Lewis Hamilton’s dad offers fatherly advice as he reveals “proudest thing”

Lewis Hamilton’s father, Anthony, has offered fatherly advice as he opened up on his life-changing first meeting with Ron Dennis and raising the seven-time Formula 1 champion.

Raised in a working-class family, Lewis Hamilton’s driving career began at six years old when he started karting. At 10, he became the youngest driver to win the British cadet karting championship, and it was at the subsequent Autosport Awards ceremony that the now-famous encounter with McLaren boss Dennis took place.

“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 explained to Dose Of Society when asked about a life-changing experience.

“Lewis went up to Ron and said, ‘One day I want to race for McLaren.’ And Ron said, ‘Here’s my number, come back in nine years’ time.’

“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.”

True to Dennis’ word, Hamilton was signed to the McLaren-Mercedes Young Driver Programme in 1998 at age 13, making him the youngest driver to secure a contract that would eventually lead to an F1 seat.

“You know, when I was younger, nothing positive ever happened for me,” the father of the seven-time champion continued. “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. 

“Every time there’s a positive change, you just maximise on it and believe on it.”

Asked what advice he would give other fathers, he added, “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.”