Lewis Hamilton’s first formula racing car on display in Stevenage

The Local hero's Iconic Renault car to be showcased outside Stevenage Museum

Author: Cameron GreenPublished 26th Jul 2024
Last updated 26th Jul 2024

The Renault car driven by Sir Lewis Hamilton during his victorious 2003 British Formula Renault Championship season will be displayed outside Stevenage Museum.

On Saturday, 3rd August, from 10am to 3pm, visitors will have the opportunity to view the car, hear its engine, speak with Thornton about the restoration process, and watch in-car footage of a recent test drive at Donington. The engine will be started at 11am and 2pm.

A council spokesperson stated, “Restoring the car has been a long process, but it’s finally over the finish line, and we’re lucky to have an important piece of racing history on display here in Stevenage. Come along to Stevenage Museum to see (and hear!) the car, and who knows – maybe it will inspire the next generation of young people to get into racing and mean we have another record holder from Stevenage!”

The car has undergone a two-year restoration by collector Alex Thornton.

Thornton expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Ever since the restoration started, we have been wanting to display the car in Stevenage. Lewis Hamilton has been a huge inspiration to so many - myself included. I am so happy to finally be able to bring his first championship-winning car to the place it all began in the hope that it may help to inspire the next generation.”

The event is free to attend, with donations to the museum welcome. Queuing is expected, so visitors are advised to be patient.

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