Being an F1 driver does not come without discipline. Hours of rigorous training and a nutrition plan made for pilots give these drivers the edge they need to compete in an F1 car. While it is important to abide by the regime, not everyone follows every rule. And Lewis Hamilton was one of those drivers, at least at the initial phase of his career.

Lewis Hamilton is known for his life beyond Formula One. He is a huge celebrity in his own right and during his early days, his lavish life arguably got in the way of his performance. Or so said his former boss and late F1 legend Niki Lauda.

The time Lewis Hamilton proved Niki Lauda wrong

GQ Sport recently covered a story on the 7-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton. The detailed interview touched on various subjects before Hamilton told a story of how his lifestyle became an issue for Toto Wolff and Niki Lauda.

Hamilton gave an insight into what the discussion was 6 years ago between Toto Wolff and Lauda. He summed it up by saying, ‘Oh, he [Hamilton] is not focused.’

He went on to explain, “But I wasn’t out partying late or drinking like that. I got to [2018] Singapore, and I delivered one of the best laps that I’ve ever delivered.”

Lewis Hamilton is cut from a different cloth. His victory proved his capabilities, and Hamilton continued, “And after that, everyone was like, Oh, he can do that. Even Niki”—Niki Lauda, the 1975, 1977, and 1984 world champion, who worked closely with Hamilton and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff—“would say to Toto: ‘You can’t let Lewis do this! This is not what a racing driver does!’ ”

Hamilton concluded “Yeah, exactly. But eventually, I got him to see it: Oh, maybe he can do those things too.”

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With this, the Mercedes driver showed how he can manage his personal life and his racing life in perfect synchronicity. His rebellion is displayed off track more often than suspected and a recent controversy has been about his dressing.

Lewis Hamilton has maintained his image as a rebel in F1

Back in February, F1 journalist Kym Illman highlighted a growing trend where drivers, following Lewis Hamilton’s example, are choosing to express themselves freely through their fashion choices rather than adhering strictly to team attire.

According to him, drivers may start negotiating the right to wear their own choice of clothing in their contracts, especially on media days (typically Thursdays) and possibly throughout the race weekend. This becomes a problem because teams heavily rely on drivers wearing team-branded attire to promote their sponsors and increase visibility for partner brands.

Despite racing for Mercedes, Hamilton often opts for his own designer outfits instead of team kit. He has even received contracts and launched his own fashion line with brands like Tommy Hilfiger. This just goes on to show his influence, although it all may end up with the sponsors feeling neglected.

Safe to say, Lewis Hamilton prefers living the life of a rockstar and he surely knows how to do it. What is your favorite outfit of his that he rocked recently?

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