton’s salary and net worth

Lewis Hamilton's financial success is inextricably linked to his incredible racing achievements.

According to Forbes, the 39-year-old driver was one of the world's highest-paid athletes in 2023, earning £40million in salary alone - exclusive of any bonuses from race wins or championship titles.

This made him the highest-paid Formula One driver and one of the world's richest athletes.

Hamilton's estimated net worth exceeds £225million, owing to a combination of his racing salary, lucrative endorsements, and wise investments.

Off the track, he has formed partnerships with major brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Monster Energy, Puma, IWC, and Bose, which have significantly increased his fortune.

In addition to being a motorsport legend, Hamilton has established his own brand.

He has made his mark in the fashion world through collaborations, such as a clothing line with Tommy Hilfiger, and his net worth reflects his ventures into music and business, demonstrating his influence extends far beyond Formula One.

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Lewis Hamilton’s personal life and family

While Hamilton's on-track accomplishments are well documented, his personal life provides an intriguing glimpse into the man behind the helmet.

Hamilton is known for his strong ties to his family, particularly his father, Anthony Hamilton.

Anthony was instrumental in his son's karting career, frequently working multiple jobs to support Lewis' early racing endeavours.

Despite parting ways professionally in 2010, the father and son have a close relationship.

Hamilton's personal life also includes his love of music and fashion. He is frequently seen at high-profile events, rubbing shoulders with celebrities from the entertainment industry, and has even expressed an interest in pursuing music professionally.

As a fashion-forward athlete, Hamilton is known for his daring and sometimes unique style choices, which frequently make waves on the red carpet and at fashion shows.

Hamilton has recently become a vocal supporter of social justice, diversity, and environmental issues.

He has used his platform to promote racial equality, supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and advocating for greater diversity in motorsport.

In 2020, he established the Hamilton Commission, which aims to increase Black representation in motorsport in the UK.

His vegan lifestyle and commitment to environmental sustainability are well-known, and he frequently advocates for greener practices in Formula One and beyond.

Lewis Hamilton was knighted in 2021, officially becoming Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton MBE HonFREng, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in motorsport as well as his commitment to promoting diversity and equality.

Sir Lewis expressed heartfelt gratitude and pledged to inspire future generations, marking a watershed moment in both his career and British sporting history.