Lewis Hamilton

After finishing a strong 4th in 2010, Hamilton readies himself for the highly anticipated 2011 season. If 2011 is going to be anything like 2010, it is going to be a nail-biting carnival. Not just for the drivers, but also for the spectators. One of the drivers who made the 2010 season spectacular is Lewis Hamilton. He fought a brilliant battle till the end for the championship which he had within his reach till the end.

No longer just the favourite, Lewis Hamilton has already achieved much in three years in F1. Apart from being Formula 1’s first black driver, he has become the youngest world champion, been awarded the MBE and is widely looked upon as Schumacher’s successor to greatness. He has been so keen about F1 from an early age, that at just 8 years old, he went up to the McLaren boss Ron Dennis asking is he could drive for the team in the future. He now has his wish and it is up to him to make it count. Hamilton began his car racing career with karts at age 8 and moved to Formula Renault in 2001. In the 2001 British Formula Renault Winter Series he finished fifth overall. This led to a full 2002 Formula Renault UK campaign with Manor Motorsport where he finished third overall with three wins and three pole positions.

After a natural progression through the ranks, Hamilton tested for McLaren in 2006. In November 2006, he enjoyed early success in the first few days of testing a McLaren. He set competitive times and was occasionally quicker even than senior driver Pedro De La Rosa and the rest, although this was down to McLaren having a more successful transition onto Bridgestone tyres than the other teams.

Hamilton was confirmed as McLaren’s second driver as early September 30, 2006 but for fear of the news being overshadowed by Michael Schumacher’s retirement, was not made public. "Confidence is often coupled with arrogance, but there isn’t an ounce of arrogance in Lewis," said Ron Dennis about his protégé.

After the announcement that Hamilton would indeed be the second driver, he was understandably overwhelmed. "To be racing in Formula 1 with McLaren has been the ultimate goal for me since I was very young and this opportunity is a fantastic way to end what has been the best year for me. I have grown up with McLaren and Mercedes and wouldn’t be where I am today without their continued support and guidance"

The rookie entered the race pack with extensive race experience and trackside knowledge backed with sheer will to succeed. This driving force shot him to recognition in no time at all, finishing third in his maiden race. The season breezed by with Lewis picking up his first win in the Canadian Grand Prix, starting from pole and after brushing off four safety car deployments. The next race weekend also brought the perfect 10 to the kitty, and Lewis Hamilton made it pretty evident that he was eyeing the crown. Kimi, Alonso and Hamilton were locked in a three way title battle, each putting his best on display. With 12 podium finishes including 4 race wins, Hamilton lost out to Rimi in the final race, finishing 7th in Brazil, and just a single point adrift from Rimi’s 110 points. The only ray of sunshine was the record setting Most Wins in a Debut Season, with 4 wins, succeeding Juan Manuel Fangio and Giuseppe Farnia’s 1950 season of 3 wins apiece.

The 2008 season started with the pundits having predicted the season being Lewis Hamilton’s. The 2007 injuries were fresh, and the determination to bag the crown revving high. Hamilton finished first in the Australian GP, but the next two races in Malaysia and Bahrain proving to be flat soda. The next three races on the calendar saw Hamilton take podium, finishing 1st in Monaco. Back in Europe, and on familiar tarmac, Hamilton quickly upped his pace, finishing first in back-to-back British and German races. The Singapore Grand Prix saw Hamilton finish third in the first ever night race, under artificial lighting. Post that, the Chinese saw Hamilton steer his ride to the top step of the podium; bang on target for the crown. The season again wound down to Ferrari and McLaren drivers Massa and Hamilton battling for the title, with the Brazilian GP yet to go. The anticipation was high as Massa required a win and Hamilton having to only finish fifth. The rain drenched finale saw Massa take the checkered flag, and pump his fists; as then Hamilton was in the sixth position with less than a lap to go. Massa, for a moment was elated with his Title win, unaware of Hamilton closing in on Timo Glock, who, bravely was still out on dry tires. With the final corners to go, Hamilton made his move on Glock, finishing fifth and crushing the Tifosi’s elation. The Ferrari Pit crew was unaware of the move till a few moments later. Massa, in front of his home crowd finished first, but probably was the most heartbroken man at the moment. With the lowly fifth position bagged, Hamilton became the youngest driver ever to win the World Championship. Ferrari, nevertheless, finished on the top of the Constructors Championship.

The 2009 Season started with a damp squib with Hamilton being disqualified for ‘misleading evidence’ during the stewards’ hearing on the incident involving Jarno Trulli. The going got tougher still, as Brawn GP racking up wins and Hamilton not being able to reach the podium right up till the 10th round Hungarian GP. No expert calculations indicated slightest chances of Hamilton winning the championship. With just five podium finishes including 2 wins, Hamilton finishes his 2009 season in 5th position, his lowest yet.

With the inclusion of Brawn GP upsetting the whole table, unsettling the usual cozy roosts of Ferrari and McLaren, Hamilton had to find his footing again in the 2010 season. The competition grows hotter, the battle bloodier, and everyone is out for revenge! 2008 season flashes across the mind, reminding of the dominance and the controlled aggression which Hamilton is famous for. 2009 season was his low point and 2010 saw him in flashes of brilliance. Maybe in 2011, he can convert these flashes into a beacon of energy and blast his way to the top.