Lewis Hamilton: the origins of a champion, starting with a simple go-kart
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Before becoming a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Lewis Hamilton was just a kid passionate about speed, sitting in a small black go-kart in the middle of an English parking lot.
His story is that of a dream born on four small wheels, fueled by determination, talent and hard work.
🧒 The beginnings of a prodigy (1993 – 1995)
It all started in 1993 , in Stevenage , a small town in Hertfordshire.
Lewis was only 8 years old when he first discovered karting.
His father, Anthony Hamilton , works day and night to finance this dream. He juggles several jobs — computer programmer by day, waiter by night — so that his son can continue to run.
👉 Their first go-kart? Second-hand, worn, but full of hope.
Anthony transports it in the trunk of his old car and spends his weekends repairing it in the family garage.
Lewis, for his part, completes lap after lap in the rain and wind, without ever complaining.
🏆 The meteoric rise in the youth categories
Very quickly, the young Hamilton made a name for himself.
His style is aggressive, precise, and intelligent .
In 1995 , he won several local races and attracted the attention of the paddocks.
During an awards ceremony, he timidly approaches a man in a suit: Ron Dennis , boss of McLaren.
🗣️ Lewis, 10 years old: “One day, I will run for you.”
Ron Dennis, smiling, replied: “Call me in nine years.”
On that day, a prophecy was born.
Between 1996 and 1999, Hamilton dominated the British junior championships.
He became Cadet champion, then Junior Yamaha champion, before launching himself onto the international scene.
🌍 International karting: the first major battles
In 2000 , Hamilton moved to ICA (Intercontinental A), a very competitive category where the future talents of motorsport already race.
He faces off against drivers like Nico Rosberg , Robert Kubica , and Pastor Maldonado .
The young Briton shows impressive maturity: he already knows how to read a race, manage pressure, and above all, never give up.
🎯 His strength? Incredible mental and physical consistency for his age.
Even against better-equipped opponents, he compensates with his sense of rhythm and racing intelligence.
In 2001 , he became European karting champion , and many began to talk about him as the future great British hope.
🧠 A mentality forged in adversity
But the road was not easy.
Hamilton and his father were often the only black people in the paddocks.
They had to face racism, lack of resources, and indifference.
But each obstacle forged Lewis's mental strength.
Anthony kept repeating:
“Don’t make excuses. Let the track do the talking.”
This phrase will become the mantra of the future champion.
It was also during this period that he developed his steely mentality , his extreme discipline , and his hunger for victory — traits that would never leave him.
🏎️ From karting to legend
In 2002 , McLaren kept its word.
Ron Dennis brings Lewis into the team 's young driver program .
The Stevenage native officially becomes a future professional pilot.
A few years later, he climbed all the ranks to F1, where he became the champion everyone knows today .
But Hamilton never forgot it:
“Everything I am, I owe to karting. That's where I learned to fight.”
🏁 Conclusion: Karting, the school of champions
Lewis Hamilton's story is living proof that karting is much more than a stepping stone — it's a school of life.
This is where reflexes, discipline, and passion are forged.
And that's where the future heroes of F1 are born.
🚀 No matter your level or equipment, remember:
Every turn taken today could be the beginning of a legend.