Craig resigns: disappointing news. Sir Lewis Hamilton has been suspected of………read more
Sir Lewis Hamilton is experiencing a sudden surge in performance. In early July, the seven-time Formula 1 champion secured his ninth win at the British Grand Prix, setting a new record for the most victories by a driver at a single circuit. This achievement adds to the long list of milestones for the 39-year-old Hamilton, who holds the record for the most race wins and podium finishes in Formula 1 history. However, this win in England marked his first victory in over two years. He continued his strong performance by finishing third on the podium at the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest a couple of weeks later. Just a week after that, Hamilton, who was knighted a few years ago, claimed another victory at the Belgian Grand Prix after his teammate George Russell was disqualified post-race when his car was found to be underweight.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Hamilton at the Ritz-Carlton in Budapest the night before the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Ritz-Carlton is the official hotel partner for the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 team, and I was among a group of invited guests and prize winners who traveled from Vienna to Budapest in a convoy of Mercedes vehicles for what the Ritz-Carlton called the “Road to Legendary Car Tour.” Hamilton joined us for a conversation and offered a tasting of his non-alcoholic tequila brand, Almave, which he launched last year in partnership with the spirits company Casa Lumbre.
Hamilton is also embracing new challenges on and off the track. This season marks his final year with the Mercedes team, as he announced that after 12 years, he will be leaving to drive for Ferrari in 2025. Additionally, Hamilton is venturing into Hollywood, co-producing the highly anticipated movie *F1*, set for release next year, with Brad Pitt starring as a former driver returning to compete in Formula 1. (You can check out the teaser trailer here.)
We discussed his determination to reclaim his spot at the top of the podium, his fitness regimen to stay competitive with younger drivers, his thoughts on the F1 screenplay, his experience on the track with Brad Pitt, his collaboration with director Joseph Kosinski, and how he’ll know when it’s time to step away from racing. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
ESQUIRE: What motivates you to take on entrepreneurial ventures like launching Almave, which is so different from your other pursuits?
