Sports Nicknames - Billion Dollar Man

Sir Lewis Hamilton is a name that might even sound familiar to those who don't pay too much attention to Formula One racing. The British driver is one of the most successful to ever hop into a Formula One car.



Hamilton was preparing for his racing career from a young age, taking part in and winning karting races at the age of 10. He quickly shot up through the racing ranks, signing for McLaren in 2007. He would stay with McLaren until 2012, where he would sign with Mercedes. Here he would reunite with old friend and rival Nico Rosberg.

Hamilton's success on the track has shattered many records. He is joint record holder for the most Formula One World Drivers' Championships (7), has the record for most wins (96), most pole positions (98) and podium finishes (166). This, out of 267 entries. The man has literally finished on the podium or at the top in over half of his races.

The other key factor to Hamilton's success goes beyond simple speed on the track. He frequently engages in larger social issues like racism, being the first black man to race in F1. Racism, environmental issues and other activities all make him a much more accessible character than one might typically expect of an F1 driver.

Lewis Hamilton's profile has risen so far outside of just racing that he was knighted in the 2021 New Year Honours. Yet, it would never have come about if he wasn't so good at going fast.


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