Driver

Lewis Hamilton exploded into Formula 1 in 2007 with McLaren and made an immediate impact as a title contender in the highest echelons of motorsport. Teamed up against Fernando Alonso in his debut season, the British driver ruffled the feathers of the double world champion nearly clinching the title at his first attempt. That year regardless began the one of the fiercest rivalries in F1. The following year Hamilton achieved what he was destined to. In 2008, he became the youngest ever F1 champion at the time, then beating Ferrari's Felipe Massa at his home race for the title on the final corner of the last lap, by one point! The Brit throughout the years has and excited and entertained everyone with daring overtaking moves, and coupled with his aggressive driving style, decimated the opposition on route to his many race wins. Since his world championship winning year however, things have not been too rosy. McLaren provided him with a less than competitive car to defend his crown the following season and in 2010 and 2011 came across the dominant Red Bull, which no one seemed to match. His driving style too came under the scanner when in the 2011 season he had numerous collisions with his fellow competitors, leaving the F1 fraternity to label him as a danger to the sport. Now beginning a new career with Mercedes, and under plenty of criticism, Hamilton will always remain as a threat on the circuit as he prepares for a new long-term campaign.