Lewis Hamilton has long been known for his relentless drive and dominance on the Formula 1 circuit—but in 2025, the hits just keep coming, and not all of them are on the track.
The latest setback? The collapse of Neat Burger, Hamilton’s high-profile vegan fast-food venture co-founded in 2019 alongside environmentalist icon Leonardo DiCaprio. Once hailed as a game-changing plant-based brand set to revolutionize the high street, Neat Burger has now closed the doors on all its UK locations after six years of operation.
According to The Sun, the closure leaves approximately 150 employees jobless and ends an ambitious, sustainability-focused project that simply couldn’t find its financial footing. A spokesperson for the company confirmed:
“We have no further comment at this time, other than to confirm that the business has taken the difficult decision to close its UK restaurants.”
From Vision to Vanishing Act
At its peak, Neat Burger boasted expansion plans that included multiple London outlets and a location in New York City. The brand promised “100% plant-based meals” and aimed to cater to everyone—vegans, meat-eaters, and the eco-conscious alike.
But despite the buzz and celebrity backing, Neat Burger couldn’t turn a profit. The company reported a loss of £4.7 million in 2021, which ballooned to a staggering £7.9 million by 2022. Location closures began to mount, and by 2025, the business folded entirely.
For Hamilton, who adopted a vegan lifestyle in 2017 and often spoke passionately about sustainable eating and ethical food choices, the restaurant chain was clearly a personal mission.
“Our burgers taste incredible. They’ll win the hearts of meat eaters, vegans, and everybody in between,” he said at the launch.
But the reality didn’t match the dream. The appetite wasn’t quite there—and neither were the profits.
No Podiums, No Plant Patties
The restaurant chain’s demise couldn’t have come at a more challenging time for the seven-time world champion. Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has yet to bear fruit, with the British driver currently sitting a frustrating seventh in the drivers’ standings. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, has already claimed a podium finish this season.
Hamilton’s post-race remarks in Saudi Arabia—where he finished P7—echoed his frustration:
“I feel like I need a brain transplant to figure this car out.”
It was a telling moment for a driver known for his composure and clarity. Between a misfiring car and a failed business venture, it’s been a rough ride on all fronts.
A Legacy Beyond Burgers
Despite the setbacks, Lewis Hamilton remains one of the most influential athletes in the world. Whether it’s fashion, film production, philanthropy, or pushing for diversity in motorsport, Hamilton’s ambitions extend far beyond the racetrack.
Neat Burger’s collapse might be a bruising blow—but it’s unlikely to be the last chapter in Hamilton’s ventures off the grid.
After all, as any F1 fan knows: a poor start doesn’t mean you’re out of the race.