Lewis Hamiltons Fashion Runway: The F1 Paddock
- Juveriah Ahmed
- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read
Hi everyone, welcome back to another blog! This week's topic is the global icon, living legend, and greatest Formula 1 driver of all time, Lewis Hamilton! More specifically, I’m going to talk about the times he has turned the F1 paddock into his own personal runway (the paddock is the "backstage" of the race, home to the team garages, operation hubs, and media). As a seven-time world champion and the first and only Black driver in F1 (yes, you read that right, first and only), he is certainly one of the most influential and fashionable athletes of our time. He is known for pushing stylistic boundaries on and off the track, with a bold fusion of high fashion and edgy streetwear.
Before I dive into the main topic of this week's blog, I want to talk a little bit about Formula 1 and provide some background on the famous British #44 driver. For those who are unfamiliar, Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsports. It is the most prestigious open-wheel racing series in the world, with only twenty-two current drivers. Over a season, Formula 1 teams and their drivers compete in a series of races, called Grand Prix's, around the world for a chance to win two championship titles: the World Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors’ Championship.
Now, onto the star of this blog, Lewis Hamilton was born in a small English town in 1985, and had his start in motorsports when he was just eight years old. He was signed to McLaren at 13 as a junior racer and started in Formula 1 at 22 in 2007. Six years and one championship title later, he signed with the Mercedes Formula 1 team in 2013, with the help and mentorship of former F1 World Champion Niki Lauda. Lewis dominated the sport from 2014 to 2020, winning six consecutive world titles, except in 2016, when he competed against his teammate at the time, Nico Rosberg. Following a few slow years at Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton announced his departure from the coveted team after the end of the 2024 season. Today, he races for one of the most reputable and renowned teams in the world, Ferrari.
On the track, Lewis Hamilton is easily one of the most decorated motorsport drivers in history. He has the most pole positions, race wins, fastest laps, the list goes on. But, off the track, he has found himself alongside the greats in industries such as music, film, and fashion. He even has a hand in social justice and environmental activism efforts, oftentimes being the only outspoken driver and athlete against racial inequality and global atrocities in Formula 1. As he grew up racing in predominantly white spaces (and still is), he has become an advocate for diversity and equity in motorsports. In doing so, he founded Mission 44, a charitable foundation dedicated to building inclusive STEM education systems and opportunities for marginalized youth. He was also knighted by the British Crown in 2021 for his services to motorsports and his achievements in F1, and now holds the title of Sir Lewis Hamilton. And in 2022, he was awarded Brazilian honorary citizenship by the Brazilian Congress, making it so that, along with the British Grand Prix, the Brazilian Grand Prix is another home race for him!
Among his many, many passions and endeavors, I would say fashion is one of Lewis Hamilton's strong suits. In an interview with Vogue, he said, "Fashion is about freeing yourself; it's about self-expression. It's about slowly, over time, evolving and learning more about yourself and what you like, how you want to show up and how you want to be seen. What makes you feel great? It's a great feeling when you put on a piece of clothing and throw your shoulders back are just like: I feel great today. That's what fashion does."
In the last decade, Lewis has collaborated with major fashion houses like Dior and Tommy Hilfiger and even co-chaired the 2025 Met Gala. However, not only is he a fashion icon off the track, he is making headlines with his on-track and paddock fashion. Every race weekend (Thursday to Sunday), he is styled and suited to the nines, in partnership with luxury brands and local up-and-coming designers and stylists. They work together on statement pieces, taking into account local culture, events, and even weather. He is undoubtedly one of the best-dressed on the racetrack! Here's a little sneak peek:
GQ Australia & Getty Images
As I’ve sat down over the past few weeks, searching and saving endless media posts and news articles about Lewis on race weekends and his outfits, I can confidently say that making this list was extremely hard. Not only does he wear pieces with different shapes, colors, textures, and silhouettes, but he also somehow manages to look good in every single one. The list you’ll see in this blog has been changed more times than I can count, and I can assure you, even after this blog is posted, my list has probably changed again.
If you’re still reading this: thank you! Once I start talking about Lewis, I kind of just go on forever. Now, take a scroll and get a look at my top 10 moments of Lewis turning the paddock into his personal runway.
Brazil Grand Prix 2023
Lewis in a fully custom vegan leather outfit by Gerrit Jacob, with tributes to the late Brazilian Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna and elements of the Brazilian flag. Styled by Eric J. McNeal.
US Grand Prix 2023
Lewis in a Diesel SS24 runway look, 6-inch Timberland boots in collaboration with Nigerian artist Leonard Iheagwam, better known as Soldier, and Gentle Monster sunglasses. Styled by Eric J. McNeal
Monaco Grand Prix 2025
Lewis in a custom Calvin Klein three-piece white suit and shoes from the Fall 2025 Collection by Veronica Leoni. Styled by Eric J. McNeal.
Monaco Grand Prix 2024
Lewis in a custom polo shirt by Botter with navy and cream stripes and the brand's slogan “Caribbean Couture," with Dior sunglasses. Styled by Eric J. McNeal.
Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023
Lewis in a SS24 custom-made Bottega Veneta runway look, with Versace Greca Portico boots and Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses. Styled by Eric J. McNeal.
Miami Grand Prix 2022
Lewis in Bianca Saunders Fall 2022 look with Louis Vuitton Ranger ankle boots, and Police Lifestyle x Lewis 2021 Collection sunglasses. Styled by Law Roach.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2023
Lewis in Tommy Hilfiger Retro oversized denim flag jacket and baggy-fit jeans, with Louis Vuitton Skate Sneakers and Gucci sunglasses. Styled by Eric J. McNeal.
Mexico Grand Prix 2023
Lewis in a Zegna SS24 runway look in Kenzo Kenzsmile lace-up boots and Gentle Monster sunglasses. Styled by Eric J. McNeal.
Brazil Grand Prix 2024
Lewis in a fully custom 90’s inspired Tommy Hilfiger look and Gucci sunglasses. Styled by Eric J. McNeal.
Dutch Grand Prix 2024
Lewis in Jawara Alleyne Fall 2024 Collection jacket, Acne Studios jeans, Port Tanger sunglasses, and Dior SS25 Collection boots by Kim Jones Studios. Styled by Eric J. McNeal.
And two more (off-track looks):
2024 Met Gala (Theme: The Garden of Time)
Lewis in a custom Burberry look, with a poem titled “The Gardener” by Black poet Alex Wharton sewn into the jacket. Inspiration and influence from research on an 18th-century gardener who became the first Black gardener in Wales. Styled by Eric J. McNeal
First Day at Ferrari in Maranello 2025
Lewis in a vintage suit and tie with a Ferrari Style shirt, Ferragamo coat, and Louboutin boots.
Let me know what you guys think! Like I said earlier, making this list was extremely hard, but it was just as fun because I got to see exactly how involved and passionate Lewis is about fashion. The current F1 season started just last week, and I’m excited to see what he has in store for this year! Thank you for tuning in to this week's blog, which was basically just me glazing Lewis the entire time. This was another long one, so I really appreciate you guys for staying with me until the end! I hope you guys enjoyed and see you all next week!
- Juveriah
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