Description
By: Andrew Vand De Burgt .
There has never before been a Formula 1 driver like Lewis Hamilton — nobody else in the history of the sport has made such an impact in his first season.
The statistics for 2007 are phenomenal: a debut third place, nine consecutive podiums, four glorious wins and, of course, his remarkable 109 points and runner-up position in the World Championship. He was so near to going one better and becoming Formula l's first-ever rookie World Champion, but in the end, heartbreakingly for his fans, it just wasn't to be.
In only a matter of months Lewis has gone from being virtually an unknown to one of the world's biggest sporting heroes. He has become an instant favourite across the globe thanks to his breathtaking overtaking manoeuvres, crowd-pleasing style, winning smile and genuine modesty.
But he isn't really an overnight sensation. Lewis's impressive climb through the ranks of motor racing to Formula 1 has been going on for the past decade, since McLaren took the gamble of offering its backing to a promising 13-year-old karter, a kid in a bright yellow helmet who was passing cars where it didn't seem possible.
Packed with stunning photographs of Lewis's early career and a definitive record of his car racing results, this beautifully produced book charts his rise from the British cadet karting scene through Formula Renault, F3 and GP2 to the pinnacle of world motorsport. The 2007 Formula 1 season is chronicled race by race, through the highs, lows, celebrations and controversies, all the way to the intense drama of the finale in Brazil.
Author Andrew van de Burgt first saw Lewis Hamilton race in 2002, when the UK Formula Renault Championship supported the British Touring Car Championship, which he was covering for Autosport. In 2006, van de Burgt covered Lewis's sensational run to the GP2 title, which paved the way for his entry into Fl. As Editor of Autosport, van de Burgt took the unprecedented decision to put the GP2 star on the cover of the magazine after his flawless win on the streets of Monaco. The headline? 'Fl get ready for Lewis'.
