f1: Lewis Hamilton gets the McLaren seat

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.

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.
Born: Stevenage, Jan 7, 1985
Lives: Tewin, Hertfordshire
Started racing: 1993, aged 8 in karts
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
( ) Is it OK with you if I say "Told you so!

" ( ) You can say what you like, within the rules of the comm. I've never expressed an opinion on it either way, so I assume you're not directly aiming that comment at me! ;) ( ) No, not at you at all.

.. I just recall back in August or thereabouts having a discussion with someone (might not even have been on here but was definitely on LJ) where I said that Lewis's Dad, Anthony, had told me back at the British GP that if McLaren wanted to keep Lewis it was a race drive or nothing, and they basically poured scorn on the idea.

.. ( ) Yep.

. that was me..

*eats my hat* I apologise profusely etc. ( ) I'll let you off! Would you like some seasoning with that hat?

( ) Heh thanks, but I'll never learn to pull my head in if I don't eat the hat raw. ( ) Didn't think so!

Ahh, interesting.

I missed that post, wasn't around much on LJ in August. ( ) Every British person has been making this guy out to be the best thing since sliced bread. I'm still not overly keen on the bloke.

I'd have more faith in Alonso. I hope Dennis/Team McLaren didn't choose Hamilton because he's their adored son, but that he can actually do the job. I don't want this to be interpreted as me disliking the bloke or giving him a thumbs down, because I'm not.

I'm just being cautious.

Remember what happened to Sato who was nurtured by Honda, he did quite well in junior categories, got to F1 and fell flat on his face. From what I heard B.

A.R. used Sato to test beta parts which explained why half the time he blew up or half the time he scored.

And this very season we had Nico Rosberg who everyone talked up. Nico has a great last name, yet he was the worst driver to compete the whole season. Always beaten by his team-mate, throwing it in a wall, or even taking out his team-mate and not owning up to it.

I remember the only time he managed to get headlines was when he set a fast lap. However it should be noted he did this lap in clean air, with his engine cranked up after he earlier punted Nick Heidfeld out of the race.

So as you can see, I have my doubts.

( ) He can do the job...

( ) Some stats and facts about Lewis Hamilton-

• He is 21 years old, but will turn 22 by the time the season starts next year, so he has no chance to beat Alonso's record of youngest F1 race winner.


• He is the first ever black driver in Formula One history.


• He was confirmed by Ron Dennis on September 30th and since then the news has been kept secret!

( ) I'm quite excited about this news, I really hope he does extremely well and manages to live up to his potential, would be great if he can get some good results too.