2009

Disqualified from fourth in Australia for misleading race stewards. Averages a point a race until round ten, when he scores shock win after McLaren car development comes good. Four poles and a further four podiums, including another win in Singapore, round off season in resurgent fashion

2008

At 23, becomes the youngest world champion in Formula One history, after five wins and a further five podiums take him to the title by a single point on only his second attempt. Commits to McLaren until the end of 2012.

2007

Stunning debut season, scoring podiums in his first nine races. Secures four wins and six poles as he out-performs champion team mate Fernando Alonso. Title favourite until errors in final two rounds drop him to second place behind Kimi Raikkonen.

2006

Wins the GP2 championship at his first attempt, earning himself his maiden Formula One test and a McLaren race drive for 2007.

2005

Dominates the Formula Three Euroseries, taking the title with 15 wins, 10 fastest laps and 13 pole positions

2004

Graduates to the Formula Three Euroseries. Finishes fifth overall, with one victory and a further two podiums.

2003

Wins Formula Renault title with two rounds to spare. Ten race victories, nine fastest laps and 11 pole positions.

2002

Graduates from karting to single-seaters, finishing third in the Formula Renault series.