There is no denying Lewis Hamilton’s influence in the fashion industry. The Formula 1 driver’s love of vivid, daring, and unusual clothing has almost as much of an international following as his seven championship victories, and there are no signs that he will ever tone down his fashion choices. Hamilton has already been spotted in the paddock sporting a variety of outfits that place him in the lead in the fashion categories as the racing season gets underway this weekend with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The 38-year-old has frequently talked about his particular style, which frequently combines items from more established fashion houses with emerging, diverse designers. Hamilton stated in a 2022 interview with Vogue: “Fashion is about expressing yourself, being yourself, and slowly, through time, changing and learning more about who you are, what you like, and how you want to present yourself and be viewed. What gives you enormous pleasure? When you put on some clothes, throw your shoulders back, and think, “I feel amazing today,” it’s a wonderful feeling. What fashion does is that.”
The plant-based driver is also conscious of the environmental impact of fashion, and is constantly striving to promote more diversity, both within motorsport and the fashion industry. He attended the Met Gala in 2021 and used his platform to invite three emerging Black designers to his table (Theophilio, Kenneth Nicholson, and Jason Rembert), which could have cost him over £20,000. He was also cast as the star of Valentino’s autumn/winter ’22 campaign, modelling Pierpaolo Piccioli pink alongside Zendaya, chosen for his influence beyond the race track.
As he makes his bid to bag another championship this year, take a pit stop and scroll ahead for all the times Hamilton has turned the paddock into a runway so far this year.
