“Comes Into That Paddock Wearing What He Wants”: Lewis Hamilton’s F1 ‘Catwalk’ Broken Down by Mercedes Motorsport Royalty Susie Wolff

Apart from his influence in Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton is an influential figure outside the sport as well. The Briton has dipped his toes in multiple fields. However, his work as an activist and his influence on the fashion industry top the list. In the words of Susie Wolff, wife of Toto Wolff, he has brought a piece of fashion to the paddocks as well.

The Briton became a part of the fashion industry during his career. His collaboration with fashion house Valentino is a great example of the same. However, much before the Mercedes man became part of the fashion house, he was strutting his style in the paddocks.

Most would see it as extravagant and unnecessary. However, Hamilton is not afraid to be different. After all, the Mercedes man is one of a kind.

Susie Wolff echoed these emotions during an interview as she talked about the Brit. “But he is different, and he is not scared to be different,” she exclaimed. “You know he comes into that paddock wearing what he wants to wear. He’s now created this catwalk for all the other drivers to actually express themselves and not feel the need to just rock up in the team gear that like they used to do for so many years,” she added.

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Hamilton makes bold statements with his styles and the paddock walks. This form of self-expression is difficult to communicate in an orthodox paddock. However, Hamilton has done it and others are following suit.

Ricciardo followed the footsteps of Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton has taken the paddocks by storm for quite some time now, with his powerful outfits. However, after years of making style statements, the trend might have finally influenced other drivers who are also indulging in this form of self-expression.

A great example of that is Daniel Ricciardo’s entry into the paddock in Austin. The Australian rode in on a horse in a complete cowboy getup for the Austin GP. The former McLaren man wanted to capture the Texan emotions with his paddock walk and boy did he do just that.

“[We thought] it will bring a little bit of extra atmosphere into the paddock,” said Ricciardo, explaining his decision to ride in on a horse.

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The paddock walk is a thing now, all thanks to Lewis Hamilton. Do you remember any other memorable entry into the paddock from other drivers on the grid?