Lewis Hamilton stands as one of Formula One’s most successful drivers, but his influence extends far beyond the racing circuit. The British driver has earned seven Formula One World Championship titles and holds records for most wins, pole positions, and podium finishes in F1 history. His achievements on track have made him a global sports icon.
Hamilton has transformed from racing champion into a fashion trendsetter, earning recognition as one of The New York Times’ ’93 Most Stylish People of 2022′ and becoming a cultural force that bridges sports and style. His bold fashion choices and willingness to challenge traditional racing culture have made him a unique figure in both industries.
Hamilton’s journey from his early F1 days to his current status as a modern fashion icon shows how athletes can influence culture beyond their sport. His collaborations with major fashion brands, Met Gala appearances, and advocacy work demonstrate how he uses his platform to create change both on and off the track.
Key Takeaways Lewis Hamilton
- Hamilton holds seven F1 world championships and multiple Formula One records while building a parallel career as a fashion icon
- His bold style choices and brand collaborations have earned him recognition among the world’s most stylish people
- Hamilton uses his dual platform in racing and fashion to promote social causes and cultural change
Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 Career: Champion on the Track
Lewis Hamilton holds seven World Championships and stands as one of Formula 1’s most successful drivers with 105 race victories. His career spans three major teams across 18 seasons, creating legendary moments that redefined the sport.
Record-Breaking World Championships
Hamilton has won seven world championships during his Formula 1 career, tying Michael Schumacher’s record. His first championship came in 2008 with McLaren in dramatic fashion.
The 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix delivered one of F1’s most thrilling finales. Hamilton needed fifth place to win the title. He achieved it on the final lap, securing the championship by just one point.
His partnership with Mercedes-AMG brought unprecedented success. Hamilton won six titles between 2014 and 2020, dominating the turbo-hybrid era.
The 2020 Turkish Grand Prix marked his record-equaling seventh championship. He delivered a masterful wet-weather performance to equal Schumacher’s achievement.
Stints With McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Ferrari
Hamilton began his F1 career with McLaren in 2007. He scored his first pole position and victory at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix, marking the beginning of 105 career wins.
His McLaren years produced one championship and multiple race victories. The partnership ended in 2012 when Hamilton made a bold decision to join Mercedes-AMG.
The Mercedes switch proved successful at the 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix. Hamilton secured his first win with the Silver Arrows, beginning their dominant partnership.
Mercedes-AMG became Hamilton’s most successful team. After 246 appearances across 12 years, Hamilton ended his Mercedes career at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Hamilton joined Ferrari for the 2025 season, starting a new chapter with the Italian team.
Iconic Formula 1 Moments
Hamilton’s 2008 British Grand Prix victory stands as one of F1’s greatest wet-weather drives. He won by over 68 seconds in treacherous conditions at Silverstone.
The 2020 British Grand Prix created an unforgettable image. Hamilton’s tire delaminated on the final lap, forcing him to drive on three wheels to victory.
His 2024 British Grand Prix triumph ended a 945-day victory drought. The emotional comeback victory showcased his enduring skill in changing conditions.
Hamilton holds multiple F1 records:
- Most wins: 105 victories
- Most pole positions: 104
- Most podium finishes: 202
Role as Sir Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton received his knighthood in 2021, becoming Sir Lewis Hamilton for his services to motorsport. The honor recognized both his racing achievements and social activism.
His influence extends beyond Formula 1 statistics. Hamilton has used his platform to advocate for diversity and equality within motorsport.
Sir Lewis Hamilton remains active in promoting social change while competing at the highest level. His dual role as champion driver and social advocate has transformed his public profile.
The knighthood cemented his status as one of Britain’s most celebrated athletes. Hamilton is recognized as one of the most successful drivers in Formula One racing history.
Evolution Into a Global Style Icon
Hamilton’s transformation from a Formula 1 rookie in simple suits to a celebrated fashion icon represents one of the most dramatic style evolutions in sports. His journey began with conservative formal wear before developing into bold experimentation with renowned stylists and groundbreaking fashion partnerships.
Early Style Beginnings
When Hamilton entered Formula 1 in 2007, his fashion choices reflected typical athlete styling. His early looks featured dark grey suits with subtle pops of color, like baby blue ties and shirts that hinted at his developing personal style.
His casual wear remained straightforward during these formative years. Hamilton typically wore leather or bomber jackets layered over T-shirts and jeans. These minimalist outfits were well-fitted but showed little indication of the fashion revolutionary he would become.
The racing driver’s first hints of fashion experimentation appeared around 2011. At the Hugo Boss show in Berlin, he wore a burgundy suit that gestured toward his later bold color choices. This marked the beginning of his departure from traditional black menswear.
By 2014, Hamilton began making bolder statements. He wore red pants with an abstract brush-marked white button-up at the One For The Boys Fashion Ball. This outfit demonstrated his growing confidence in experimental fashion choices that would define his later career.
Defining Fashion Statements
Hamilton’s most iconic fashion moments showcase his willingness to challenge traditional menswear boundaries. His 2021 Met Gala appearance became a defining moment when he wore a custom Kenneth Nicholson piece featuring delicate white lace with a sharp black suit.
The racing champion has consistently made headlines for his Grand Prix weekend outfits. In 2022, he arrived at the Italian Grand Prix in a monochromatic dark fuchsia look by Teddy von Ranson. The outfit included layers of knitted pieces, a structured wool bomber, and matching accessories.
Hamilton’s fashion accolades include being named the first Valentino menswear Di.Va ambassador, a program promoting diverse voices in fashion. This recognition solidified his status beyond sports personality to legitimate fashion influencer.
His collaborations extend to major fashion houses. In October 2024, he released his first capsule collection with Dior, working alongside artistic director Kim Jones. The collection paid homage to snow sports with quilted ski jackets and knitted sweaters.
Collaborations With Leading Stylists
Hamilton’s partnership with celebrity stylist Law Roach elevated his fashion profile significantly. Roach, who also styles Zendaya and Anya Taylor-Joy, created some of Hamilton’s most statement-making looks, including the nude-colored sequined mesh outfit for WSJ Magazine.
Since 2022, Hamilton has primarily worked with stylist Eric Mcneal. Their collaboration has prioritized standout pieces and daring fashion choices that continue pushing boundaries in men’s fashion. Mcneal helped design Hamilton’s 2024 Met Gala custom Burberry look paying tribute to John Ystumllyn.
The fashion world has recognized Hamilton’s growth through prestigious appointments. Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour named him co-chair for the 2025 Met Gala “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” alongside Pharrell Williams and A$AP Rocky.
Hamilton uses his platform to champion diverse talent, inviting Black creatives like designer Jason Rembert of Aliette to his 2021 Met Gala table. This demonstrates his commitment to using fashion influence for meaningful cultural impact beyond personal style.
Signature Looks and Fashion Moments
Hamilton has established himself as one of the most stylish athletes of the moment through carefully curated fashion choices that blend high fashion with streetwear. His authentic style and groundbreaking fashion statements have made him a fixture at major fashion events and brand campaigns.
Fashion Week Appearances
Hamilton regularly attends major fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, and New York. He sits front row at shows for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Versace.
His fashion week outfits often feature bold patterns and unexpected textures. He mixes designer pieces with vintage finds and custom accessories.
The driver treats these events as opportunities to experiment with avant-garde looks. He has worn everything from embellished blazers to flowing capes at runway shows.
Notable Fashion Week Moments:
- Paris Fashion Week: Custom leather ensembles with statement jewelry
- Milan Fashion Week: Flowing silhouettes paired with structured blazers
- New York Fashion Week: Streetwear-inspired luxury pieces
Valentino Pink PP Campaign
Hamilton became the face of Valentino’s Pink PP campaign in 2022. The collaboration marked a significant moment for diversity in luxury fashion advertising.
He wore head-to-toe pink Valentino pieces in the campaign photos. The looks included oversized coats, tailored suits, and flowing scarves in the brand’s signature pink shade.
The campaign challenged traditional ideas about masculinity in fashion. Hamilton’s comfort with wearing pink demonstrated his willingness to break gender norms in menswear.
Statement Looks at Grand Prix Weekends
Hamilton transforms Formula 1 paddocks into fashion runways with his pre-race outfits. Each Grand Prix weekend features carefully planned looks that reflect his personal style.
His paddock fashion ranges from casual streetwear to formal tailoring. He often wears custom pieces designed specifically for race weekends.
Race Weekend Style Elements:
- Bold colors: Neon greens, electric blues, vibrant purples
- Luxury accessories: Diamond jewelry, designer sunglasses, custom watches
- Mixed textures: Leather, silk, denim, and technical fabrics
- Cultural references: African-inspired prints and sustainable materials
Innovative Menswear Choices
Hamilton pushes boundaries in traditional menswear through unconventional silhouettes and fabric choices. He regularly wears skirts, dresses, and gender-fluid pieces to public events.
His red carpet looks often feature dramatic elements like capes, trains, and intricate beadwork. These choices challenge conservative fashion norms in the racing world.
The driver collaborates with emerging designers alongside established luxury houses. He uses his platform to highlight sustainable fashion and ethical manufacturing practices.
Signature Menswear Elements:
- Kilts and skirts paired with tailored jackets
- Flowing fabrics like silk and chiffon in structured garments
- Bold jewelry including pearl necklaces and statement rings
- Custom footwear ranging from combat boots to designer heels
Collaboration With Fashion Brands
Hamilton has partnered with major luxury fashion houses to create unique collections and represent their brands. His work spans from streetwear collaborations to high-end capsule collections with some of the world’s most prestigious fashion labels.
TommyxLewis With Tommy Hilfiger
The TommyxLewis collaboration marked one of Hamilton’s first major fashion partnerships. This collection combined streetwear aesthetics with racing-inspired designs.
The partnership began through Mercedes’ existing relationship with Tommy Hilfiger. Hamilton frequently wore Tommy Hilfiger pieces in the Formula 1 paddock, showcasing the brand’s designs at races around the world.
Key Collection Features:
- Racing-inspired graphics and colors
- Sustainable materials focus
- Streetwear silhouettes
- Limited edition releases
The TommyxLewis line included hoodies, t-shirts, and accessories. Each piece featured bold graphics that reflected Hamilton’s racing career and personal style preferences.
Hamilton worked directly with Tommy Hilfiger’s design team. They created pieces that could transition from the paddock to everyday wear.
Valentino and Pierpaloo Piccioli
Hamilton developed a strong relationship with Valentino’s creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli. This partnership focused on custom pieces and red carpet appearances rather than commercial collections.
Piccioli created several memorable looks for Hamilton. These included statement pieces for major events and award ceremonies.
The collaboration emphasized bold colors and unique silhouettes. Hamilton wore custom Valentino pieces to fashion weeks and high-profile events.
Notable Valentino Moments:
- Custom suits for award ceremonies
- Fashion week front row appearances
- Collaborative design discussions
- Red carpet statement pieces
The partnership highlighted Hamilton’s influence in luxury fashion circles. It showed how Formula 1 drivers could work with high-end fashion houses on exclusive pieces.
Dior Capsule Collection
Lewis Hamilton became a Dior ambassador and worked with Kim Jones on multiple capsule collections. This partnership represents his most significant fashion collaboration to date.
The first collection focused on winter lifestyle pieces using sustainable materials. Hamilton and Jones created skiwear inspired by African culture and aesthetics.
Hamilton’s second Dior collection explores Afrofuturism themes. The pieces blend luxury fashion with cultural storytelling and futuristic design elements.
Collection Highlights:
- Sustainable material focus
- African cultural inspiration
- Limited production runs
- Premium pricing tier
Hamilton met Jones backstage at Paris Fashion Week in 2016, which led to their ongoing collaboration. Their partnership emphasizes environmental consciousness in luxury fashion production.
The Dior collections showcase Hamilton’s design input. He works closely with Jones throughout the creative process from concept to final production.
Met Gala Influences and Advocacy
Hamilton has used his Met Gala appearances to champion Black designers and advocate for greater representation in high fashion. His role as co-chair of the 2025 event marked a significant milestone in his fashion advocacy work.
2021 Met Gala: Elevating Black Designers
Hamilton made a powerful statement at the 2021 Met Gala by wearing a creation from emerging Black designer Kenneth Nicholson. The custom look featured a flowing black coat with intricate beadwork that referenced African heritage.
He worked closely with stylist Law Roach to curate the ensemble. Law Roach has also styled other prominent figures like Zendaya for major fashion events.
The choice to wear Kenneth Nicholson was deliberate. Hamilton wanted to use the platform to showcase talent from underrepresented communities in fashion.
His 2021 appearance helped bring attention to Black designers who often struggle to gain recognition at high-profile events. The look generated significant media coverage and social media discussion.
Role as a Met Gala Co-Chair
Hamilton served as co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala alongside Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, and Anna Wintour. The theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
He spoke to Anna Wintour about the theme three years prior to the event. This shows his long-term commitment to promoting Black culture in fashion.
For the 2025 gala, Hamilton collaborated with British designer Grace Wales Bonner. He wore an ivory suit with a beret by Stephen Jones Millinery.
The outfit included detailed symbolism referencing his ancestral history. Hamilton said every detail was deeply considered with emotion and meaning.
Collaborators and Celebrity Guests
Hamilton has worked with top fashion stylists throughout his Met Gala appearances. Jason Rembert has been another key collaborator in his fashion journey, helping shape his red carpet looks.
His presence at the Met Gala has intersected with other celebrities who share similar advocacy goals. Artists like Kehlani have also used fashion events to promote diversity and representation.
The 2025 co-chair role put Hamilton alongside influential figures in music and fashion. This collaboration amplified the message about celebrating Black style and culture.
His fashion choices consistently highlight emerging designers and craftspeople. This approach has helped bring visibility to talent that might otherwise be overlooked by mainstream fashion media.
Personal Style Influences and Partnerships
Hamilton’s fashion journey involves working with top celebrity stylists and building connections across music and entertainment industries. His partnerships with creative professionals have helped shape his evolution from racing driver to global style icon.
Work With Celebrity Stylists
Hamilton has worked with several high-profile stylists throughout his career. Law Roach, known for styling Zendaya and other A-list celebrities, has been among the professionals who have influenced Hamilton’s red carpet appearances.
These collaborations have elevated Hamilton’s fashion game at major events. His stylist partnerships focus on creating bold looks that reflect his personality while maintaining sophistication.
The work with professional stylists has helped Hamilton navigate high-fashion events like the Met Gala. His team ensures each outfit tells a story and makes a statement beyond just looking good.
Creative Friends and Influencers
Hamilton maintains close friendships with creative individuals who influence his style choices. These relationships span across different industries and artistic fields.
His personal style has been shaped by collaboration with various creative minds. Hamilton values input from friends who understand both fashion and his personal brand.
The driver surrounds himself with people who encourage bold fashion choices. This creative circle helps him stay current with trends while maintaining his unique aesthetic.
Connections in Music and Fashion
Hamilton’s ties to the music industry significantly impact his style evolution. His friendship with artists like Kehlani and other musicians exposes him to different fashion perspectives.
Music culture heavily influences Hamilton’s streetwear choices and casual looks. Hip-hop and R&B artists’ fashion sense resonates with his personal style preferences.
Hamilton’s crossover appeal brings new audiences to Formula 1 through these cultural connections. His music industry relationships help bridge the gap between sports and entertainment fashion.
These partnerships extend to fashion weeks and industry events. Hamilton’s presence at music-related fashion shows demonstrates his commitment to style beyond racing.
Philanthropy and Impact Beyond Racing and Fashion
Hamilton has built a powerful platform for social change through his Mission 44 foundation and mentorship work. His advocacy spans from motorsport diversity to supporting emerging creative talent in fashion and design.
Mission 44 and Championing Inclusivity
Mission 44 was founded in 2021 with Hamilton’s personal investment of £20 million. The foundation targets three main areas: inclusive education, STEM access, and youth empowerment.
The charity has reached over 350,000 young people globally across multiple countries. Mission 44 operates in Brazil, the United States, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
Key programs include:
- STEM workshops at Formula One events
- Scholarship funding for underrepresented students
- Mentorship programs addressing systemic barriers
- Diversity panels in motorsport
At the 2025 British Grand Prix, Mission 44 hosted hands-on STEM workshops for local school students. The foundation also created interactive exhibits where fans could learn about the charity’s work and meet beneficiaries.
Hamilton stated that beyond his racing achievements, “the most important thing for me is to know I played my part in building a fairer, more equitable world.”
Mentoring Up-and-Coming Designers
Hamilton actively supports emerging talent in the fashion industry through direct mentorship and platform sharing. He uses his influence to connect young designers with established brands and opportunities within the fashion world.
His approach involves providing access to industry networks that many designers from underrepresented backgrounds cannot reach independently. Hamilton leverages his relationships with major fashion houses to create pathways for new talent.
The seven-time champion often features work from emerging designers at high-profile events. This exposure helps unknown creators gain visibility in competitive fashion markets.
Mission 44 has partnered with local UK artists and creators to give them access to partners and amplify their voices. This includes spotlighting diverse creators at Formula One events where they can reach international audiences.
Advocacy for Diversity in Sports and Fashion
Hamilton consistently speaks out about representation issues in both Formula One and fashion industries. As the only Black driver in Formula One, he uses his platform to address systemic barriers in motorsport.
He has pushed for increased diversity hiring within Formula One teams and leadership positions. Hamilton advocates for more inclusive practices in driver development programs and team structures.
In fashion, Hamilton challenges brands to feature more diverse models and designers. He refuses partnerships with companies that don’t demonstrate commitment to inclusive practices.
Hamilton hosts diversity in motorsport panels with industry leaders to discuss challenges faced by underrepresented groups. These discussions highlight steps being taken to create more inclusive environments across both industries.
His advocacy extends to environmental issues within fashion, promoting sustainable practices and ethical production methods.
