WATCH: Lewis Hamilton recalls childhood Christmas present that sparked racing career

Lewis Hamilton began karting at a young age after being gifted a go-kart by his father, Anthony Hamilton for Christmas.

WATCH: Lewis Hamilton recalls childhood Christmas present that sparked racing career

Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

Ahead of Christmas, many F1 teams posted special content on their social media accounts to celebrate the occasion. Among them is Mercedes, who shared an emotional account by Lewis Hamilton discussing one of his first Christmas gifts and how it started his racing career.

Hamilton revealed that he was gifted a go-kart as a seven-year-old by his parents, a present that he had sought for a while. The go-kart would eventually help Hamilton begin his motorsport career, sowing the seed for the seven-time world champion’s talented career that he has now.

Lewis Hamilton was notably missing from the Secret Santa tradition for F1 drivers that occurs annually before every christmas. The Briton has not been present at any of the Secret Santa events since 2017, despite keeping the practice alive with his family.

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Former F1 driver claims Lewis Hamilton must not be underestimated

Lewis Hamilton has had two substandard F1 seasons after losing the championship to Max Verstappen in an emotional 2021 season. The Mercedes driver has failed to win a single race since then, despite finishing third in the championship in 2023.

Lewis Hamilton laments missed podium in Las Vegas
Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

With two years without a win, doubts have arisen over the Briton’s racing future. Potential retirement prospects have also been brought up. However, Christian Klien, former Red Bull driver has said that Hamilton mustn’t be underestimated, and retains the ability to impress given the correct car.

You should not underestimate Lewis. He is a top-class driver. He hasn’t lost any of his qualities. A bit like Fernando Alonso – give him the right car and he’ll show what he’s able to do.
Christian Klien said in an interview with Racingnews365.

Hamilton has mentioned that he still has the drive to fight for an eighth World Title, despite being the second-oldest driver on the grid. The 103-time race winner has proven himself this year, beating his teammate George Russell by a landslide amount of points after losing to him in 2022.

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