F1 2025: Lewis Hamilton plans HUGE New York moment as Ferrari storm clouds gather

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton plans HUGE New York moment as Ferrari storm clouds gather

The seven-time world champion is not just focused on the Miami Grand Prix

Graham Shaw Consultant Editor

Digital sports specialist running global brands for 30 years

Sunday 27 April 2025 20:57 Updated: 07:58

Lewis Hamilton may be struggling at Ferrari and heading into a huge week for his F1 team. But that is far from the only thing on his mind.

The 40-year-old, seven-time world champion has made a disappointing start after moving to Maranello for the 2025 season.

It was, they said, a match made in motorsport heaven - aligning the most iconic brand in the sport with its most marketable driver.

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So far though, it has been more of a nightmare with Hamilton being thoroughly outpaced by team-mate Charles Leclerc.

Things hit rock bottom at the Saudi Grand Prix last weekend when Lewis appeared lost for answers as he tried to explain finishing only seventh, 30 seconds behind Leclerc, in a 50-lap race.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix is the only thing on Hamilton’s mind as he tries to get to grips with his team’s new SF-25 car.

But there is another massive Stateside occasion circled large on his calendar, New York’s iconic Met Gala.

It's been a tough start for Hamilton at Ferrari.

Hamilton planning a Met Gala like no other

Just 24 hours after Sunday’s race, Hamilton will co-chair the 2025 edition alongside Pharrell Williams when it takes place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This year’s theme is “Black Dandyism,” highlighting the impact of Black culture on fashion, with a focus on menswear.

Hamilton describes the moment as “huge”, and he is acutely aware of its greater meaning.

He told Vogue: “Of course, I always wanted to go to the Met Gala, and I got invited for the first time in 2015. It’s always been a privilege to attend, but in 2021, I no longer wanted to just be another person in the room.

“I was working with Law Roach, who is a dear friend, and I was like, ‘What if we created a table together where we invite a few up-and-coming Black designers, have them dress some guests, and we all show up together - so it’s about creating space and opportunity?’

“And also, I was going to buy the table myself. Of course, everyone looked great, but I felt like that night opened up a dialogue about amplifying underrepresented voices and talent.”

Fast forward four years, and Hamilton is front and centre for the 2025 version of Met Gala, and he is desperate not to waste the opportunity.

2025 a major opportunity for Lewis

“Naturally, I hope this year’s Met Gala sparks conversation and reconfirms the connection between fashion and self-expression, and how deep it runs in Black culture," he explained.

“I hope it allows us to show that we have ownership of our identity and how we see ourselves and how we see one another, and how we use fashion to combat preconceived notions with humanity and dignity.

“If you think about where we are in the world - and particularly in the States, in terms of people pulling back on diversity - I think this Met Gala sends a really strong message that we must continue to celebrate and elevate Black history.”

Ready for a grand entrance

F1 media and practice days are no longer just about the racing - Hamilton has turned the paddock into his own runway as he debuts his latest fashion choices. He is the king of the grand entrance.

Not surprisingly then he is thinking hard about his latest look will portray in New York next Monday night.

“When I look at the images of Black men from the past - images like the ones in the exhibit - they were so stylish. My stylist, Eric McNeal, and I have been thinking about how I’m going to turn up at the Met Gala.

“We’re both very thoughtful and intentional when it comes to fashion, and I hope that everyone else attending is compelled to really research and think deeply about what they’re wearing. I also hope people take time to see the exhibit; the storytelling is amazing.”

Working with Pharrell is 'surreal'

The opportunity co-chair for Hamilton is momentous, something only enhanced by the fact Pharrell will be alongside him.

“Timing is everything, and to have co-chaired a previous Met Gala wouldn’t have been as special. I’m really proud. (Also, I remember watching Pharrell as a kid and thinking, He’s so stylish and cool. It’s surreal for me to now be co-chairing with him.)

“The moment is going to be huge. A testament to our legacy. A message that it can’t be erased.”

Written by

Graham Shaw - Consultant Editor

Digital sports leader with 30 years of senior level experience running global brands. Built sportinglife.com to be a behemoth in the UK as well as being in charge of the Planet Sport network of sites including planetf1.com, football365.com, teamtalk.com and planetrugby.com. Then grew goal.com to be the world's biggest soccer website in 18 languages and 37 territories. Was GM of Portals for Perform Group (now DAZN) with overall responsibility for sportingnews.com, spox.de and voetbalzone.nl.

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F1 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Charles Leclerc Miami Grand Prix New York