Young and restless!

No longer just the favourite, Lewis Hamilton has already achieved much in two 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 gui