Sports
The Unwavering Support of Anthony Hamilton: A Father’s Impact on Lewis Hamilton’s Racing Career
Anthony Hamilton, the father of seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, has played a pivotal role in shaping his son’s illustrious racing career. Born in the UK in 1956 of Grenadian descent, Anthony has been a constant source of support and inspiration for Lewis.
After Anthony split with Carmen Larbalestier when Lewis was just two, Lewis later moved in with Anthony and his stepmother Linda at the age of 12. It was here that Lewis’s passion for racing flourished, under the guidance of his dedicated father.
From a young age, Anthony recognized Lewis’s talent and bought him his first radio-controlled car at the age of five. Lewis’s early success in radio car racing caught the attention of the BBC, setting the stage for his future in motorsport.
Determined to see his son succeed, Anthony made significant sacrifices to support Lewis’s racing dreams. He left his job as an IT manager to become a contractor, often working multiple jobs to fund Lewis’s burgeoning racing career.
As Lewis ascended the ranks in motorsport, Anthony transitioned into the role of his manager, overseeing his son’s career from 2007 to 2010. However, their professional relationship strained their personal bond, leading to Lewis parting ways with his father as his manager.
In a candid interview on the On Purpose Podcast, Lewis revealed the complexities of their dynamic, expressing a desire to prioritize their father-son relationship over their professional ties. Over time, the Hamiltons worked towards reconciling and rebuilding their familial connection.
Anthony’s unwavering support and belief in Lewis have been a driving force behind his success on the track. When Lewis clinched his record-breaking seventh world title at the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020, his thoughts immediately turned to his father, acknowledging Anthony’s pivotal role in his journey.
As Lewis reflected on their shared experiences and triumphs, he credited his father as the true hero behind his victories, emphasizing the profound impact Anthony has had on his racing career and overall life.
