Sir Lewis: The Definitive Biography

The definitive biography of the greatest Formula One driver of all time, now including an exclusive chapter on the 2025 season.

‘Timeless, illuminating and necessary’ – Mirin Fader, author of the New York Times bestsellers Giannis and Dream

At the pinnacle of motorsports, a humble young man from Stevenage has risen to become the greatest Formula One driver of all time. Lewis Hamilton’s journey from remote-controlled car hobbyist to seven-time world champion is evidently the stuff of modern legend. Michael Sawyer follows Hamilton’s path and we witness Hamilton’s single-minded determination to reach the top along the way, even as he challenged racial barriers and opposition at every turn.

Beyond his unparalleled on-track exploits – equalling the records held by the legendary Michael Schumacher – Hamilton has used his platform to advocate for social justice, environmental sustainability and diversity, inspiring the next generation by not only encouraging them to pursue their own dreams but by also extending his legacy and impact beyond the track.

As Hamilton nears the twilight of his racing career, this electrifying book by acclaimed professor of African American Literature and Culture, and lifelong Formula One fan, Michael Sawyer, examines his lasting legacy.

Sir Lewis culminates with Hamilton’s potential final act – chasing a record-setting eighth world title at the wheel of the iconic Ferrari team – and shows how he continues to set new benchmarks for greatness.

Review

Sir Lewis is an engrossing, deeply detailed portrait of a powerful role model that transcends sport. This book is timeless, illuminating and necessary -- Mirin Fader, author of the New York Times bestsellers Giannis and Dream

Michael Sawyer’s riveting narrative brings fuller context to the rise of Lewis Hamilton as the first Black, winningest race car driver, and worldwide tastemaker. This is a must read -- Tamara Payne, Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winning author of Dead Are Rising: The Life of Malcolm X

Gripping storytelling . . . This is a book that I will read again and again to be entertained and challenged -- Myisha Cherry, author of The Case for Rage

With Sir Lewis, Michael E. Sawyer has given us one of the most probative books on Formula One since Tom Rubython’s The Life of Senna . . .a deeply engaged, knowledgeable study of Hamilton’s impact on the art and technology of Formula One racing, we discover how that impact reflects profound global socio-political transformation -- R. A. Judy, Professor of Critical and Cultural Studies at University of Pittsburg

Combining an informative portrait of Hamilton’s life with discussions of the changes occurring
inside sports and the emergence of the athlete-activist, Sawyer offers an exemplary biography of a trailblazer, altruist, and modern global icon

― Booklist

Sawyer’s research allows for vivid details and anecdotes . . . [He] has written a work that is not only a career-spanning hagiography of a racecar driver, but also serves as a testament to Hamilton’s work away from the sport, work that has ultimately defined the man as well as his legacy ― Pittsburgh Post Gazette

About the Author

Michael E. Sawyer is an author and professor of African American Literature and Culture and the director of Graduate Studies in the Department of English at the University of Pittsburgh. His lifelong interest in Formula One and global culture merge to offer a definitive accounting of the life and legacy of one of the greatest athletes of our era.