Lewis Hamilton

The Full Story (revised Edition 2009)

By: Mark Hughes

Narrated by: Ben Elliot

Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

No driver has ever made such an instant impact on the sport of F1 racing as Lewis Hamilton. The first black grand prix driver, his astonishing level of success in his rookie season together with his swash-buckling, attacking style has created a sensation. It has also been a central factor in the most exciting and controversial season of F1 in living memory as Hamilton was involved in a three-way fight for the world crown. Industrial espionage, claims of team favouritism and some stunning on-track action have peppered Hamilton's first season in the sport's top category.

Here is the in-depth story of this phenomenon - from his upbringing on a Stevenage council estate to the day he first sat in a kart as a seven-year-old to his sensational challenge on the world title. Friends, colleagues, team-mates, rivals, chaperones and engineers who have worked with him here give some remarkable insights into Lewis the man and the driver, as well as into the close but complex relationship with father Anthony, the man who has largely steered his career. In the process, we see how F1 success has changed this young man's life in a very short space of time.

"'Lewis Hamilton is on the verge of Tiger Woods-like status: forget his skin colour, it's about the emergence of a phenomenon. He's in the process of transcending the whole sport, imprinting himself into the consciousness of people who would normally have little or no interest in Formula One.' The Sunday Times, April 15, 2007"

©2009 Mark Hughes 2007, 2009 (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

A Brilliant overview of a Brilliant talent

What did you love best about Lewis Hamilton?

For anyone who would like to have an overview of the genius called Hamilton up to his World championship this is an ideal place to start. From the day he received his first remote controlled car to the time he started out at McLaren. It gives a complete and meticulous breakdown of the stormy relationship of himself and Alonso. At the most significant episodes during their fight for dominance. Also his rise as a kid through the ranks of motorsport.

The only small criticism is the skipping over some of the important moments like when he met Ron Dennis as a kid. I think it was probably the moment that changed his life. Also some other relationships e.g Rosberg.

But other than this- it is probably a very very good summary.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Duh..?

What about Ben Elliot’s performance did you like?

I rated hime as full marks - because he allowed the story to the foreground. And allowed it to tel itself.

Second half is annoyin

Second half of the book has almost minute long reads from points and positions that are so drawn out it’s infuriating to listen to. We don’t need every point and every position all the way to 19th! Just explain the significance and 2 to 3 placements.

The Full Story!?

This is pretty fascinating perspective and read at a time that is so so removed from where Lewis Hamilton is now on his career.
In some ways theres added value to the deep dive and tight analysis that comes from such a... lasered in look. Probably certaintly more valuable now then upon its initial release.
Aside from the exact race finishes and points tallys once we get to the f1 season, this is well written, researched and insightful... though the line Nico Rosberg and Lewis remain friends to this day does force a chuckle.

Not great

I'm a big Hamilton/Mclaren fan, so I was excited to download this title. The early parts of the story are interesting, detailing Hamilton's rise through the karting and lower formula series on his way to F1.

Unfortunately, even casual F1 fans that were watching the 2007 season will know 98% of the F1 information presented already. The F1 portions are mostly recaps of the races from '07, including a complete reading of the race result and drivers championship standings after every race. In other words, the reader will tell you about a dozen times that Sebastian Vettel has 1 point. These readings total up to at least 10 minutes of listen time.

In addition, the glowing way in which Hughes portrays Hamilton gets a bit tiring and redundant after a while. It seems that every move Hamilton makes on track is "inspired" and "flawless". At times, it sounds more like a fan blog than something worth paying for.

Lewis Hamilton is undoubtedly a gifted driver with a long career ahead of him. I recommend waiting till the full story can be told. In the meantime, the Murray Walker audiobook is excellent.

Lewis Hamiliton Full Story

Excellent