Lewis Hamilton has kept his promise to former McLaren CEO

Hertfordshire-born British driver Lewis Hamilton has come a long way to achieving Formula 1 royalty with a mature display of ambition. He approached McLaren team principal Ron Dennis at the age of nine, driven by a fierce ambition to succeed. This chance meeting, fueled by the unwavering will of a young boy, impressed Dennis enough to lay the foundation for a future partnership.

That foundation was strengthened four years later when Hamilton joined the driver development program at McLaren. His relentless pursuit of his childhood dream led him to join the British outfit’s Formula 3 team, while also earning a coveted spot in their 2007 F1 driver line-up. This landmark achievement cemented his place in history as the youngest driver to sign an F1 contract.

Lewis Hamilton: McLaren dream ignited at age 9

The 39-year-old driver had an exciting debut season, showcasing both his raw talent and his mental strength. 2008 marked an important year for Hamilton. At the age of 23, he conquered the pinnacle of motorsport, claiming his first coveted world championship title. However, this title was challenged by Felipe Ma*sa in the previous season.

And so… Lewis Hamilton n’avait pas eu l’aplomb d’aller voir Ron Dennis quand il avait 9 ans…

” Hey. I’m Lewis Hamilton. I won the British Championship and one day I want to race your car. »

Aujourd’hui en route vers un 7e titre de Champion du Monde 😳😳😳 #CroireEnSoi pic.twitter.com/ml4e09Iwt7

— Lesly Boitrelle (@LeslyBoitrelle) August 31, 2020

But before winning his first title, the British sensation had ambitions like any other young lad hoping to make it in Formula 1. During his meeting with the McLaren boss, Hamilton said, “Hey. I’m Lewis Hamilton. I won the British Championship and one day I want to race your car.” In response, Dennis wrote, “Call me in nine years, then we’ll work something out.”

His winning streak not only cemented his position as a rising star but also made him the first driver of African descent to win in F1 history, changing the face of the sport forever. The years that followed were a rollercoaster of triumphs and challenges. His last title win of the 2020 season. While Hamilton looks to secure his record-breaking eighth title, he has had a couple of dry campaigns since the 2021 debate.

Dutch pundit Brutal Hamilton ‘in his prime’ delivers verdict

The 7x champion faced criticism after a slow start to the 2024 season. With just 10 points from four races, Hamilton sits a disappointing ninth in the driver standings. The slump has raised concerns about his future, especially as he prepares to join Ferrari next year. Former F1 driver Michael Bleekemolen believes Hamilton could be “Past his prime.”

📰: Dutch racing pundit Michael Bleekemolen believes Lewis Hamilton is past his prime and doesn’t see much more in him, suggesting Hamilton’s move to Ferrari will not lead to an eighth world title. Blickemolen acknowledges Hamilton’s past achievements but doubts he… pic.twitter.com/jInRr4Crur

— F1 Naija (@f1_naija) April 15, 2024

According to Bleekemolen, “It’s all just so bad. I think he is past his prime. Maybe he’ll finish in the top two or three again, it just might be possible. It won’t be easy, but it will be nice. I don’t think it will happen.” He questioned Hamilton’s mental state and doubted his ability to even challenge for the title at Ferrari.

A move to Ferrari could see Hamilton back on the podium, but Bleekemolen believes an eighth title is out of reach. With Charles Leclerc, a top qualifier and race winner, as the Briton’s teammate, competition will be fierce for the Maraleno-based outfit. However, his current form questions his ability to compete at the highest level.