Lewis Hamilton: Beyond the driver
- Annalise Huang
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Written by Annalise Huang, Edited by Aashna Singh
Widely considered to be among the greatest Formula One drivers of all time, Lewis Hamilton boasts a record-matching seven Driver’s Championships and countless race victories and podiums. Though his accolades in motorsport are only a fraction of the successes Hamilton has accomplished throughout his career.
When a non-F1 fan is asked to name a driver, their answer is often Hamilton, whose fame transcends far beyond the realm of the motorsports world. From music features to philanthropic efforts, Hamilton has established himself as a pop culture icon both on and off the track.
Raising Awareness
Hamilton has long used his platform to support causes and rally awareness for social movements. The sport of F1 has largely been dominated by white men. As the only Black driver on the current grid, the sport of F1 has largely been dominated by white men. He often utilizes his stardom to advocate for racial equity and similar causes.
For example, following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the subsequent Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests, Hamilton was at the forefront of these calls for change. He organized many of the other drivers to take a knee at the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix, seen as a symbol of solidarity for the BLM movement. The F1 initiative We Race As One, aiming to promote diversity and combat inequality, furthered these efforts.
While many drivers may avoid addressing critical social issues to avoid controversy, Hamilton has tackled these issues head on. At the podium of the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix, he wore a shirt reading, “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor.” Though the FIA threatened to investigate him for potentially breaching regulations, Hamilton remained adamant in his public stance.
He has also been vocal in support of the LGBTQ+ movement, advocating for human rights in the Middle East, and pushing for changes in the sustainability of F1 in light of environmental concerns.
Expanding Motorsport
Hamilton’s public advocacy has become such an integral part of his personal brand that he has even begun his own initiatives. Mission 44, featuring his racing number, is a charity completely founded and funded by the inspiring driver.
Within this program, Hamilton discovered that only 1% of employees in F1 came from Black backgrounds. Hoping to diversify the sport, Mission 44 aids youth from underrepresented demographics to get access to STEM education. As such, it has organized groups of students to go behind-the-scenes with Hamilton at numerous races to explore potential careers in motorsports.
Outside Endeavors
Hamilton’s philanthropic efforts aren’t the only thing contributing to his widespread popularity. The multitalented driver has also taken strides in other industries, from fashion to film to music.
His collaborations with fashion brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Dior, and Lululemon have contributed to his image as an icon in the fashion world. Hamilton often goes viral online for sporting bold and trendy styles when entering the paddock.
Through his film production company, Dawn Apollo Films, Hamilton is involved in the making of the highly anticipated F1 movie starring Brad Pitt. He also was featured on the 2018 song “Pipe” by Christina Aguilera, under the pseudonym XNDA, where he was cited as a songwriter.
As a vegan, Hamilton co-founded the vegan burger chain Neat Burger alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, which eventually closed due to financial losses a few years after launching. Despite the restaurant’s failure, Hamilton still remains vocal about his commitment to a plant-based lifestyle due to both health and environmental reasons.
Widespread Fame
Throughout his rising popularity, Hamilton’s career has seen a seamless transition into the more mainstream celebrity world. His close connections to celebrity figures such as Kim Kardashian, Pharrel Williams, and Elton John effectively introduced him to the world beyond F1 in the early stages of his success.
Hamilton was a co-chair for the 2025 Met Gala, a renowned event which features exclusive celebrity guests and elaborate outfits inspired by an annual theme. A leadership role in perhaps the most anticipated pop culture occasion makes his global influence abundantly clear.
Hamilton was even knighted by the Prince of Wales in the 2021 New Years Honors. Recognized for his contributions to motorsport, his official title is Sir Lewis Hamilton.
Whether it’s through partnerships in fashion and film, or advocating for the social causes he is passionate about, Hamilton’s stardom has transcended the worlds of F1 and motorsport. Even through challenges with his new Ferrari team, his influence and contributions off the track continue to propel the talented driver to new heights.
