Why I love... SIR LEWIS HAMILTON

A scarcely believable 17 years ago this Sunday, I was sitting in my parents' conservatory with my eyes glued to the TV, hoping that my Formula 1 hero would become a world champion.

- BY SAM PHILLIPS

With Lewis Hamilton out of contention down in sixth place, it looked certain that Felipe Massa would take the crown - but in the dying moments of the race came the immortal words from commentator Martin Brundle: “Is that Glock?!”

Hamilton sneaked down the inside of Timo’s slow-moving Toyota on the last corner of the last lap in Brazil to secure the trophy in one of the most emotionally laden and iconic moments in motorsport history.

Fast forward to 2025 and statistically Hamilton is firmly the greatest F1 driver of all time, with seven world titles, 105 race wins and 104 pole positions to his name. Yet his talent cannot be measured by numbers alone, and there are several standout races that cement his legendary status.