Anthony Hamilton, father of seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, recently shared valuable fatherly advice during an intimate discussion about his life experiences and raising his son. This reflection included his transformative first encounter with McLaren boss Ron Dennis, which set a pivotal path for Lewis’s career.
The journey into racing began early for Lewis, born into a working-class family, starting karting at the age of six. By ten, he was the youngest winner of the British cadet karting championship. It was at the ceremony following this victory, the Autosport Awards, that Anthony witnessed a defining moment when Lewis boldly approached Ron Dennis.
“Probably one of the biggest experiences, I think, was meeting Ron Dennis at the Autosport Awards when Lewis was just about 10 years of age,”
Anthony recalled during an interview with Dose Of Society.
At that meeting, young Lewis confidently told Dennis,
“One day I want to race for McLaren.”
Dennis responded by handing Lewis his contact details, instructing him to
“come back in nine years’ time,”
encouraging a long-term vision that would shape Lewis’s career.
Challenges, Faith, and Seizing Opportunities in the Hamilton Journey
Anthony humbly described his background, emphasizing that he held “an ordinary job” and initially had no clear direction for Lewis’s karting pursuits. He credited faith and timing for opening the right doors. When Ron Dennis offered the chance to reconnect years later, Anthony recognized this as an opportunity that demanded relentless effort to fulfill Lewis’s dreams.
“I just had an ordinary job. We had no idea where the karting would lead us. It was an opportunity where, you know, I believe God puts you in the right place at the right time. And when someone like Mr. Dennis says ‘call me in nine years’ time,’ you work hard to make sure you achieve those opportunities and maximise your dream.”
In 1998, at the age of 13, Lewis was accepted into the McLaren-Mercedes Young Driver Programme, becoming the youngest driver ever offered such a contract that laid the foundation for his future in Formula 1.
Anthony also acknowledged the hardships he faced personally as a young man, sharing the pain of losing his mother at 16 and struggling with housing and employment, which contrasted sharply with the positive changes that later emerged in his life.
“You know, when I was younger, nothing positive ever happened for me, Seriously. My mum died when I was 16. I left home. I [was] struggling to find a job, find somewhere to live. And then positive things start to happen. And then your life starts to change positively.”
He stressed the importance of embracing each positive moment fully whenever life takes a favorable turn.
“Every time there’s a positive change, you just maximise on it and believe on it.”
Parenting Insights and the Pride of Fatherhood
Turning to his role as a parent, Anthony discussed the unpredictability and challenges of raising children, emphasizing that no instruction manual exists for fatherhood, and learning on the job is essential.
He articulated a universal desire among parents—to see their children surpass their own achievements—and reflected on Lewis’s early years, recalling a simple memory of Lewis at six playing with remote-controlled cars.
“Nobody ever says when you have a kid, ‘here’s a manual.’ So you have to make it up as you go. We all make mistakes. Nobody is ever perfect. But the one thing that you always want, I think, as a parent, you want your kid to be better than you.”
“I remember when Lewis was six years of age messing about with remote-controlled cars around the back of our house. You always just hope that they’re going to grow up decent human beings, become decent individuals. And that, for me, is the proudest thing. He’s a phenomenal, phenomenal individual. Both him and my other son, Nicolas. Probably two of the most amazing people I know. And hopefully they’re inspirational for others.”
The Enduring Impact of a Father’s Support
The story shared by Anthony Hamilton highlights the lasting influence of parental support and resilience in shaping an extraordinary talent like Lewis Hamilton. His advice underscores the importance of perseverance, faith in opportunity, and striving to raise children into admirable individuals.
As Lewis Hamilton continues to make history in Formula 1 with Mercedes-AMG, the reflections of his father offer a deeper understanding of the family values and personal trials that helped mold the sport’s champion into a role model for many.