Lewis Hamilton, known worldwide as the face of Formula One, is fiercely protective of his personal life, preferring to keep most details hidden from the public. At 39 years old, Hamilton has claimed seven F1 world titles, needing just one more to become the most successful driver in the sport’s history. Yet, beyond his racing success, Hamilton’s life is filled with layers that extend well beyond the track.
Raised in Stevenage, Hamilton was born to a mother from Birmingham and a father of Grenadian descent. His rich cultural background has had a profound influence on the person he has become today.
After his family split at two, Hamilton’s father played a crucial role in his early racing career, giving him his first go-kart at age six
Mirror Sport took a closer look at the lesser-known aspects of Hamilton’s life, exploring everything from his relationships to the family dynamics that helped shape him, as well as a major falling out that nearly ended his F1 career.
Early Life and Family
Hamilton’s family split when he was just two years old. From the age of 12, he lived with his father Anthony, who would later manage his racing career, along with his stepmother Linda and his half-brother Nicolas, who also pursued a career in motorsports. Before that, he lived with his mother, Carmen, and half-sisters Nicola and Samantha.
It was Anthony who recognized Hamilton’s talent early on and gave him his first go-kart at the age of six. He took on multiple jobs to ensure his son could follow his racing dream.
By the time he was eight, Hamilton had already started karting, and within a couple of years, he became the youngest driver to win the British cadet karting championship. His swift climb through the ranks culminated in his F1 debut in 2007. Despite the strong bond they shared throughout Hamilton’s rise to fame, their professional relationship came to a difficult and abrupt end.
Parting Ways with His Father
With his father’s guidance, Hamilton won his first F1 title in 2008, becoming the sport’s youngest-ever world champion at the age of 23. But in 2009, a technical shift in the sport hampered McLaren’s performance, and Hamilton saw his results decline.
In 2010, Hamilton made the shocking choice to part ways with his father as his manager, a decision that created a rift between them. In a 2012 interview, Anthony shared that the split left him devastated and confused, admitting it came as a complete shock.
“It felt like a death,” Anthony said, reflecting on the fallout. “I was heartbroken and couldn’t believe it when he told me he no longer needed me as his manager, especially since we hadn’t had any arguments.” He went on to say that although he didn’t express anger, he struggled to process it. “I had been there for every step of his career, from when he was five years old and racing remote-controlled cars. His decision changed everything.”
In later years, Hamilton reflected on their strained relationship during an interview on the On Purpose podcast, explaining that he needed space to find himself. “There was a period where my dad and I clashed. I wanted him to be more of a father than a manager, and we hadn’t enjoyed that kind of relationship for years. I decided to take control of my career and make my own choices, which created some distance between us.”
Legal Dispute and Reconciliation
Despite a legal battle involving ex-F1 driver Paul Di Resta, it emerged that Hamilton had agreed to pay his father $4 million as part of their split but hadn’t followed through. Anthony insisted that he had never asked Lewis for any money and didn’t expect anything beyond his son’s appreciation for his efforts.
Despite the turbulence, the father and son have since mended their relationship. While Anthony no longer manages his son’s career, he remains a supportive figure. In a heartfelt 2020 social media post, Hamilton reflected on the challenges they had overcome and their efforts to rebuild the father-son bond that had been lost over the years.
A powerful moment between the two occurred earlier this year when Hamilton was seen hugging his father after his victory at Silverstone, marking his first Grand Prix win since 2021. Hamilton later described the embrace as a release of built-up emotions, saying, “It was a moment of relief, a way to let go of the pressure. Sharing that with my dad meant everything.”
Love Life
Hamilton’s romantic history has often made headlines, with his relationship with pop star Nicole Scherzinger being one of the most talked-about.
In more recent times, Brazilian model Juliana Nalu, who once dated Kanye West, has been rumored to be involved with Hamilton. The two were spotted together at a few events, including a New Year’s party where Hamilton was seen holding her hand.
However, it appears that whatever connection they had has since fizzled out. Additionally, Hamilton has reportedly been seen on the celebrity dating app Raya, adding another layer to his already intriguing personal life.
