Council estate boy who broke barriers and set records

As Lewis Hamilton celebrated his fifth championship it was a world away from his humble beginnings on a Stevenage council estate.

It is easy to forget, now that he has a fortune of £170 million quite what a trailblazer he was.

Breaking down racial barriers during a prodigious career as a junior karter, he summoned the courage to seek out McLaren boss Ron Dennis.

Aged 10, and wearing a borrowed dinner jacket at a central London awards ceremony, he asked Dennis if he could drive for him. Dennis wrote in the youngster’s autograph book: “Phone me in nine years, and we’ll sort something out then.”

Hamilton did not have to wait that long. Just three years later, he signed for McLaren. Once there, he would build on his natural talent.

On his debut in 2007, Hamilton became the first black driver to race in Formula One’s white world. He dazzled under Australian skies, before recording his first victory in June at the Canadian Grand Prix. Remarkably, he came within a single point of the championship in his debut year.

A year later the moment arrived. Hamilton sealed his maiden title at the last corner on the last lap in the last race of the year. He later took the brave decision to join Mercedes.

It was this move which would act as a prelude to the almost unprecedented run of success which has seen Hamilton take four of the last five championships, win 50 further races, and be the man with more pole positions (81) than anyone before.