Lewis Hamilton's interests have increasingly moved away from the racetrack in recent years, but the star has underlined that Formula 1 remains a priority with his shock impending move to Mercedes.
According to Forbes, the 39-year-old was reported to have earned £51 million last year, with the Brit considered Formula 1's most marketable asset.
Hamilton has continued to explore his interests in the fashion and music industries, while his recently launched production company is involved in a Hollywood blockbuster starring Brad Pitt.
His status off the track has continued to rise with Hamilton being linked to singer Shakira last year.
Hamilton, pictured on the run with Naomi Campbell during London Fashion Week 2020, is enjoying a growing number of interests away from Formula 1
The star has branched out into the music, fashion and film industries in recent years
Hamilton was linked to Shakira last year after she was photographed with the singer several times since her split from ex-partner Gerard Pique
Hamilton has been seen with the singer numerous times since her split from ex-partner Gerard Pique. In addition to enjoying boat rides with friends in Miami, the couple also had dinner in Barcelona after Hamilton finished second at the Grand Prix.
Shakira was also pictured at Silverstone last year when Hamilton finished third at the British Grand Prix.
Hamilton has admitted his lifestyle has changed in the latter stages of his career and his business empire is expanding away from the track.
In October, he told CNBC that expanding his business interests was crucial to his balance.
“When I first started in Formula 1 I had no scope to do anything else, but since I've been at Mercedes I'm more open to other things outside of the sport,” Hamilton said.
“At the end of the day, I am involved in so many business ventures, for example the film I am involved in producing for Formula 1.” I invest in a number of other things and also in start-ups.
“I can't race forever and it's good to have other things to use and use creatively.” “You can't think about racing 24/7 or you'll lose your head.”
Hamilton's involvement in the Formula 1-inspired film marked his entry into the industry, with the driver playing a key role in the casting decisions.
The star believes expanding his interests away from Formula 1 has helped his career
Hamilton's production company is working on an F1 film starring Brad Pitt
The film is one of two projects involving Hamilton's film and production company Dawn Apollo Films, founded in 2022. The second is a documentary chronicling Hamilton's journey to becoming an F1 driver.
The Brit revealed last year that he had played a background role in the F1 film project and stressed the need to ensure there is a diverse team to drive the future of the sport.
Hamilton serves as producer on the Joseph Kosinski-directed film, which stars Brad Pitt and also includes Damson Idris and Kerry Condon.
“I enjoy more the behind-the-scenes role, making sure I'm really talking to Joe about who we're hiring, making sure it's diverse, making sure the sport looks the way it should look in the future,” in terms of one better accessibility,” Hamilton told Sky Sports last year.
“It's such a privilege… because we weren't racing, we spent the whole day in London going over the script.” Just to be able to sit there with Joe and Jerry [Bruckheimer]who are such legends and then you sit there and watch Brad work.
“I learn so much through the process and have an even greater understanding of what it takes to make a film.”
While Hamilton may only make a cameo appearance in the film, the star revealed that he previously had to turn down a role in the 2022 Top Gun sequel due to his Mercedes commitments.
Hamilton has also been open about his love of music in the past, confirming in 2020 that he had featured on a 2018 Christina Aguilera song.
He confirmed rumors that he was the mysterious XNDA who featured in the track Pipe.
“Guys, I've spent the last 10 years or more writing and recording and collaborating with some of the most talented and beautiful people, for which I'm so grateful.” “It's been the most incredible outlet,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram.
The F1 star revealed in 2020 that he had featured in a song with Christina Aguilera two years earlier
Hamilton showed off his unique sense of style at Dior Homme's runaway show
The Formula 1 sensation was among the stars who attended Paris Fashion Week last month
“Finding something that you love so much and that you can do just for yourself and your spirit is, in my opinion, such an important process.” I've gotten to the point where I would like to share it with you.
“I don't have a project or an album, just a few different songs that some of you might relate to.” They've helped me get through some of the hardest times.
“Someday I’ll find a moment to share with you, so naked with me.”
Hamilton had previously told Mail Sport that he viewed music as a hobby that allowed him to show vulnerability.
Hamilton's desire for excellence in Formula 1 and expanding his business portfolio took center stage when the star launched non-alcoholic tequila brand Almave last year in collaboration with Casa Lumbre master distiller Ivan Saldana.
He claimed the decision to stop drinking was part of his efforts to achieve “one percent more” to improve performance.
Hamilton has claimed his brand will “honor the soul of tequila” by sticking to its traditions.
“I've always loved a good tequila, but on days or nights when I needed to clear my head – be it the night before a race or meeting friends – I couldn't find an authentic non-alcoholic option that delivered the premium quality.” and experience with my favorite full proof tequilas,” Hamilton said on Almave’s website.
“And so began the tireless quest to create a non-alcoholic spirit that does not compromise on authenticity or quality.”
Hamilton launched a non-alcoholic tequila brand last year and invested in vegan fast food chain Neat Burger
Last year he revealed he had quit drinking alcohol as he sought “one per cent” more performance, which led to him working on non-alcoholic brand Almave
Hamilton was part of a group that invested in the Denver Broncos NFL team in 2022
Lewis Hamilton (right) cheered on his Denver Broncos team from the stands for the first time
Hamilton shared his excitement about joining the Broncos team by posting on Twitter
Hamilton is also a co-investor in vegan fast food chain Neat Burger and joined a group that included former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to invest in the Denver Broncos NFL team in August 2022.
Hamilton joined the Broncos franchise as part of the Walton-Penner family takeover.
A statement from Rob Walton on behalf of the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group said: “We are delighted to welcome seven-time Formula One World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton to our ownership group.”
“He is a competitive champion who knows what it takes to lead a winning team and a passionate advocate for global equality, including in his own sport.”
“His resilient spirit and standard of excellence will be an asset to the ownership group and the Broncos organization.”
Hamilton became Tommy Hilfiger's global ambassador in 2018, with the fashion brand highlighting the star's boldness and fearlessness to take risks
The Mercedes star's fashion choices were notable on the grid at Formula 1 races
Hamilton shared his excitement about joining the Broncos team, writing on his Twitter profile at the time alongside a photo of his dog Roscoe in Broncos gear: “I'm excited to join an incredible group of owners and be part of the @ To become Broncos. 'History!'
“It's an honor to work with a world-class team and serve as an example of the value of more diverse leadership across all sports. Roscoe already believes he's made the team.”
While his interest has increased enormously in recent years, fashion outside of Formula 1 is probably at the top of Hamilton's priorities.
Hamilton became a global ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger in 2018, shortly after the fashion brand became a partner of Mercedes.
“Lewis is bold in everything he does,” Tommy Hilfiger told GQ after confirming the partnership with Hamilton, highlighting his attraction to the brand.
“He’s not afraid to take risks. And he has a cool and sophisticated style that really appeals to the new generation of Tommy fans.
Hamilton has launched several collections with the brand, while his fashion choices on the grid have consistently attracted attention throughout the F1 seasons.
Hamilton is a menswear ambassador for the British Fashion Council, providing support and advice on important issues facing the British design industry. He has also been a regular attendee at leading fashion shows, including Paris Fashion Week and the Met Gala.
Hamilton strolled into the Canadian Grand Prix last year in a tiger-striped two-piece suit
The British driver has demonstrated his sense of style at leading fashion events and in Formula 1
Lewis Hamilton is expected to pull off a spectacular move from Mercedes to Ferrari
Hamilton's move to Ferrari underlines that Formula 1 remains the star's focus despite his diverse interests outside of sport
The Mercedes driver was listed as one of Sports Illustrated's “Fashionable 50 Icons” in 2019, while he has worked with Esquire, L'Officiel, Vogue, ICON and Men's Health.
It was perhaps no surprise that when Hamilton launched his non-alcoholic tequila brand, he talked about the product in an interview with Vogue.
Hamilton's interest outside the sport has only further expanded Formula 1's reach to a wider audience.
This was only reinforced by his previous high-profile relationship with Nicole Scherzinger, as well as rumors last year that Hamilton was dating Shakira.
Despite his high-profile lifestyle, interests and social commitments away from Formula 1, Hamilton's surprise move to Ferrari confirms that the sport will remain his ultimate focus for the foreseeable future.
After being controversially denied the 2021 world title in Abu Dhabi, the fire clearly still burns bright as he aims for an eighth championship title with a third constructor.