Lewis Hamilton explains why he is injecting glamour and fashion into F1

Lewis Hamilton is often revered as the style icon of F1 and has attracted watch, shoes and fashion enthusiasts' attentions.

Lewis Hamilton explains why he is injecting glamour and fashion into F1

Lewis Hamilton (Via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton has emerged as a trendsetter, not just on the track but in the fashion realm of the paddock. The Mercedes man has been turning heads with his distinctive outfits, a departure from the traditional race-day attire. This sartorial revolution, however, wasn’t an overnight occurrence.

In the vintage era of Formula One, drivers stuck to the race suits or opted for rugged denim and leather bomber jackets. But Hamilton, with his flair for fashion, decided to rewrite the style narrative of the sport. “Before 2007, there was little in the way of style on the grid,” he said, speaking to the fashion magazine GQ’s style interview.

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Reflecting on his journey, he notes, “When I first turned up in an outfit, one of the bosses looked me up and down, judged what I was wearing – and feeling really small.” However, he advocates for authenticity, encouraging people to be bold and true to themselves. He stresses that if one’s true self doesn’t align with a certain space, it’s crucial to recognize it’s not the right fit, focusing on the importance of finding a place where one truly belongs.

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“In terms of aiding self-confidence, it is one of the most important things,” Hamilton states, acknowledging the pervasive judgment in today’s society, exacerbated by social media’s validation-seeking culture. Reflecting on his journey, Hamilton underscores the need to reframe social media as a communication tool rather than a source of validation, saying, “I’ve really had to go through a process to pull myself away from it and realize that it’s actually a tool for communicating.”

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Lewis Hamilton believes the crossover of fashion and racing attracts a fresh audience 

In a sport that once resisted individuality, Hamilton’s fashion-forward stance has catalyzed a shift. His influence extends beyond the racetrack, as seen with rising stars like Zhou Guanyu, Daniel Ricciardo, and Lando Norris adopting elements of his style. The paddock buzzes every Thursday with anticipation, fans eager to glimpse the fashion spectacle that has become synonymous with the Mercedes driver.

Daniel Ricciardo (Left, credits: WWD), Lewis Hamilton (middle, credits: Essentially Sports) and Zhou Guanyu (Right, credits: Reddit)
Daniel Ricciardo (Left, credits: WWD), Lewis Hamilton (middle, credits: Essentially Sports), and Zhou Guanyu (Right, credits: Reddit)

Hamilton’s impact goes beyond aesthetics; it’s a cultural metamorphosis. “Some of the crossovers I’ve been able to do have started to bring in new audiences,” he proudly states. Initially aspiring to be recognized solely as a top driver, Hamilton now sees broader goals. Beyond racing, he’s equally passionate about positively impacting outside the car.

The sport, once resistant to change, now embraces diversity, self-expression, and individuality. Hamilton’s mantra is clear: “Just be bold and be brave and be you.” As Hamilton continues to break barriers, both on and off the track, his influence is undeniable. His unique fashion sense has not only transformed the paddock but also become a symbol of authenticity and self-confidence.

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