As the titles have rolled in so the records have tumbled – most wins, pole positions, podium finishes, points finishes, career points, and now the one few people thought would ever be equalled he has successfully matched with the number of titles.
If – and it remains an if as he has yet to sign a new contract with Mercedes – Hamilton continues in F1 into next season, then it is highly likely he will claim championship number eight and own the record outright.
Whatever you may think of Hamilton, whatever your prejudices, whether you feel he may only have become so successful because of the car he has had beneath him, there is one aspect of his success you cannot deny.
An outstanding British BAME role model as well as one of this country’s greatest sporting heroes, Hamilton has been open about the struggles he faced growing up, but as he recently advised pupils on a visit to Alperton Community School in London: “I think we can all be great at something. It’s down to you and to your families to help you find what that is. When you find it, grab onto it, enjoy it and work your backside off.” Words to live by as Hamilton has proved over and over again.
Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.