Lewis Hamilton made a swift transition from the Miami Grand Prix to New York City last week to fulfill his role as co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala, one of fashion’s most prestigious nights. Handpicked by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, Hamilton joined Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams as first-time co-chairs for the event held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The event’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” emphasized the “Tailored for You” dress code, inspiring Hamilton’s choice of an elegant ivory suit by Wales Bonner.
Reflecting on the hectic schedule, Hamilton revealed,
“The Met Gala was incredible, and it wasn’t easy to go from the race to that. It’s a pretty packed schedule. When you’re hosting, there’s a lot more involved. Normally, when you’re fortunate enough to be a guest, you can get there at 7 or 8pm and enjoy your night – I was there from 4pm.”
His role extended far beyond merely attending, as the co-chairs were intimately involved in greeting guests and overseeing the smooth flow of the evening.
Behind the Scenes at Fashion’s Biggest Night
On the day of the gala, following fittings for their tailored ensembles, Hamilton and his fellow co-chairs prepared to welcome every celebrity who ascended the iconic steps of the museum. Speaking on his experience working alongside Wintour, Hamilton shared,
“It was a real honor and a privilege to stand alongside Anna [Wintour] and see the amount of work she puts into the event. It’s pretty insane. When you walk in, she greets every single person. I stood there with her, greeting a lot of people – pretty much everyone.”
Wintour’s attention to detail and personal connection with the guests allowed Hamilton to meet many of the influential figures in attendance, enhancing the prestige of the night for the seven-time world champion.
Hamilton also recalled his previous involvement in the Met Gala, highlighting his purchase of a table in 2021 aimed at supporting emerging Black designers who might otherwise lack access. This year’s event, which celebrated Black men’s fashion and its ties to dandyism, felt like a natural extension of those efforts.
“The whole night [extended] from my table in 2021 to the theme that we ended up having,”
he said, emphasizing the continuity and growth of Black creativity on such a high-profile platform.
Memorable Moments and Cultural Significance
One standout moment for Hamilton was witnessing a performance by music legend Stevie Wonder, a figure whose artistry shaped his own upbringing.
“And then to watch Stevie Wonder perform … for me, growing up, listening to Stevie Wonder and then all of a sudden he’s performing in front of me, that was a highlight,”
Hamilton explained. Reflecting on his journey, he said,
“Standing up alongside people I grew up with as a kid, listening to [Wonder’s] music and admiring how he dressed. Now I’m standing alongside doing the same job, in a sense, for the event. It was pretty incredible.”
Balancing Racing and Fashion Commitments
Despite the gala’s intensity, Hamilton’s dedication to racing remained unwavering. After his whirlwind day in New York, he returned to prepare for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, his first race in Italy as a Ferrari driver.
“I had some time to train and to prepare for this week,”
he said.
“I got a lot of sleep last week and a lot of training. I feel really refreshed coming into this race,”
Hamilton added ahead of the 2025 Imola GP, underscoring his focus and readiness for the demanding season ahead.
Hamilton’s dual role at the Met Gala and on the racetrack illustrates his exceptional versatility and commitment to excellence across vastly different fields. This milestone at the 2025 Met Gala, marked by his co-chairing responsibilities and powerful cultural statements, highlights the growing influence of Black style and talent in global arenas.
As the worlds of fashion and sports intersect through Lewis Hamilton’s endeavors, excitement builds for what he will accomplish next, both on the catwalk and the circuit. His presence at the Met Gala sets an inspiring example for young people everywhere, reinforcing the importance of ambition, creativity, and the drive to break new ground.
