LEWIS HAMILTON — YEAR BY YEAR

2017

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel replaces the retired Rosberg as his arch-rival, but rises to the challenge.

2016

Overturns a 43-point mid-season deficit to push Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg all the way.

2015

Intense rivalry with Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg continues, but again Hamilton prevails, winning 10 times.

2014

Makes the most of Mercedes F1 W05 Hybrid’s dominance, taking 11 wins en route to his second world title.

2013

Enjoys relatively seamless transition from McLaren to Mercedes, despite problems of braking system.

2012

The MP4-27 may have been competitive, but poor luck means the Briton has to wait until Canada to score his first win.

2011

Beaten by a teammate for the first time in final standings after a frustrating season in the grid’s second fastest car.

2010

Storming drives stymied by dubious strategy calls in early races, but successive wins in Turkey and Canada for crown.

2009

Disqualified from fourth in Australia for misleading race stewards. Averages a point a race until round ten.

2008

At 23, becomes the youngest champion in F1 history, after five wins and a further five podiums take him to the title.

2007

Stunning debut season, scoring podiums in his first nine races. Secures four wins as he out-performs Alonso.

2006

Wins the GP2 championship at his first attempt, earning himself his maiden F1 test race drive in 2007.

2005

Dominates the Formula Three Euroseries, taking the title with 15 wins, 10 fastest laps and 13 pole positions.

2004

Graduates to the Formula Three Euroseries. Finishes fifth overall, with one victory and a further two podiums.

2003

Wins Formula Renault title with two rounds to spare.

2002

Graduates from karting to single-seaters, finishing third in the Formula Renault series.