Book review: Lewis Hamilton – The Definitive Biography by Frank Worrall

While Lewis’ record 104th pole last weekend in Hungary proved to be a bit of a false dawn for the race, his fans are hoping Mercedes’ development of next year’s W15 will give him the car to resume his head on rivalry with Max. As most of us can sense, Lewis is probably going to try to hang around until he cracks that record breaking 8th world championship to cement his legacy.

There have also been plenty of books on Lewis himself. I’ve previously posted reviews of some of the better ones like Through the Lens and My Story. Serial biographer Frank Worrall first published his biography on Lewis Hamilton back in 2007 and has since updated it several times with later editions. The latest 7th edition is ‘Lewis Hamilton – The Definitive Biography‘ which includes part of the 2021 season (up to Hungary).

The book has 27 chapters. The first chapters charts Lewis Jamaican roots from his grandfather Davidson Hamilton, his dad Anthony immigrating to UK, Lewis growing up in Stevenage and progressing through karting championships supported by the sacrifices of his father and later Ron Dennis at McLaren. The middle chapters trace his rise as GP2 champion into his spectacular rookie F1 season at McLaren alongside Fernando and the ups (lots of those) and troughs  of that season. The 2008-2013 season (including his first championship in 2008) are quickly dealt with in Chapters 18-20. It’s only the last 100 pages (Chapters 21-27) that cover Lewis’ Mercedes career up to his record 7th title which glosses over much of the dominant time of his other 6 world titles particularly the tense battles against Nico in 2016 and Sebastian in 2017. The chapters for his Mercedes career seem to be more like bolt ons for each new edition that has been released.

Given the book is over 400 pages, there are only 8 insert pages of various colour photos mainly with Lewis outside of the car or racing.

There are no exclusive interviews with Lewis or those close to him in this book. It’s mainly personal observations by the author and recounting comments by other journalists on Lewis during notable races and events through his career.

If you’re a newer Lewis fan and haven’t read any older books written on him, then this book has some good coverage. If you prefer books with photos, then this one is a very limited and “Lewis Hamilton: Through the Lens” offers more imagery with narrative, especially more content on Lewis as a Mercedes works driver. That said, the hardcover is a nicely bound 450 page book that would be presentable as a gift.

Until Lewis himself updates his 2007 book My Story (which is long overdue for an updated edition), we’re going to have to settle for biographies like this one by Frank Worrall.

Wow Factor/Money shot: There a few well known photos included, a few of Lewis and the Mercedes in black livery also appear in Topps Chrome cards.

Suitable for: Strictly new Lewis fans wanting some of his back history. For Mercedes AMG fans maybe look elsewhere.