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Newsweek
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Lewis Hamilton's Father Shares Emotional Life-Changing Story
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Lewis Hamilton's father, Anthony Hamilton, opened up on his life struggles and shared the inspiring story of how his son first met the former CEO of McLaren, Ron Dennis at age ten, an encounter that aligned him with his F1 journey to become a seven-time world champion. Anthony's message in the short video holds the power to uplift anyone going through a tough chapter in life. Appearing on Instagram, Anthony also addressed all fathers and revealed that the proudest thing for him was that both his sons had become great human beings, a point all fathers should aspire to achieve. Lewis began his storied F1 career in 2007 with McLaren. Despite the financial difficulties, Anthony ensured his son received the necessary training from the karting level at a very young age, helping him build a solid foundation that has made him what he is today, not only as a driver but also as a grounded individual who drives several initiatives to help the underprivileged. Ferrari's British driver Lewis Hamilton (centre R) celebrates taking pole position with his father Anthony Hamilton (centre L) after the sprint qualifying session of the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit... Ferrari's British driver Lewis Hamilton (centre R) celebrates taking pole position with his father Anthony Hamilton (centre L) after the sprint qualifying session of the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai on March 21, 2025. More GREG BAKER / AFP/Getty Images Appearing on 'Dose of Society' on Instagram (below), Anthony was asked to reveal one experience that changed his life. He said: "One of the biggest experiences was meeting Ron Dennis at the Autosport Awards when Lewis was just about ten years of age. Lewis went up to Ron and said, 'One day I want to race for McLaren.' Ron said, 'Here's my number. Come back in nine years' time.' "I just had an ordinary job, we had no idea where the karting would lead us. It was an opportunity. I believe God puts you in the right place at the right time. And when someone like Mr Dennis says call me in nine years' time, you work hard to make sure you achieve those opportunities and maximise your dream." Anthony then pointed out that positive change often follows hardships, but one must tap into the opportunities coming their way to reap the rewards. He added: "You know when I was younger, nothing positive ever happened for me. My mum died when I was 16. I left home, I'm struggling to find a job, find somewhere to live. And then, positive things start to happen. And then your life starts to change positively. Every time there's a positive change, you just maximise on it and believe on it." When Anthony was asked what advice he would give to fathers, he said: "Nobody ever says, when you have a kid, here's a manual. So, you have to make it up as you go. We all make mistakes, nobody ever is perfect. But the one thing that you always want, I think, as a parent, is you want your kid to be better than you. "I remember when Lewis was 6 years of age, messing about with remote-controlled cars around the back of our house. You always just hope that they're going to grow up decent human beings, become decent individuals. "And that, for me, is the proudest thing. He's a phenomenal, phenomenal individual. Both him and my other son Nicholas, probably two of the most amazing people I know. And hopefully they're inspirational for others." Related: Tearful F1 Rookie Driver Consoled by Lewis Hamilton's Father After Pre-Race Crash Chaos
The Independent
30-01-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Christian Horner gives verdict on ‘box office' Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari red
Christian Horner admits that Lewis Hamilton 'suits Ferrari red' as the Red Bull team principal looks ahead to a blockbuster 2025 season. Seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton, arch rival of Red Bull's Max Verstappen, has moved to Ferrari after 12 years at Mercedes. Hamilton, 40, was unveiled to the Ferrari tifosi last week in Maranello, sporting the famous scarlet red, before driving the 2023 car in his first Scuderia outing. On Wednesday, in a behind-closed-doors test in Barcelona, Hamilton was unharmed as he crashed into the barriers. And Horner, with his driver Verstappen eyeing a fifth consecutive world championship this year, could not hide his admiration for Hamilton making the switch to Ferrari in the final stages of his career. 'I've seen some pictures, I think it [Ferrari red] suits him [Hamilton],' Horner said, at Wednesday's Autosport Awards. 'I think it's great for Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari – that really is box office. 'I think it's just another dynamic for this year that could be super exciting.' Red Bull missed out on a third-straight constructors' title last year as McLaren claimed their first team crown in 26 years. In the final year of the regulations in their current form, the playing field at the top seems to have levelled out – and Horner believes F1 is in for a 'stellar' 2025 season as a result. 'I think it's going to be super tight,' Horner added. 'You're going to have four teams that are going to be very competitive. I think it's going to be very tight and take your pick. 'McLaren are going to be strong, Ferrari are going to be strong. Mercedes are going to have something to prove as well so it could be a stellar year.' A 10-team season launch at the O2 Arena in London takes place on Tuesday 18 February, before pre-season testing in Bahrain from 26-28 February The first race of the 2025 season takes place a fortnight later in Australia on 16 March.
