LEWIS HAMILTON has done it.
The perky kid from Stevenage, who could never be told he wasn’t good enough, is now standing atop the podium for all-time Formula One world titles.
Lewis Hamilton took a stunning victory at Istanbul to secure the Drivers’ ChampionshipCredit: Getty – Pool
The win equalled Michael Schumacher’s seven F1 titles recordCredit: AFP
Alongside Michael Schumacher, the Brit now holds seven Drivers’ Championship crowns.
It all started in dramatic circumstances with McLaren in Brazil, overtaking Timo Glock at the final corner to shock home hero Felipe Massa.
Fast forward 12 years and five more titles, and Hamilton reigned supreme once again as he drove through the wet in Istanbul to secure a trademark victory.
Here, SunSport recounts the seven titles that the 35-year-old calls his own.
#1 – 2008
Hamilton took his maiden F1 title in dramatic circumstances.
The Brit passed Timo Glock on the final lap in Brazil to finish in fifth place and clinch the title by a point. Ferrari’s Felipe Massa breaks down in tears at missing out to the McLaren man.
Lewis Hamilton celebrates his first crown with mentor Ron Dennis and brother NicolasCredit: Getty Images – Getty
A fresh-faced Lewis with his first Championship trophyCredit: Reuters
#2 – 2014
Hamilton won his second title and Mercedes’ first of the new hybrid-turbo era, beating Nico Rosberg to it.
Hamilton went into the final race with a 17-point lead but the season is denied a grandstand finish as Rosberg suffered reliability issues and Hamilton won in Abu Dhabi.
A move to Mercedes was proven successful with the first of many titles in 2014Credit: PA:Press Association
The Brit struck up a strong working relationship with Merc team principal Toto WolffCredit: Getty Images – Getty
#3 – 2015
A crushing win for Hamilton as he secured the title with three races to go. The Brit’s victory in the US GP stopped Rosberg’s challenge dead.
However, the German did still win the remaining three races of the season in Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton pulled off a second consecutive title in 2015Credit: PA:Press Association
Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg would snatch the crown in the following year’s epic battleCredit: PA:Press Association
#4 – 2017
After being denied n 2016 by Rosberg, who subsequently retired, Hamilton joined Sebastian Vettel on four world titles the following year.
He won it in Mexico, with two races to go as he traded wins with the German over the course of the season.
With Rosberg out of the picture, Hamilton stormed to victory in 2017Credit: Reuters
This triumph levelled Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel’s tallyCredit: PA:Press Association
#5 – 2018
Another crushing win for Hamilton, who finished the season with 11 victories. He wrapped the title up in Mexico and finished a whopping 88 points clear of second-placed Vettel.
The defining moment came when Vettel crashed out of his home GP and Hamilton, who started 14th, won the race.
Mexico was again the destination as Hamilton won again in 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Ferrari star Vettel put up a good fight in the pair’s race to a fifth crownCredit: AFP or licensors
#6 – 2019
A straightforward season for Hamilton as the early threat to his crown initially posed by Bottas quickly dropped away.
Hamilton was unchallenged as he romped to the title as Ferrari’s engine advantage was stopped by the FIA, following an investigation that remained private.
Hamilton’s domination of the British GP personified his title superiorityCredit: PA:Press Association
Mercedes continued to lead the pack amid Ferrari’s challengeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
#7 – 2020
The coronavirus-affected season produced an incredibly unusual F1 season – but Hamilton took it all in his stride.
Social justice issues became a focal point of the veteran’s persona and he beat Schumacher’s race victories record before levelling the German legend’s titles tally.
Hamilton has become a powerful speaker off the track in 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Formula One awarded a Michael Schumacher race helmet after he matched, and later surpassed, the legend’s 92 race winsCredit: AFP
Lewis Hamilton admits he doesn’t know if he’ll be in F1 next year after winning Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
