Who is Lewis Hamilton's dad Anthony Hamilton?

Anthony Hamilton was born in the UK in 1956 of Grenadian descent. He married Carmen Larbalestier, and the pair had a son named Lewis. Anthony split with Carmen when Lewis was just two, and Lewis lived with his mother and half-sisters Samantha and Nicola until he was 12. A young Lewis then moved in with Anthony and his stepmother Linda, who had a son named Nicolas. Lewis's half-brother Nicolas is also a professional racing driver.   

Anthony bought Lewis a radio-controlled car when he was just five, Lewis even appeared on BBC for his radio car racing talents as he kept beating adults at a national level. Anthony bought Lewis a second-hand go-kart for Christmas when he was eight. As long as Lewis promised to work hard in school, Anthony would continue to support him in racing. To help support his son, Anthony left his position as an IT manager and became a contractor. Sometimes, Anthony would work up to four jobs at one time while still attending his son's races. Lewis told PEOPLE about Anthony's dedication. "He never had new clothes. He wasn’t saving up to buy anything new. Everything - remortgaging the house multiple times — went into go-karting, which sounds crazy. It is crazy, but he believed so much in me.” Lewis, who came from a working-class background, has always praised his father's impact on his racing career. He praised his family in his 2007 autobiography, stating they have 'made more sacrifices than you would believe' for his racing career to succeed.

Anthony worked as Lewis's manager from his debut in 2007 up until 2010, when he was fired by his son. Why? Lewis said that he and his father 'bumped heads' regarding decision-making on the On Purpose Podcast in 2023. Because of their professional relationship, it became difficult for the two to see each other as father and son. “I really just wanted him to be my dad. Let’s go and have fun, let’s laugh. We hadn’t had that for a long, long time,” said Lewis. “We have worked hard to come back together. He’s now the first person I call when I finish a race.” 

Anthony was so important to Lewis that when he won his seventh world title after winning the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020, Anthony was the first person to cross his mind. Lewis told PEOPLE how he felt after crossing the line. “I came across the line, and all the things about me and my dad — when we went away from our first championship singing ‘We Are the Champions,’ the struggles that we had — it just flashed through my mind, and all this emotion came up," said the 103 time Grand Prix winner. “He’s the real hero, but obviously I’m the one that gets to stand on top of the podium at the end.” Concluded Lewis.