Editing Lewis Hamilton (section)

===McLaren (2007–2012)===
Hamilton's success in the GP2 championship coincided with a vacancy at [[McLaren-Mercedes]] following the departure of [[Juan Pablo Montoya]] to [[NASCAR]] and [[Kimi Räikkönen]] to [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5168206.stm|title=McLaren agree to release Montoya|work=BBC Sport|date=11 July 2006|access-date=28 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060917163255/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5168206.stm|archive-date=17 September 2006|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5332710.stm|title=Ferrari reveal Räikkönen signing|work=BBC Sport|date=10 September 2006|access-date=28 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109034829/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5332710.stm|archive-date=9 November 2006|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton was given nearly {{convert|5,000|mi|km}} of testing in the [[McLaren MP4-21]] to acclimatise himself to Formula One, alongside [[Pedro de la Rosa]] and [[Gary Paffett]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?series=6&id=2822961 |title=F1 newcomer Hamilton 'is going to be phenomenal' |last=Knutson |first=Dan |date=2 April 2007 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[ESPN Inc.]] |access-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223145841/https://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?series=6&id=2822961 |archive-date=23 December 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10581481/lewis-hamiltons-first-full-f1-test-10-years-on-from-his-big-f1-break |title=Lewis Hamilton's first full F1 test: 10 years on from his big breakthrough |last=Galloway |first=James |date=21 September 2016 |website=[[Sky Sports]] |access-date=25 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002104947/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10581481/lewis-hamiltons-first-full-f1-test-10-years-on-from-his-big-f1-break |archive-date=2 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Ultimately, Hamilton was confirmed as the team's second driver;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6179704.stm|title=Hamilton gets 2007 McLaren drive|work=BBC Sport|date=24 November 2006|access-date=28 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070908132759/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6179704.stm|archive-date=8 September 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> the announcement was not made public for nearly two months, reportedly to avoid being overlooked by [[Michael Schumacher]]'s retirement announcement.<ref name="Tremayne">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/hamiltons-f1-drive-is-a-dream-come-true-425740.html|title=Hamilton's F1 drive is a dream come true|author=Tremayne, David|date=25 November 2006|access-date=25 November 2006|work=The Independent|location=London|archive-date=16 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916115706/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/hamiltons-f1-drive-is-a-dream-come-true-425740.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====2007–2008: Record-breaking debut seasons====
[[File:Lewis Hamilton 2007 Canada.jpg|thumb|alt=A silver Formula One car driving around a corner.|Hamilton took his maiden Formula One victory at the [[2007 Canadian Grand Prix]], in his sixth appearance.]]
Hamilton's [[2007 Formula One World Championship|maiden season]] in Formula One saw him partner two-time defending World Drivers' Champion [[Fernando Alonso]] at McLaren.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 September 2021 |title=The incredible tale of McLaren and Mercedes' F1 split |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/the-incredible-tale-of-mclaren-and-mercedes-f1-split/ |access-date=12 February 2024 |website=The Race |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212201406/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/the-incredible-tale-of-mclaren-and-mercedes-f1-split/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the season-opening {{F1GP|2007|Australian}}, Hamilton became the first—and, {{as of|2025||lc=y}}, only—[[Black people|black]] driver to race in the series.<ref>{{cite news|title=Grenadian roots of first black F1 driver|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/caribbean/news/story/2006/11/061127_grenadaf1.shtml|date=27 November 2006|publisher=BBC|access-date=12 December 2006|quote=The first black driver named to race in Formula One|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070322182924/https://www.bbc.co.uk/caribbean/news/story/2006/11/061127_grenadaf1.shtml|archive-date=22 March 2007|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1528611/Formula-One%27s-first-black-driver-to-take-his-place-on-grid.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080831041311/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1528611/Formula-One%27s-first-black-driver-to-take-his-place-on-grid.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 August 2008|title=Formula One's first black driver to take his place on grid|last=Garside|first=Kevin|author2=Britten, Nick |date=13 September 2006|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=26 June 2008|location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1609725,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070429021936/http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1609725,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 April 2007|title=Lewis Hamilton: The Tiger Woods of Racing?|last=Smith|first=Adam|date=12 April 2007|magazine=Time|access-date=26 June 2008}}</ref> After finishing third on debut,<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 December 2009 |title=Formula 1's Greatest Drivers: 17. Michael Schumacher<!--Formula 1's Greatest Drivers – Lewis Hamilton--> |url=http://f1greatestdrivers.autosport.com/?driver=17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105161925/http://f1greatestdrivers.autosport.com/?driver=17 |archive-date=5 November 2013 |access-date=10 February 2024 |website=[[Autosport]] |publisher=[[Haymarket Media Group|Haymarket Publications]]}}</ref> Hamilton went on to set several records,<ref name="BBC 2018">{{cite news|title=Lewis Hamilton is in Formula 1's top five, says Fernando Alonso|publisher=BBC|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45905592|date=19 October 2018|access-date=19 October 2018|archive-date=19 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019130336/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/45905592|url-status=live}}</ref> including the [[List of Formula One driver records#Other driver records|most consecutive podium finishes from debut]] (9), the [[List of Formula One driver records#Other driver records|most wins in a debut season]] (4, shared with [[Jacques Villeneuve]]) and the most points in a debut season (109).<ref name="Maltby 2018">{{cite web |last=Maltby |first=Matt |date=1 November 2018|title=Hamilton x5: The stats that prove his greatness |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-x5-the-stats-that-prove-his-greatness.78RWOkP4fmyeYg2MokkoEG.html |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=1 November 2018 |archive-date=1 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101155918/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-x5-the-stats-that-prove-his-greatness.78RWOkP4fmyeYg2MokkoEG.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Acquiring the championship lead as early as in the [[2007 Spanish Grand Prix|fourth round]] of the season, Hamilton became the youngest driver to lead the World Drivers' Championship. After a series of misfortunes in the latter half of the season, including strategic missteps by McLaren in the closing rounds and a retirement at the {{F1GP|2007|Chinese}}, Hamilton's 12-point advantage in the standings evanesced.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |date=24 November 2020|title=The mysterious loss of Hamilton's first F1 title |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/the-mysterious-loss-of-hamiltons-first-f1-title/ |website=the-race.com |access-date=23 September 2024 |archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124100501/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/the-mysterious-loss-of-hamiltons-first-f1-title/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/do-you-remember-hamiltons-rookie-title-bid-hitting-the-rocks-in.4A4wST7ALsdxY3syUvFhIc |title=Do you remember… Hamilton's rookie title bid hitting the rocks in China |date=7 April 2015 |website=[[Formula 1]] |publisher=[[Formula One Group]] |access-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909145556/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/do-you-remember-hamiltons-rookie-title-bid-hitting-the-rocks-in.4A4wST7ALsdxY3syUvFhIc |archive-date=9 September 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> He finished runner-up in the championship to Räikkönen by one point, classified ahead of teammate Alonso whilst finishing level on points.{{efn-num|Hamilton and Alonso both scored 109 points in {{F1|2007}}, with Hamilton classified ahead on [[Glossary of motorsport terms#C|count-back]], by virtue of having more second-placed finishes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46226823 |title=Fernando Alonso: Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, 'spy-gate' & threats & demands to Ron Dennis |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=19 November 2018 |website=[[BBC Sport]] |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=6 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206162734/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46226823 |archive-date=6 December 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>}} Throughout the season, Hamilton and Alonso were involved in several incidents, which resulted in inter-team tensions, culminating in Alonso and McLaren terminating their contract by mutual consent.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/how-alonso-and-hamiltons-2007-feud-erupted-its-going-to-be-a-fight/ |title=How Alonso and Hamilton's 2007 feud erupted: 'It's going to be a fight' |last= |first= |date=4 July 2023 |website=[[Motor Sport (magazine)|Motor Sport]] |issn=0027-2019 |access-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826041524/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/how-alonso-and-hamiltons-2007-feud-erupted-its-going-to-be-a-fight/ |archive-date=26 August 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ALO07">{{Cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7074737.stm |title=Alonso and McLaren agree to split |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=2 November 2007 |website=[[BBC Sport]] |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=23 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113152512/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7074737.stm |archive-date=13 November 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton signed a {{currency|50|GBP}} million contract to stay with the team until the end of 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7196436.stm|title=Hamilton signs new McLaren deal|work=BBC Sport|date=18 January 2008|access-date=31 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202042227/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7196436.stm|archive-date=2 December 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Hamilton Brazil 2008 celebrations.jpg|thumb|alt=A group of people dressed in orange celebrate, with Hamilton in the middle wearing a baseball cap.|Hamilton ''(centre)'' celebrates his maiden [[World Drivers' Championship]] with McLaren at the [[2008 Brazilian Grand Prix]].|left]]
Partnering [[Heikki Kovalainen]] for {{F1|2008}}, Hamilton's winning form continued as he amassed five race victories and 10 podium finishes. Ferrari drivers, along with [[BMW in Formula One|BMW]]'s [[Robert Kubica]], emerged as his closest rivals, as they engaged in a close battle for the title with Hamilton during the first half of the season. At the rain-affected {{F1GP|2008|British}}, he won by over a minute from second-placed [[Nick Heidfeld]], which was widely acclaimed as one of the greatest wet-weather performances in Formula One history.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tremayne|first=David|author-link=David Tremayne|date=4 April 2019|title=Lewis Hamilton's wet-weather masterclass at the 2008 British Grand Prix - F1's Best Drives #8|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1s-best-drives-8-hamiltons-wet-weather-masterclass-at-silverstone.YtsrQVjDDKr2FQQM5DLIs.html|url-status=live|access-date=16 February 2024|website=formula1.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404104158/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1s-best-drives-8-hamiltons-wet-weather-masterclass-at-silverstone.YtsrQVjDDKr2FQQM5DLIs.html |archive-date=4 April 2019}}</ref> As the season progressed towards the closing rounds, the championship became a clear two-way fight between Hamilton and Ferrari's [[Felipe Massa]]. Hamilton won his maiden title at the season-ending {{F1GP|2008|Brazilian}}, overtaking [[Timo Glock]] for fifth-place at the final corners of the last lap to become the then-youngest [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|World Drivers' Champion]], and deny race-winner Massa the title by one point.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7705230.stm|title=Last-gasp Hamilton takes F1 crown|first=Andrew|last=Benson|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=2 November 2008|access-date=20 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019171348/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7705230.stm|archive-date=19 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/11/8635.html |title=Hamilton speechless after dramatic title finale |publisher=Formula One |access-date=26 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205143351/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/11/8635.html |archive-date=5 December 2008 }}</ref> Hamilton also became the [[Formula One drivers from the United Kingdom|first British driver]] to win the World Drivers' Championship since [[Damon Hill]] in {{F1|1996}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7705310.stm|title=2008 Brazilian Grand Prix|work=BBC Sport|date=2 November 2008|access-date=31 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508142243/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7705310.stm|archive-date=8 May 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{clear}}

====2009–2012: Unsuccessful title bids and departure from McLaren==== 
During his veering final years with McLaren—a period largely dominated by [[Red Bull Racing|Red Bull]]—Hamilton continued to score podium finishes and race victories, and challenged for titles. Major technical regulation changes in {{F1|2009}} led to a challenging start for McLaren.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 March 2009 |title=McLaren admit car isn't fast enough |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/mar/13/lewis-hamilton-mclaren-problems-testing |access-date=16 September 2024 |website=[[The Guardian]] |archive-date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916171033/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/mar/13/lewis-hamilton-mclaren-problems-testing |url-status=live }}</ref> Often qualifying outside of the top ten, and struggling to finish consistently on points, Hamilton's chances of defending his title became unfeasible. Major upgrades at the {{F1GP|2009|German}} saw a dramatic improvement in performance of the [[McLaren MP4-24|MP4-24]] car. From that point onward, Hamilton advanced from eleventh to fifth in the standings and outscored the rest of the field, securing two race victories and three additional podium finishes across the remaining nine rounds.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 May 2022 |title=When Hamilton had a rubbish F1 car - 2009 McLaren |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/video/when-hamilton-had-a-rubbish-f1-car-2009-mclaren/571751/ |access-date=16 September 2024 |website=[[Autosport]] |archive-date=21 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821193840/https://www.autosport.com/f1/video/when-hamilton-had-a-rubbish-f1-car-2009-mclaren/571751/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{#invoke:multiple image|
| align             = left
| direction         = horizonal
| width             = 220
| image1            = Hamilton puncture Spain 2010.png
| image2            = Hamilton 2012 brazil retire.jpg
| footer            = Several race retirements hindered Hamilton's chances of winning the title in {{F1|2010}} and {{F1|2012}}. Pictured are the [[2010 Spanish Grand Prix]] ''(left)'', and [[2012 Brazilian Grand Prix]] ''(right)'', with the latter being his final race for McLaren.
}}
In {{F1|2010}}, Hamilton was partnered by reigning World Drivers' Champion [[Jenson Button]].<ref>{{cite news |date=18 November 2009 |title=Jenson Button signs with McLaren in all-British line-up |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/18/jenson-button-lewis-hamilton-mclaren |access-date=18 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407155730/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/18/jenson-button-lewis-hamilton-mclaren |url-status=live}}</ref> Whilst McLaren struggled to match the outright pace of Red Bull and Ferrari,<ref>{{cite news |date=10 October 2010 |title=McLaren drivers' hopes hanging by a thread |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/andrewbenson/2010/10/mclaren_drivers_hopes_hanging.html |access-date=24 January 2025 |work=BBC |archive-date=13 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013032042/https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/andrewbenson/2010/10/mclaren_drivers_hopes_hanging.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton engaged in a four-way title battle with Alonso, [[Sebastian Vettel]] and [[Mark Webber (racing driver)|Mark Webber]] throughout the season. At the {{F1GP|2010|Canadian}}, he secured McLaren's only pole position of the season, and took the championship lead after winning the race.<ref>{{cite news |date=13 July 2010 |title=Lewis Hamilton wins Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/18/jenson-button-lewis-hamilton-mclaren |access-date=18 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=24 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624065442/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8737884.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton's latter half of the season unravelled with a number of misfortunes, including race-ending collisions and mechanical failures, culminated in him losing vital points to his rivals, and ultimately, the championship lead.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 September 2010 |title=Hamilton F1 hopes fading |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/arid-30475303.html |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=Irish Examiner |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923135949/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/arid-30475303.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He entered the [[2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix|final round]] of the season with an outside chance of winning the title, but finished fourth in the standings as Vettel won his maiden title.<ref>{{cite news |date=14 November 2010 |title=Sebastian Vettel wins Formula One world championship in Abu Dhabi |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/nov/14/sebastian-vettel-champion |access-date=18 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=16 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216025751/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/nov/14/sebastian-vettel-champion |url-status=live}}</ref> 

{{F1|2011}} was a challenging year for Hamilton, marking the first season he had been out-scored by a teammate, as Button finished runner-up to Vettel. Setbacks in his private life, as well as on-track collisions culminating in multiple run-ins with the stewards, contributed to his inconsistent performances throughout the season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=11 December 2012 |title=The year the wheels and everything else came off for Lewis Hamilton |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/dec/11/lewis-hamilton-f1-mclaren |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301100459/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/dec/11/lewis-hamilton-f1-mclaren |archive-date=1 March 2014 |access-date=20 December 2024 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> Hamilton finished fifth in the standings with three race wins; he secured the only non-Red Bull pole position of the season at the {{F1GP|2011|Korean}}, and vowed he would return to form.<ref>{{cite news |agency=Press Association |date=9 March 2012 |title=McLaren's Lewis Hamilton envisages much closer F1 season in 2012 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/mar/09/mclaren-lewis-hamilton-f1-season |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224000715/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/mar/09/mclaren-lewis-hamilton-f1-season |url-status=live }}</ref> 

In {{F1|2012}}, McLaren emerged as contenders for the title, with Hamilton remaining in title contention during the first half of the season.<ref>{{cite web |date=20 July 2012 |title=McLaren launch F1 fightback with timely upgrades at German Grand Prix
 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/jul/20/mclaren-f1-german-grand-prix |access-date=1 January 2025 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=1 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250101113508/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/jul/20/mclaren-f1-german-grand-prix |url-status=live}}</ref> Akin to the 2010 season, he endured a challenging latter half of the season, with inconsistent results and a series of mechanical failures. Across those ten races, Hamilton encountered five retirements, three whilst leading. Ultimately, Hamilton finished fourth in the standings, achieving four race wins and a season-highest seven pole positions.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 September 2012 |title=McLaren's mistakes cost them championship success |url=https://www.racefans.net/2012/12/18/2012-f1-season-review-mclaren/ |access-date=1 January 2025 |work=Race Fans |archive-date=1 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101105910/https://www.racefans.net/2012/12/18/2012-f1-season-review-mclaren/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=22 December 2012 |title=Formula 1 2012: What a Year |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/20824978 |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=BBC Sport |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705095742/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/20824978 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Motorsport.com]]'' analysis found that Hamilton had lost an estimated 110 points due to race retirements and other misfortunes.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 November 2012 |title=Analysis: How the points, and the title, slipped away for Lewis Hamilton |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/analysis-how-the-points-and-the-title-slipped-away-for-lewis-hamilton/3219278/ |access-date=9 February 2024 |website=Motorsport.com |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209131835/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/analysis-how-the-points-and-the-title-slipped-away-for-lewis-hamilton/3219278/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to the end of the year, having denied multiple renegotiations with McLaren, Hamilton announced—to widespread surprise—that he would be joining Mercedes for the 2013 season.<ref name="halloffame">{{cite web |last=Donaldson |first=Gerald |date=2018|title=Lewis Hamilton – Hall of fame |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers/hall-of-fame/Lewis_Hamilton.html |website=Formula1.com |publisher=FIA Formula One World Championship Limited |access-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920231333/https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers/hall-of-fame/Lewis_Hamilton.html |archive-date=20 September 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=20 July 2012 |title=Lewis Hamilton insists he's moved for a new challenge not more money |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/oct/03/lewis-hamilton-mclaren-mercedes-move |access-date=1 January 2025 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523170052/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/oct/03/lewis-hamilton-mclaren-mercedes-move |url-status=live}}</ref> Hamilton expressed his gratitude, stating he was "forever grateful" for the opportunities and support he had received throughout his career, ending a 15-year association with McLaren.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 September 2012 |title=Lewis Hamilton to leave McLaren after signing Mercedes contract |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/19755236 |access-date=16 January 2025 |work=BBC |archive-date=13 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413181407/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/19755236 |url-status=live}}</ref>