Lewis Hamilton: A profile of the Mercedes driver

Back to his best in 2012 after his annus horribilis in 2011, Lewis Hamilton decided to go for broke after four seasons of frustration with McLaren and throw in his lot with Mercedes.

Hamilton's stats and facts

  • Team: Mercedes
  • Team-mate: Nico Rosberg
  • Nationality: English
  • Born: 07/01/1985, Stevenage
  • Grand Prix debut: Australia 2007
  • World Championships: 2008

It is a bold gamble from the fastest driver on the grid and it brings with it its own challenges.

Hamilton has never been the easiest of drivers to handle when his car is uncompetitive - yet few would expect Mercedes to be racing for victories at the start of the season.

Hamilton's new team will be a challenge for his maturity and his patience, but he's far too good not to continue as a major figure in 2013.