Hamilton won the British Formula Renault , Formula Three Euroseries , and GP2 championships as his racing career advanced . He became a McLaren F1 driver for , making his Formula One debut ( first race ) 12 years after his first meeting with Ron Dennis . After winning the British Formula Renault , Formula Three Euroseries , and GP2 championships on his way up the racing career ladder , he drove for McLaren in 2007 , making his Formula One debut 12 years after his initial encounter with Dennis .