Lewis Hamilton has sold his extensive £13 million car collection, which included the Mercedes AMG-One he helped develop, to support his growing enthusiasm for art collecting. Ahead of the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Hamilton shared that any future car purchases would be judged through the lens of artistic value, highlighting the Ferrari F40 as an example.
From Racing Legend to Art Enthusiast
Since making his Formula 1 debut in 2007, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton built a reputation not only on track but also through an extraordinary collection of rare and high-performance cars. His private garage featured standout vehicles like the Pagani Zonda 760 LH, the hybrid Mercedes-AMG One developed with his input, and a classic 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. However, Hamilton recently revealed he has sold all these prized automobiles, marking a turning point in his personal interests.
“I don’t have any cars anymore,”
Hamilton said.
“I don’t have any cars, so I got rid of all my cars. I’m more into art nowadays.”
Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 Driver
Cars as Art Pieces: A Changing Perspective
While Hamilton has stepped away from automotive collecting for now, he remains open to acquiring cars that meet his artistic standards. His admiration for the Ferrari F40 reflects this shift from collecting vehicles purely for performance or rarity to viewing them as creative works.
“If I was going to get a car, it would be the [Ferrari] F40 — but that’s a nice piece of art,”
he acknowledged.
Hamilton’s engagement with the art world is well established; earlier in the season, he collaborated with Hajime Sorayama, designing limited-edition merchandise for the Japanese Grand Prix after their previous helmet design partnership. He has also joined forces with artist Takashi Murakami on several products under his +44 brand.
Environmental Values Influence Hamilton’s Shift
Hamilton’s decision to clear out his car collection aligns with his longstanding commitment to environmental causes. Known for his vegan lifestyle and efforts to promote sustainability, Hamilton encourages his racing teams to pursue carbon-neutral operations. This lifestyle underpins his preference for focusing on art, which he sees as a different way to express creativity and impact.
What This Means for Hamilton’s Future Collections
Although Lewis Hamilton has sold off his vehicles, his view on future collections suggests he may still pursue cars, but only those with artistic significance. This evolution highlights a broader trend among athletes and collectors, who increasingly consider sustainability and creative expression alongside traditional assets. With ongoing collaborations in the art world and a drive toward eco-consciousness, Hamilton’s new path could influence how others balance passion with principle.
