Lewis Hamilton was born January 7 185, and is a professional Formula One racing driver; he is currently racing for the McLaren Mercedes team and is the youngest ever Formula One World Champion.

Hamilton’s first introduction to racing was when he began karting in 1993 at the Rye House Kart Circuit, when he was only eight years old. He met his racing idol Ron Dennis at age ten, and told Dennis that he would one day be racing his cars. From 1993 – 1997, Hamilton progressed the Cadet ranks through to the Junior Yamaha in 1998, then through to Junior Intercontinental A divisions in 1999.

In 1998 Dennis signed Hamilton to the McLaren driver development program. This contract included an option of a future F1 seat, making Hamilton the youngest ever driver to secure a contract which later resulted in an F1 drive. His racing career officially started in 2001 when he raced in the British Formula Renault Winter Series, and finished fifth overall.

At the beginning of 2004, Hamilton and McLaren had an argument, and as a result McLaren temporarily dropped him, however, Hamilton eventually re-signed with McLaren, and made his debut with Manor in the 2004 Formula Three Euroseries. Hamilton’s relationship with his McLaren team boss Ron Dennis dates back to 1995, and tension has been rife within the team for years.

In 2007 – on his début at the Australian Grand Prix – he qualified fourth and finished third in the race. Then, in 2008, Hamilton won the first race of the season, the Australian Grand Prix, having qualified on pole.

Hamilton has also had to face racial abuse throughout his career. In February 2008, he was heckled and verbally abused by spectators. Spectators wore black face paint and black wigs, as well as shirts bearing the words "Hamilton's family”. This was due to the rivalry between Hamilton and Spanish former team member Fernando Alonso.