The Lewis Hamilton Story

On February 1, 2024, the motorsports community was left in disbelief as seven-time Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton announced his departure from Mercedes to join Ferrari in 2025. While this move felt like a homecoming for me, my journey with Lewis traces back to his McLaren Racing days, before joining the Mercedes team in 2013. This connection holds a special place in my heart, prompting a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Growing up in Ranikhet, a captivating cantonment town nestled in the Kumaon Himalayas, was a magical three-year journey for an 8-year-old boy like myself. Surrounded by majestic mountains, towering pine and deodar cedar trees, and winding roads, the landscape painted a picture of enchantment. The horizon showcased breathtaking views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks, and the abundant nature cast a spell that captivated all the senses. The air carried fragrant notes of wild roses, apricot, apple, plums, or peaches throughout the year, connecting me to a place from my past.

Amidst this serene haven, a yearly disruption occurred—the Himalayan Rally. The screeching of tires, the smell of burning rubber, and the powerful roar of engines shattered the town's tranquility, injecting an exhilarating energy. Witnessing this spectacle as an 8-year-old sparked a fascination with motorsports, a passion that would shape my future.

One season, my father took us to Somnath Ground, near our school, where rally cars halted overnight during one leg of the race. The mesmerizing sights of tire changes, servicing, and quick engine fixes unfolded before my eyes, igniting a spark within me. It was there, amidst the rally buzz, that my love for motorsports took root—the smell of burning tires, the orchestrated chaos of the rally pit, and the unbridled passion of those in the world of motor racing left an indelible mark on my young heart, sowing the seeds for a lifelong love affair with speed and machines. That was the moment when the diesel head in me was born.

As I grew up, my passion for motor sports and anything with wheels intensified. Even today, the sight of a powerful machine with wheels has the ability to captivate my attention and reignite the flame of my enduring love for the thrilling world of speed and engines.

Fast forward to 1996, my passion for F1 was ignited when Michael Schumacher joined Ferrari, turning me into an ardent fan of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 team. However, everything changed on September 17, 2010—the day I met Lewis Hamilton in person.

The Lewis Hamilton Story begins here...

The morning of September 17, 2010, at Madras International Circuit was unusually pleasant, filled with the scent of adrenaline. Flying in from Hyderabad, I was taken directly to the racing track, where a pair of Vodafone McLaren racing suit and a helmet awaited me. Despite the initial discomfort, donning the gear felt incredible.

Madras Motor Race Track, a 2.5-mile-long track with 12 turns and 3 straights, was the perfect place to burn some good rubber. The anticipation to meet Lewis was palpable as he landed in a helicopter and made his way to greet a fortunate group, myself included. The day's agenda included some of us going for a spin with Lewis in the shotgun seat.

Entering the Mercedes SL63 AMG with Lewis behind the wheel, my heart pounded. However, as I introduced myself, the nerves settled, and a comfortable conversation ensued. We discussed about my daily commute car which was then a modest Suzuki hatchback and other interests.

Lewis humorously shared concerns about the car heating up, and said this would never reach 200 mph speeds that he's accustomed to, his McLaren F1 machine.

The real thrill began when we approached the first sharp turn. Lewis decided to switch off the traction control, and as we screeched around the corner, I felt lungs in my mouth and the sky rotating. It was a scary yet exhilarating rush of adrenaline, a moment I would cherish forever. Not many are lucky enough to sit next to the world's best F1 driver. We took two laps, during which Lewis educated me on how an F1 driver loses around 7 pounds of weight in a single race—a phenomenon I could relate to as I felt remarkably light after hitting just 110 mph.

Exiting the car, I felt as if I were floating. News and radio channels awaited my comments, and for a brief moment, I truly felt like an F1 racer. The event concluded with Lewis performing donuts until the rubber shredded and flew everywhere, followed by a victory ride on a truck and champagne. The pinnacle was Lewis autographing a Vodafone McLaren racing cap and signing the helmet I wore that day, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Upon my return, captivated by Lewis and his personality, I became an instant fan. Exploring his life story, I made the easy decision to switch from being a Ferrari supporter to a McLaren follower. As Lewis left McLaren to join the Mercedes team in 2013, I followed my hero. Now, with his move to Ferrari in the 2025 season, my allegiance remains unwavering. Once again, I would sport Ferrari motorsport merchandise with pride.

Lewis changed my life like no one before, I could relate some of his early struggles with struggles I had myself.

Navigating Through Adversity - Be Laser Focused: Lewis Hamilton's journey resonates deeply with me. Despite being dyslexic and facing bullying for his race and being discriminated by even his teachers, he channeled his aggression and passion into go-karting and then racing. He always believed that super-powers would come out when he wore the racing helmet. This resilience is something I admire. He didn't allow the negatives around him drown him into self-pity, but remained laser focused on what he wanted to do.

Reflecting on my own past, while Ranikhet holds beautiful memories of natural beauty and the exhilarating Himalayan Rally, it also conceals unsettling experiences that I rarely share. I, too, faced bullying during my schooldays for being a South Indian with a dark complexion. Labelled as "Kaalu" (blacky) by my classmates and even my teacher, I found myself isolated and subject to ridicule. This period of my life left me as a loner, impacting both my academic performance and self-confidence at a very young age.

My journey to overcome adversity spanned a decade, marked by relentless efforts to conquer fears and rebuild the self-confidence that had waned during those challenging early school years. ?

Lessons in Humility: In the pinnacle of success, simplicity prevailed. The day I met Lewis, he didn't flaunt his success or make me feel inferior. Instead, he ensured my comfort and behaved as an ordinary human being. Throughout our interaction, his demeanor never reflected the stature of a celebrity. It became a profound inspiration for me, emphasizing that success should never inflate one's ego. Hamilton's example encourages the belief that humility and simplicity are virtues that should persist even in the face of overwhelming success.

Making the Difference: When Lewis joined the Mercedes team, he consistently advocated for and actively worked towards building a diverse workforce. Over the past decade with the Mercedes F1 team, he has successfully transformed it into one of the most ethnically diverse teams in racing. This highlights the significance of successful leaders taking initiatives to create the positive change they yearned for during their own struggles.

Since 1930s Mercedes racing team was named Silver Arrows. Silver Arrows is an iconic symbol of Mercedes and a trademark of excellence in F1. While many may debate why in 2023 the same Silver Arrows were black?

Giving Back to Community: Lewis made the biggest charitable contribution in sport’s history when he donated $25 million dollars to Mission 44. It’s a charitable foundation that supports and empowers young people from underrepresented population in UK. He continues to be most vocal advocate of increasing diversity in Formula 1.

Lewis exemplifies not only speed on the racetrack but resilience in the face of adversity, humility amidst success, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. As he embarks on a new chapter with Ferrari, his legacy serves as a guiding light, reminding us that the journey is as significant as the destination.

So, here's to the roar of the engines, the twists of the track, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. As I follow the captivating journey of Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton, it not only inspires me to accelerate towards my dreams but also compels me to make a difference in others' lives, no matter how small that contribution may be. In the echoes of screeching tires and the triumphs of the racetrack, may we all find the fuel to propel us forward in life, driven by the spirit of determination and a shared commitment to leave a positive mark on the world.