13. Sir Lewis Hamilton

Sir Lewis Hamilton, one of the most iconic figures in motorsport history, is now racing under the scarlet banner of Ferrari in Formula 1. A joint-record seven-time World Champion—tied with Michael Schumacher—Hamilton has redefined greatness on the track. With 105 wins, 104 pole positions, and 202 podium finishes (and counting), he’s a symbol of consistency, flair, and relentless ambition.

Born in Stevenage, England, Hamilton began karting at the age of six. His rise was meteoric: by 1998, he had joined McLaren’s young driver program. After dominating the junior ranks, he made his F1 debut in 2007, becoming the sport’s first Black driver. Just one year later, he won his maiden World Championship with an unforgettable last-lap overtake in Brazil—an early sign of his brilliance under pressure.

In 2013, Hamilton moved to Mercedes, kicking off a golden era. He won six titles with the team, including a dramatic rivalry with teammate Nico Rosberg and an astonishing run of dominance between 2017 and 2020. In 2021, he made history again as the first F1 driver to surpass 100 race wins and pole positions.

After two winless seasons, Hamilton reignited his form in 2024 with a record-setting ninth victory at the British Grand Prix. His 2025 switch to Ferrari—a move steeped in F1 lore and passion—marks a bold new chapter in his pursuit of an eighth world title.

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But Hamilton’s impact stretches far beyond the grid. He’s a leading voice for racial justice, environmental sustainability, and increased diversity in motorsport. Knighted in 2021 and featured in Time magazine’s 100 most influential people, he embodies the modern F1 star: not just fast, but fearless, vocal, and visionary.

For fans and newcomers alike, Hamilton’s journey is what makes Formula 1 more than a sport—it’s a global story of resilience, reinvention, and reaching for the impossible. As he dons Ferrari red, the world watches: can the legend write one more chapter?