Lewis Hamilton has opened up on how he broke traditional Formula 1 rules for drivers with his creative dress sense. The seven-time former World Champion has often been credited as a trailblazer in the sport having become a role model, particulalry for black and ethnic minorities in motorsport.
The 41-year-old has also long turned heads with his unique fashion sense, using the paddock to showcase his style. Drivers have historically been told what to wear around the grid, but Hamilton challenged this norm after feeling constrained by F1’s strict dress codes.
The Ferrari driver launched his own clothing line, Plus 44, and represented high-end brands including Dior, Lululemon and Tommy Hilfiger during more than a decade at Mercedes between 2013 and 2024.
And Hamilton has spoken to Esquire on how he has challenged the perception of what drivers should be wearing on race days.
He said: « To be a racing driver, you had to fit a certain shape: go to bed at 10 PM, dress a certain way. For most of my career, every driver arrived in team kits designed by people outside of fashion; the clothes were horrendous.
« I’d arrive and feel terrible wearing the same thing 180 days a year. I asked if I could show up in my own style and change into the kit later. It took a long time to get the bosses to agree. I basically had to break the rules.
« I just turned up one day in my own clothes. Once they saw the attention and positive press it brought, and how it elevated the brand and the team, they allowed me to do it every single day.
« Corporate companies often don’t think about the style or the suit. Now, it’s become the norm to see other drivers turning up as themselves. I love that. Everyone should feel comfortable in their own shell. »
Hamilton has enjoyed a positive start to the new season after races in Australia and China. The veteran British driver earned his first Ferrari podium last time out in Shanghai and will be looking to build on that in Japan this weekend.
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