The French hope a poet becomes world champion (5,8)

I believe the answer is:

lewis hamilton

'world champion' is the definition.
(racing driver)

'the french hope a poet' is the wordplay.
'the french' becomes 'le' ('the' in French).
'hope' becomes 'wish'.
'poet' becomes 'milton' (John Milton).
'le'+'wish'+'a'+'milton'='LEWIS HAMILTON'

'becomes' is the link.

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app