Lewis Hamilton refutes 'distraction' claims as off-track ventures power his Ferrari F1 focus

Ferrari Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has responded to critics who brand his ventures away from the championship as distractions.

The seven-time champion, who made his F1 debut in 2007, has worked to branch out into other areas alongside his racing career. Other business ventures of his have included co-founding the vegan restaurant chain Neat Burger, launching Team X44 in the Extreme E racing series, joining the ownership group of NFL team, the Denver Broncos, and creating the non-alcoholic spirit brand Almave. 

He has also been involved with the fashion industry and has worked to fight against racism and to increase diversity in motorsport. Most recently, Hamilton served as executive producer on the F1 movie. 

"It’s not a question of distraction. Everyone can get distracted, one way or another," Hamilton explained to Ferrari Magazine.

"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."

Discussing his work with his Mission 44 foundation, which he founded to promote diversity and improve education and opportunities in schools, the Ferrari driver added: "The work never stops. (He pauses). I was fortunate to meet Nelson Mandela. He was pushing and fighting for others until his last day.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

"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'.

"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."

Hamilton joined Ferrari ahead of the 2025 F1 season and currently sits sixth in the drivers' standings with 146 points.