Hamilton once again insists off-track ventures ‘not a distraction’

Lewis Hamilton has once again pushed back against critics who claim his activities outside the F1 cockpit are a distraction from racing.

The seven-time world champion, now in his nineteenth season in the sport, has been busy expanding his portfolio of ventures while adjusting to life with Ferrari in 2025, where he currently sits sixth in the drivers' standings with 146 points.

Hamilton’s off-track interests are wide-ranging. He launched Team X44 in the Extreme E racing series, joined the ownership group of NFL side Denver Broncos, created the non-alcoholic spirit brand Almave, and remains deeply involved in fashion collaborations, notably with Tommy Hilfiger and more recently with Lululemon.

In an interview with Ferrari Magazine, Hamilton insists these pursuits aren’t distractions but vital threads in the fabric of a balanced, inspired life.

"It’s not a question of distraction. Everyone can get distracted, one way or another," Hamilton explained. "It’s about how you decide to deploy your energy and create a sense of balance.

“You’ve got to have a creative balance, you can’t just work every hour of your life because you’ll be miserable. How do you find things that inspire you and keep you uplifted? Tapping into your creativity is one way."

For the seven-time world champion, it’s clear that his ventures aren’t just side hustles; they’re outlets for creativity that recharge his spirit.

A Mission Beyond the Podium

Perhaps most telling of Hamilton’s approach to life is his work with Mission 44, the foundation he launched to champion diversity and open doors in education. It’s a cause that burns brightly in his heart, inspired by a personal encounter with a global icon.

“The work never stops,” Hamilton said, pausing reflectively. “I was fortunate to meet Nelson Mandela. He was pushing and fighting for others until his last day.

“Lead with intention. Don’t lower yourself to some of the levels that some people like to stoop to. Like Michelle Obama said, ‘They go low, we go high’.”

For Hamilton, this ethos shapes every partnership.

“Every meeting I have with a potential partner, I ask what they’re doing about impact. It will be a challenge as long as I live and there will be other fights along the way, too.”

Read also:

• Hamilton: Brand fusion with Ferrari ‘more powerful’ than expected

For Hamilton, creativity, philanthropy, and professional racing are all intertwined, forming a personal ecosystem that allows him to remain motivated and balanced in a sport that demands relentless focus.

As the 2025 season continues, he is demonstrating that diversifying interests can coexist with a highly competitive F1 career – not as a distraction, but as a driver of purpose and perspective.

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