Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula One World Champion known for his impressive racing career and recent move from Mercedes to Ferrari, has also become a significant vegan advocate. Since adopting a plant-based lifestyle in 2017 after watching the documentary What the Health, Hamilton has actively used his public profile to raise awareness about animal rights and the benefits of veganism.
Alongside his sporting achievements, Hamilton runs Mission 44, a foundation supporting young people from underrepresented groups in STEM fields. His passion for animal welfare and vegan advocacy has manifested across various platforms, from social media to fashion and food industries.
Advocating for Reduced Meat Consumption
Hamilton frequently integrates his vegan message into his social media posts, even amidst updates about racing, modeling, and personal life. In 2020, after securing his seventh Formula One World Drivers’ Championship, he highlighted the cruelty in meat production by sharing powerful imagery of animals bound for slaughter.
The horrifying things that are happening to animals in order for you to keep eating meat is inhuman,
he wrote alongside a video showing pigs being taken to slaughter. Additionally, he urged his audience,
If we can let go of our desires and think of the impact we’re having, maybe with some compassion, together we can help stop this by starving the industry that’s supplying [meat]. It is those of us that eat animal products that are complicit with this happening. Please don’t turn a blind eye, please don’t ignore it. Go plant-based.
In 2021, Hamilton further encouraged followers to reconsider their dietary choices after sharing an article about a UK slaughterhouse worker, imploring,
Those of you that eat meat, please take a moment to think. Please stop eating meat. We have to end this horrific atrocity.
Championing Vegan Diets for Pets
Hamilton’s dedication to animal welfare extends to his own pets, especially his late dog, Roscoe. After observing Roscoe’s health difficulties, Hamilton transitioned him to a vegan diet, noting significant improvements in energy and overall wellbeing. In a 2024 interview with People, Hamilton explained,
I’m always looking for ways to look after his health and really just improve his quality of life, and his diet is just one part of that,
adding,
But he has so much more energy and doesn’t struggle as much with the health issues he had before.
Investment in Plant-Based Pet Food
Inspired by the positive effects of a vegan diet on Roscoe, Hamilton invested in Bramble, a plant-based dog food company, in 2024. Roscoe was given the honorary title of Chief Taste Officer for the brand. Hamilton expressed his commitment to the cause, saying,
This extends beyond a traditional investment for me, as this is a space I care deeply about and am excited to support,
and emphasizing,
As someone who’s continuously looking to improve my health and find the right food to keep my energy levels up, I think we should look to do the same for our pets, and I want to give Roscoe the best ingredients to keep him healthy and active. Bramble ticked all the boxes for me.
Promoting Vegan Options on Popular Platforms
In May 2024, Hamilton took part in the YouTube series Hot Ones, where guests answer questions while eating increasingly spicy chicken wings. Hamilton completed the challenges while eating vegan wings and used the platform to advocate for vegan alternatives, urging host Sean Evans to make vegan wings the default option on the show.
You should serve the vegan wings,
he stated,
It would save so many chickens.
Leadership in Vegan Fashion
Hamilton’s enthusiasm for fashion is matched by his commitment to sustainability and animal welfare. In 2020, he collaborated with Tommy Hilfiger to launch a vegan fashion line made from eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton and recycled plastics. The collection includes T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, sneakers, and caps, all created with modern, sustainable fabrics.
Reflecting on this partnership in an interview with WWD, Hamilton shared,
We’re trying to push everything using modern fabrics—recycled cotton and denim, organic cotton, plant-based fabrics. All our down is vegan, and we just got an award for all the vegan shoes and boots we do,
Hamilton also publicly endorses the vegetarian and leather-free fashion brand Stella McCartney.
Active Advocacy for Broad Animal Rights
Lewis Hamilton’s concern for animal welfare goes beyond farm animals to encompass all species. In 2019, he urged his millions of social media followers to avoid dolphin shows after sharing disturbing footage, explaining,
Please please don’t go and support these shows around the world, don’t buy tickets to show your kids. Instead educate them on these horrible things that have happened to dolphins, whales, and other sea life. These beautiful creatures shouldn’t suffer.
He has also openly condemned activities such as trophy hunting, rhino poaching, and whale hunts, demonstrating his consistent dedication to animal rights.
Backing a Vegan Burger Chain
Hamilton’s efforts to expand vegan options extended into the fast-food industry when he became a major investor in Neat Burger, a vegan fast-food chain launched in London in 2019. The chain quickly expanded across London, as well as into the US, Europe, and Dubai.
At its launch, Hamilton emphasized the need for healthier fast-food alternatives, saying,
As someone who follows a plant-based diet, I believe we need a healthier high-street option that tastes amazing, but also offers something exciting to those who want to be meat-free every now and again,
However, despite its initial popularity, Neat Burger faced challenges in 2025, leading to the closure of most locations. As of now, only one Neat Burger outlet remains operational, located in Milan, Italy.
Encouraging His Racing Team to Try Vegan Food
Hamilton has also worked to introduce plant-based meals within his professional circle. Ahead of the 2019 British Grand Prix, he organized a vegan Caribbean barbecue for his teammates, featuring meat alternatives from Beyond Meat. He shared on Instagram,
A lot of my guys have never tried it before and they all love it, especially with a bit of the hot sauce and everything. It’s great. It’s all vegan. Beyond Meat is all vegan, plant-based. Once you go Beyond Meat, you ain’t going back.
The Impact of Hamilton’s Vegan Advocacy
By leveraging his global fame and diverse interests—from racing and fashion to food and animal rights—Lewis Hamilton has become a prominent figure in the vegan movement. His actions not only highlight the ethical and health benefits of plant-based living but also aim to inspire systemic changes across industries such as pet care, fashion, and fast food.
As Hamilton continues to champion veganism, his influence is likely to encourage more fans and followers to reconsider their lifestyle choices, contributing to a broader cultural shift toward sustainability and animal welfare.
