Sir Lewis Hamilton celebrates his 39th Birthday today. Legend of Formula 1 and world sports

Today, on January 7th, the legendary British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates his 39th birthday. He's a seven-time world champion, holding records across numerous metrics, and was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Hamilton began racing at the tender age of six, initially competing with remote-controlled cars. However, it was this pursuit that guided him into the realm of motorsport. Following his victory in the prestigious BRCA, a significant event for remote-controlled vehicles in the UK, he transitioned to karting, entering the sport at the age of eight.

In 2000, he became the European karting champion, securing the maximum possible points. The following year, he shifted to Formula Renault, and within three years, he advanced to Formula 3.

By 2005, he joined GP2, and his performances caught attention. In 2007, he made his Formula 1 debut with the McLaren team.

In his rookie season, he finished second, trailing Kimi Räikkönen by just one point. Yet, a year later, he became the champion. For the subsequent four seasons, he consistently claimed the fourth and fifth positions.

In 2013, he penned a deal with Mercedes. His inaugural season with the new team landed him in fourth place. However, what followed was an incredible streak.

He clinched the championship in 2014, followed by a runner-up position the next year, and then secured the championship title four times consecutively. In the 2021 season, Lewis Hamilton finished second, sixth in 2022, and wrapped up the previous season in third place.

Hamilton holds records across numerous facets. He was the youngest championship leader and holds the record for the most wins (103), pole positions (104), and podium finishes (197) during the longest consecutive series (16). Additionally, he holds the record for the most wins with a single team (6, Mercedes).

Lewis became the first black Formula 1 driver and the first to win on 24 different tracks.

For his outstanding contributions, he was honored with the Lorenzo Bandini Trophy and the Mike Hawthorn Memorial Trophy. In 2014, he was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year. In 2021, Lewis was bestowed with the title of Knight Bachelor of the British Empire.