GRR

Video: Lewis Hamilton destroys a karting field aged 13

08th February 2022
Ethan Jupp

It’s always interesting to look back at clips of a champion in waiting, of a talent gestating. That’s exactly what we have here, as we look back to a spectacular moment in Lewis Hamilton’s early racing career. 

We’re at Buckmore Park in 1998, for a JICA karting class race and on display is an absolutely vintage piece of Hamilton racing instinct, persistence and skill. Mechanical issues in qualifying sent young Lewis to the back of the grid for the race. Anyone that knows what he’s capable of today, should know that’s nothing to stop the famous hard charger and indeed, through a race of attrition for some rivals, Lewis scythes his way up the order to take the win. 

On display and plain to see is the kind of skill that delivered him that first Formula 1 World Championship ten years later and a further six to boot. Back then there were whispers we were witnessing a great in the making. Looking back today, it was obvious.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Onboard a McLaren F1 winning at the Nürburgring

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