Lewis Hamilton Sells £13M Car Collection to Invest in Art

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has made a remarkable revelation ahead of the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He has sold his entire £13 million car collection to dedicate himself to his burgeoning passion for art collecting. This dramatic shift from his well-documented love for luxury supercars to contemporary art investments marks a significant change in Hamilton’s career trajectory.

Hamilton’s £13 Million Automotive Empire Sold

Reports suggest that the seven-time Formula 1 world champion previously owned a fleet of approximately 15 rare and exotic cars, including limited-edition Ferraris, Mercedes, and McLarens. This collection, valued at an estimated £13 million, was stored in private garages in Monaco and Los Angeles. It included some of the world’s most exclusive vehicles.

• Mercedes-AMG One: A plug-in hybrid hypercar that Hamilton helped develop during his time with Mercedes
• Pagani Zonda 760 LH: A bespoke supercar created specifically for Hamilton
• 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: A classic American muscle car
• 1995 McLaren F1: Previously estimated to be worth around $20 million alone
• Multiple limited-edition Ferraris and McLarens

The Art of Automotive Collecting vs. Fine Art

Hamilton, the renowned British racing icon, revealed that he no longer owns any cars. Consequently, he decided to dispose of all his vehicles. He has shifted his focus towards art in recent times. However, Hamilton hasn’t completely abandoned his interest in automobiles. He admitted that if he were to acquire a car, it would be the Ferrari F40, but he acknowledges that it’s essentially a piece of art.

This statement reveals Hamilton’s evolved perspective on collecting, where he now views potential automotive purchases through an artistic lens rather than pure performance or luxury.

Hamilton’s Growing Art Portfolio and Collaborations

Hamilton’s transition to art collecting isn’t entirely new territory. The 40-year-old has been building relationships with prominent contemporary artists for several years:

Takashi Murakami Partnership

In 2022, Murakami collaborated with Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton on his +44 fashion range. Murakami also designed his helmet for that year’s Japanese Grand Prix. The collaboration has produced multiple limited-edition collections, with pieces priced between $60-$200.

Hajime Sorayama Collaborations

Hamilton has collaborated extensively with Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama, renowned for his hyper-realistic chrome robot artwork. Their inaugural capsule collection in 2023 garnered significant attention from both fashion and motorsports enthusiasts. Subsequent collections continue to push creative boundaries.

Environmental Alignment and Values-Driven Investing

The decision aligns with Hamilton’s long-standing environmental advocacy. The Ferrari driver has consistently promoted sustainability initiatives, including:

• Adopting a plant-based diet
• Encouraging F1 teams to achieve carbon neutrality
• Supporting renewable energy initiatives
• Promoting sustainable fashion through his +44 brand

By shifting from carbon-intensive supercars to art investments, Hamilton demonstrates consistency with his environmental values while potentially achieving better long-term returns.

Investment Strategy: Art vs. Automotive Assets

Contemporary art has outperformed many traditional investment classes over the past decade. According to art market reports, blue-chip contemporary works have consistently shown annual returns of 6-8%, often with lower volatility compared to luxury car markets. Hamilton’s timing may prove to be strategic.

• The luxury car market has shown increased volatility
• Contemporary art continues attracting institutional investors
• Digital and NFT art markets are expanding
• Celebrity-endorsed art pieces command premium valuations

Future Automotive Interests: The Ferrari F40 Exception

Despite selling his entire collection, Hamilton remains enamored with a particular vehicle: the Ferrari F40. This choice aligns with his refined aesthetic preferences, as the F40 is widely regarded as one of the most visually stunning supercars ever created. Beyond its exceptional performance, the significance of the F40 extends to its iconic status and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and admiration.

• Final Ferrari approved by Enzo Ferrari personally
• Pure analog driving experience
• Iconic 1980s design language
• Consistent appreciation in collector markets
• Limited production of just 1,311 units

Key Takeaways

• Lewis Hamilton has sold his entire £13 million car collection comprising 15 rare supercars
• The Ferrari driver is now focusing investment capital on contemporary art pieces
• Hamilton maintains ongoing collaborations with artists Takashi Murakami and Hajime Sorayama
• The decision aligns with his environmental advocacy and carbon reduction goals
• He would consider purchasing a Ferrari F40, viewing it as “a piece of art”
• Contemporary art markets have shown stronger returns than luxury automotive investments

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