Lewis Hamilton says his passion for the fashion world, while it may seem extravagant to others, allows him to "blow off steam" in between race weekends and return to the fray feeling "fresh and positive".
Although Hamilton has reigned in his whirlwind jetsetter lifestyle in recent years, the Mercedes star remains infatuated with the fashion world.
In 2018, Hamilton joined forces with designer and Mercedes sponsor Tommy Hilfiger to deliver an exclusive 'Tommy x Lewis' collaboration.
But as a frequent visitor to fashion weeks around the world, the seven-time world champion takes a keen interest in various young creators and designers, often showcasing their creations upon his arrival in the F1 paddock on race weekends.
Just like music, Hamilton says his involvement is the perfect derivative to take and keep his mind off racing when away from the race track.
©LewisHamilton
"I love being able to separate from the sport, and the intensity of this whole season is difficult for everyone that's at the track," said the Briton ahead of this weekend's Turkish Grand Prix.
"I have these other outlets so I’m able to blow off steam in lots of different ways.
"The most important thing is always to be able to come back into the racing environment fresh, recovered, positive and not really have many worries.
"I’m able to arrive and just love doing my job. We just take one week at a time or one race at a time, just always trying to elevate.
"I’ve spent plenty of time speaking to the team about how we can advance and improve. But I’ve been doing this a long time so I’ve found ways, personally, and what works for me won’t work for everyone.
"I found the way that I know how I tick, what gets me on course and what can put me off course, and so I stick to them."
Speaking about his colorful and often extravagant accoutrements that he showcases in the paddock, like the funky blue kit ensemble he sported upon his arrival in Turkey, Hamilton hopes his fashion audacity will perhaps help others open their mind and encourage people to feel comfortable with who they are or who they want to be.
"I go through all these different images online and find things that I like," he said.
"I did a shoot with GQ a couple years ago with a kilt, and it was one that we specially made with Tommy Hilfiger, which was again just gender neutral.
"Anyone can wear whatever they want. There will be people that don't understand it, but that's okay.
"Hopefully they'll eventually go through the opening their mind phase and let people be who they want to be."
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