“Such a Judgemental Society”: Lewis Hamilton Gets Candid as Quest for Purpose Outside F1 Amplifies

Lewis Hamilton never fails to grab the limelight in the F1 paddock. There was a time when he was a rather simple prodigy who just focused on racing & going for glory. Of course, the Briton had his off-track shenanigans with partying, dating & other adventures. However, one thing his fashion & styling game has aced up big time in the 2nd half of his career. As decorated and motivated Hamilton is on track, he has switched gears & raced to become a fashion icon by expressing himself candidly via his clothing.

Throughout generations and civilizations, clothes have been used to determine a man’s occupation and his place in the world. However, with changing times, the meaning has transformed and become a lamp for self-expression. However, the sporting industry remains primitive about the use of yarn. With the launch of his latest watch collection, the seven-time-world champion opens up about navigating the textiles in the sports world.

Lewis Hamilton, not just a race driver but a fashion icon

Formula 1 grid needs no bedazzling when it boasts carbon-fiber cars and red, blue, and white garages. It is the fastest sport in the entire world, setting records and trends for years to follow. But trends are not just made on the grid, but away, as well. Like chalk and cheese, drivers are now revolutionizing their ‘athletic attire’. From donning shorts and a t-shirt for a grid walk to now flare pants and sequined shirts turning the paddock into a ramp walk. At the forefront of this, you’ll find Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton dressed in clothes that will become headlines tomorrow.

According to Hamilton Insights, speaking to GQ, the British driver opened up, “It is one of the most important things in terms of aiding self-confidence. We live in such a judgemental society, right? And particularly with social media. It’s a place where people go to seek validation. I’ve really had to go through a process to pull myself away from it and realize that it’s actually a tool for communicating.”

The Miami Grand Prix of 2023 was polarising for fans and drivers alike. But for Lewis Hamilton, it was an opportunity to debut a purple sequin jump-suit from the collection of Louis Vuitton. The speedster caught a lot of flack from his fans and the Formula One community. But for him, even a single echo of support in a thousand voices is enough.

READ MORE: “It’s About Self-Expression”: Lewis Hamilton Breaks His Silence On Unique Fashion Interests in Recent Times

He said, “Everyone in general has started to be more and more open-minded and now no one comments on what I wear. It’s just like, that’s what Lewis does. But at the beginning, jeez, people definitely criticized.” Hamilton believes that he has successfully laid asphalt for other drivers who wish to follow his tracks.

Hamilton and IWC collaboration to honour Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton is a man of many talents. To call him a philanthropist and an entrepreneur wouldn’t be far from reality. While he was proving the metal of his car on track, he was seen wearing an all-white ceramic perpetual calendar watch from the IWC outside. A technological partner for Mercedes since 2013, Hamilton has worked with the luxury watchmaker countless times. Recently, he partnered with the watchmaker to launch his own take on the brand’s Portugieser model to honor the 10 years of partnership between Mercedes and the luxury watch designer.

“Time is something that I’m chasing every weekend on the track, to the thousandth of a second,” Hamilton said. To emulate his beliefs, a tourbillion has been added to increase accuracy. A firm believer in becoming one with your creation, Hamilton worked closely with the designer to perfect the position of the diamonds in the dial. With only 44 units in making it is a nod to Hamilton’s racing number. Made with platinum, it derives inspiration from the teal on silver arrows.

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Lewis Hamilton has leaped from the ‘boring’ images of a sportsman. He dived head first in the fashion world and has solidified his position as the most stylish male athlete. By collaborating with the likes of Louis Vuitton and Tommy Hilfiger, he is slowly but surely changing the narrative for men in sports.