Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, is not only a legend on the racetrack but also a multifaceted personality with surprising talents and interests. Here are 10 interesting and lesser-known facts about the British racing icon:
1. Secret Singer: Hamilton is not just a master of the racetrack but also a talented musician. He collaborated with Christina Aguilera on the 2018 hit “Pipe” under the moniker ‘XNDA.’ He has been writing and recording music for a decade.
2. Fashion Icon: Beyond racing, Hamilton is known for his impeccable fashion sense. He regularly attends fashion weeks, collaborates with top brands, and has his own clothing line called “Plus 44.” He has been recognized on the Business of Fashion 500 list.
3. Hollywood Aspirations: Hamilton has set his sights on Hollywood and has been preparing for an acting career. He hired an agent and coach, sent out audition tapes, and hints at future projects on the silver screen.
4. Top Gun Offer: Hamilton was offered a role in the blockbuster movie ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ but turned it down due to his busy F1 schedule.
5. Film Producer: He has established his own production company, “Dawn Apollo Films,” focusing on diverse storytelling. The company is working on a documentary about Hamilton’s F1 journey and an untitled F1 movie starring Brad Pitt.
6. Meaning Behind Number 44: Hamilton chose the number 44 for his F1 car because it was his karting number at eight years old and his father’s license plate number, F44.
7. Bold McLaren Dream: At 10 years old, Hamilton walked up to McLaren boss Ron Dennis and said he wanted to race their cars. Years later, Dennis offered financial support for Hamilton’s racing career.
8. Knighthood: In 2021, Hamilton was knighted by Prince Charles, becoming the fourth F1 driver to receive this honor after Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss, and Sir Jackie Stewart.
9. Brazilian Citizenship: After celebrating a win with the Brazilian flag, Hamilton received honorary Brazilian citizenship in 2022, acknowledging the influence of Ayrton Senna and the support from Brazil.
10. NFL Team Ownership: In 2022, Hamilton became a part-owner of the Denver Broncos NFL franchise, making it the most expensive sports franchise deal ever at $4.65 billion.
Hamilton’s diverse interests and achievements extend far beyond the racetrack, showcasing his impact and influence in various fields.
