Johnny Herbert, former Formula 1 driver and current FIA steward, has indicated that Lewis Hamilton‘s future plans could be centered in the United States. As Hamilton prepares to join Ferrari for the 2025 season and approaches 40 years of age, questions about his next steps beyond racing are gaining attention. Herbert believes Hamilton’s career after Formula 1 will likely explore opportunities in America, reflecting his range of interests outside the racetrack.
Exploring Entertainment and Sports Ventures Beyond Racing
Hamilton’s wide-ranging activities suggest he may pursue ventures beyond Formula 1, potentially involving music or film. Herbert pointed out Hamilton’s previous interest in entertainment and investment opportunities. He noted,
“At some stage he was looking at investing into Chelsea wasn’t he? But most of the stuff that Lewis has done in the past has been stateside,”
— Johnny Herbert, FIA Steward. Hamilton has been involved in projects like the Formula 1 movie featuring Brad Pitt, indicating a possible future in the film industry alongside his musical interests.
Herbert further explained the allure of the United States for Hamilton’s future plans:
“America has always been a big thing for him so maybe there is a link there. Maybe there’s a link with a football club out there in the States. I always feel it’ll very much be state-based whatever he will probably do after his career.”
— Johnny Herbert, FIA Steward. This suggests Hamilton may engage with sports franchises or entertainment enterprises rooted in the US.
Hamilton Among Sports Stars Turning to Football Ownership
In recent years, several celebrities and athletes have acquired football clubs, blending their fame with business ventures. Notable examples include Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s takeover of Wrexham and Tom Brady’s role in the resurgence of Birmingham City. Felipe Massa, Hamilton’s rival from the 2008 F1 season, has teamed up with Kevin Magnussen and tennis star Novak Djokovic to acquire Le Mans FC in France’s second division.
Herbert speculated that Hamilton might follow a similar path, possibly involving Chelsea FC, a prominent club currently owned by American Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital. He remarked,
“If he looked over here, then it would probably go back to the Chelsea link. There’s something close to his heart about football.”
— Johnny Herbert, FIA Steward. Despite Hamilton’s known support for Arsenal, Chelsea‘s current ownership structure could present a future opportunity, though any sale would likely not happen soon.
With football’s growing appeal in the US paralleling the expansion of Formula 1, Hamilton’s pivot toward football club ownership would align with wider trends among athletes diversifying their portfolios in sports and entertainment.
The Broader Context of Hamilton’s Career Transition
As Hamilton nears the twilight of his racing career, his possible shift to the US signifies more than a mere location change. It reflects a strategic move into areas where he has already established connections—from music to movies to football. Such a transition would allow Hamilton to leverage his global profile while tapping into the culturally rich and commercially expansive American market.
Hamilton’s journey from the track to sports and entertainment business ventures could set a new standard for how racing champions plan their futures. His exploration of opportunities in the US might inspire other drivers and athletes to consider diversified post-career pathways.
