Table of Contents
- Lewis Hamilton turns 47 today and some fans are suggesting that he is way too old to compete with the brighter younger generation of Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and George Russell who are still in their 20s
- It is a landmark birthday for the driver who has proven to be one of the most outstanding talents in the history of the sport with his fascinating career
- Mercedes has been Hamilton’s home for more than a decade, but his decision to transition to Ferrari, announced almost one year ago, left the motorsports world talking
Form rookie to an icon of the sport, renowned Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton turns 40 today (Tuesday, January 7). It is a landmark birthday for the driver who has proven to be one of the most outstanding drivers in the history of the sport with his fascinating career.
Taking his early steps in motorsports as a kart racer, Hamilton went on to conquer the historically all-white sport. His father used to work three or four jobs a day to pay his kart racing and he (Hamilton) survived racism from his early racing days. Fast forward to 2024, his record of seven F1 titles is matched only by Michael Schumacher – another veteran of the world of grand prix racing.
Mercedes has been Hamilton’s home for more than a decade, but his decision to transition to Ferrari, announced almost one year ago, left the motorsports world talking. The 2025 season is his first campaign under Ferrari red and it remains to be seen if he will return the sleeping giants to winning ways and secure his record eighth title, which will see him go clear of Schumacher.
Lewis Hamilton is a renowned F1 driver. Photo/ The SportsRush.
Hamilton turns 47 today and some fans are suggesting that he is way too old to compete with the brighter younger generation of Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and George Russell who are still in their 20s. Also emerging stars such as Oliver Bearman, Oscar Piastri and Liam Lawson are seen as a tough challenger for the veteran driver.
However, age alone has never been a reliable bellwether to determine if a driver is no longer capable of competing at the top level. From Jack Brabham, who secured his third championship at the age of 40, to Nino Farinam, who was almost 44 when he became F1’s first champion, to the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio, who clinched five titles in his 40s, there is enough proof that Hamilton can be champion once more.
Lewis Hamilton Alliance With Ferrari
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was announced in February 2024. While we might never know how the decision to announce he will be leaving Mercedes affected his 2024 season, it was a bold move that left many with questions considering the success he achieved with his former team
Nevertheless, the new journey has began and Hamilton is so excited than you can imagine. The veteran driver marked the start of his partnership with Ferrari a few days ago by following their official social media accounts. He then reposted Ferrari’s official announcement of arrival from early last year.
Hamilton will now be teammates with Charles Leclerc. According to Sky Sports, the Briton will be officially presented as a Ferrari driver on February 18, at London 02. He will then launch Ferrari’s new car alongside his teammate the next day in Italy.
On March 16, Hamilton will become the fifth driver this century to race past their 40th birthday. One thing that remains to be seen is if he will lead his new team back to winning ways. The British driver will be aiming to be Ferrari’s tenth world champion.
Lewis Hamilton on his Mercedes unveiling back in 2013. Photo/ SportsByte.
Conclusion
Lewis Hamilton is an icon of motorsports. Whereas he has a huge fanbase, the driver’s presence in the world of fast cars has been a salt added to injury for those struggling to accept him. From his flashy lifestyle, which includes wearing designer clothes, to hanging out with prominent rappers such as Kanye West and Jay Z, he is always on the limelight.
But as Hamilton celebrates his birthday, let’s not forget he is a philanthropist who has partnered with various charity organizations such as Save the Children and Unicef.
