Lewis Hamilton has never been afraid to stand out—and that includes what he wears. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion recently opened up about the moment he took a stand against F1’s strict dress code so he could show up to race weekends in his own style.
Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, is famous for turning the paddock into his personal runway. But early in his career, that wasn’t allowed. In a recent interview with Vogue, he shared how uncomfortable he felt having to wear only team suits and official gear.
“When I first signed with F1, I was only allowed to wear suits and team kits,” Hamilton said. “It was horrible. I didn’t feel comfortable, and I didn’t feel like I was able to be myself.”
Long before becoming a global fashion icon with his own label, Plus 44, Hamilton said he often felt judged for his unique look. He recalled being looked up and down by an F1 boss before even joining the sport—wearing FUBU and Timberlands—and feeling pressure to fit in.
“I’d leave the house dressed one way, then pull over and change into baggy, swagged-out clothes to go out,” he said. “Then I’d change back before I got home.”
Eventually, Hamilton decided enough was enough.
“I got to a point where I said, ‘I’m here now—you can’t get rid of me. I want to wear what I want,’” he shared. “The pushback was massive. But once the sport saw the impact, other drivers started doing it too.”
Drivers usually have contracts that require them to wear official team outfits for sponsor visibility. But Hamilton, thanks to his influence, managed to renegotiate his terms—earning the freedom to sometimes dress how he wants on race weekends.
This season, fans have mostly seen him in Ferrari gear—but not always. Before qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix, for example, he rocked a tartan shirt with smart grey trousers, proving that personal style still has a place in his racing life.
Hamilton will next be on track in Saudi Arabia, where he’s hoping to take his first win of the season—and maybe turn heads again with his off-track fashion game, too. Ferrari is chasing their first podium of 2025, trying to catch up to the likes of McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull.
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