by Edward Gorman, Motor Racing Correspondent, Times Online The son of a former British Rail worker is to become the first black man to race in Formula One, The Times has learnt.
Lewis Hamilton, 21, is expected to get his first drive with McLaren Mercedes at the start of the next Grand Prix season in Melbourne. Hamilton — who, at the age of 10, approached McLaren to say that his ambition was to race for them — is seen as one of the most talented drivers of his generation.
If successful, he could become a black sporting icon of the stature of the American golfer Tiger Woods, with the potential to earn millions.
He comes to Formula One from a modest family background. His father, whose parents emigrated to Britain from the Caribbean island of Grenada in the mid-1950s, worked for British Rail before setting up his own successful IT business in London.
He lives with his father at Tewin Wood in Hertfordshire and has a younger brother, Nicolas, who has cerebral palsy. Although his parents have divorced, he is still close to his mother.
Ron Dennis, the McLaren Mercedes team principal, confirmed Hamilton’s selection alongside the world champion, Fernando Alonso, and at the expense of Pedro de la Rosa who returns to testdriver duties. He made the decision in the past few days.
The relationship between Dennis and the Hamilton family began when, aged 10, Hamilton approached Dennis at an awards dinner and told him that his ambition was to race for McLaren in Formula One.
Within a couple of years Dennis had responded, offering advice and financial help — money that has underpinned Hamilton’s successful racing career through karting and junior formulas.
Since those early days Hamilton has been legally contracted to McLaren and the relationship has been mutually beneficial.
Recently Hamilton spoke of the benefits of his long tutelage at McLaren.
“I’ve been taught by Ron and Martin Whitmarsh (managing director) that patience is a key virtue,” he said. “Look at my career; McLaren have made me wait and be patient in everything I’ve done — and I’ve won everything.
“The trust I have in Ron and Martin and in McLaren Mercedes goes way beyond anything else. They have guided me all the way.”
The decision to go with Hamilton, who won this year’s GP2 Series in impressive style, follows months of uncertainty during which Dennis appeared unsure whether to promote Hamilton straight into a race seat in his Formula One team or have him learn his trade as a test driver for a season.
Dennis was particularly concerned at the expected avalanche of media attention that Hamilton is likely to attract as he takes his place as the first driver of Afro-Caribbean descent to race in Formula One.
However, it seems that the combination of Hamilton’s maturity out of the car and brilliance in it have persuad- ed him to take the plunge.
While Dennis may see Hamilton’s elevation as risky, many others have no doubt that the former karting world No 1 and Formula Renault and Formula 3 Euro Series champion is a driver of the highest quality who could be Britain’s best young prospect in the sport since the young Jackie Stewart emerged in the mid-1960s.
In the past year Hamilton has shown all the qualities that are required of an aspiring champion at the top level, combining an aggressive and courageous style (which reminds some of Hamilton’s hero, the great Ayrton Senna) with a cool head under pressure and a fine tactical sense.
He is also, most importantly, frighteningly quick.
Lewis Hamilton
Born: Stevenage, Jan 7, 1985
Age: 21
Lives: Tewin, Hertfordshire
Status: Single
Height: 1.74m
Weight: 67kg
Started racing: 1993, aged 8 in karts
1995: Wins first British kart championship
1995: Meets Ron Dennis and tells him his ambition is to race in F1 for McLaren
1996-1997: Wins a further four British kart titles
1998: Dennis offers his patronage, Lewis signs long term contract with McLaren 1998-2000: wins European and World karting titles
2003: Champion, Formula Renault UK
2005: Champion, Formula 3 Euro Series
2006: Champion, GP2 Series
Favourite music: Hip-hop, R&B, Reggae, Funky House
Favourite artists: The Roots, Bob Marley, UB40, Chaka Demus & Pliers
Hobbies: Music, guitar, books, gym, cyling, squash, tennis, karting
Social: Partying, chilling with family and friends, cinema, watching DVDs
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