Lewis Hamilton: A legacy of fatherly support and family love

Lewis Hamilton begins a new trip around the sun on this day - a big one - and will have likely blown out 40 candles by the end of it.

While Hamilton's outstanding track record in F1 is his own, the seven-time world champion has always made it a point of highlighting the crucial role played in his life by his father Anthony, a stalwart figure in his career.

Working multiple jobs to fund his son's racing pursuits during his formative years, Anthony Hamilton imparted not only a love for the sport but also resilience and determination.

The journey from Stevenage to the Formula 1 podiums was arduous, but Anthony's encouragement, coupled with his relentless work ethic, molded Lewis into the legend he is today.

Hamilton's success is a testament not just to his individual prowess, but to the enduring influence of a father's sacrifices and unwavering belief in a dream that has become a reality.

But behind every successful man is a strong woman, and Lewis had two: his mother Carmen and his mother-in-law Linda who have always been there in the tough and good times, along with Lewis' brother Nicolas.

In the picture here-above, a 15-year-old Hamilton is celebrated by his loved ones at the European and World Karting Championships in Italy.

And Italy is precisely where Lewis heads next as he opens a new thrilling chapter in his outstanding career with Ferrari.

Forza!