Lewis Hamilton's Journey to Veganism
For years, fans and the media have speculated and discussed the dietary choices of Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton. In 2017, the champion racer made his commitment clear, transitioning to a fully plant-based diet. His journey wasn't an immediate switch but a gradual process of phasing out animal products, a method he has since recommended to others considering a similar change. This dietary shift marked a significant transformation in his personal life, influencing his public persona and advocacy.
Motivations Behind the Shift
Hamilton's decision was not a casual one. It was informed by several strong motivations, which he has shared openly with the public and through documentaries like The Game Changers.
- Health and Performance: Prior to 2017, Hamilton reportedly experienced fluctuating energy levels and mood swings. After switching to a vegan diet, he reported feeling much better, more energetic, and more productive. He has consistently attributed his late-career success and sustained peak performance to his plant-based lifestyle, noting better sleep, quicker recovery, and improved mental clarity. He has also stated that a plant-based diet helped with stomach issues and a swollen belly he used to experience.
- Environmental Concerns: A deeply passionate environmentalist, Hamilton has cited the significant pollution caused by the meat and dairy industries as a major reason for his change. He has stated that animal agriculture is a larger contributor to global emissions than the entire travel industry combined and views veganism as the only way to truly save the planet.
- Animal Welfare: Hamilton's commitment to animal rights is undeniable. He uses his extensive social media presence to raise awareness about animal cruelty, sharing content from organizations like PETA and speaking out against practices like the leather industry. His dog, Roscoe, was also transitioned to a vegan diet, with Hamilton reporting significant health improvements for his pet.
Hamilton's Vegan Activism and Businesses
Lewis Hamilton's advocacy for veganism extends beyond his personal diet. He has actively used his influence to promote plant-based options and challenge animal-derived products in various industries.
- Business Ventures: In 2019, Hamilton launched Neat Burger, an international vegan fast-food chain. The aim was to provide a delicious and accessible plant-based option on the high street for both vegans and those exploring meat-free meals. While the company expanded globally, it has since seen the closure of its UK and US restaurants in 2025, with remaining locations operating in Italy and as a pop-up. The company received investment from other high-profile figures like Leonardo DiCaprio.
- Documentary Production: He served as an executive producer for the acclaimed documentary The Game Changers, which showcases the strength and endurance of elite athletes thriving on a plant-based diet.
- Influencing Corporate Change: Hamilton has used his relationship with corporate partners to push for more ethical practices. He has influenced his former team, Mercedes, to transition towards vegan leather interiors and has also launched a vegan shoe line with Tommy Hilfiger.
The Athlete's Diet: Before and After
To understand the full scope of his dietary transformation, it is useful to compare his eating habits before and after adopting veganism. This illustrates the purposeful change he made to optimize his performance and health.
| Aspect | Pre-Vegan Diet | Post-Vegan Diet (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Porridge or eggs with avocado toast. | Avocado on toast, fruit platters, or smoothies with plant-based protein powder. |
| Lunch | Undisclosed, likely contained animal products. | Large salads packed with vegetables and plant-based protein sources like lentils, tofu, or tempeh. |
| Dinner | Reportedly included meat and dairy. | Plant-based curries, falafels, or large, nutrient-dense salads. |
| Protein Sources | Eggs, meat, fish. | Plant-based protein powders, lentils, beans, nuts, and tofu. |
| Snacks | Undisclosed, likely varied. | Nuts, vegan protein bars, and hummus. |
Recent Developments and Controversies
While largely celebrated for his advocacy, Hamilton has faced some criticism. For instance, PETA, which named him Person of the Year in 2018 for his activism, later criticized him for his silence regarding Formula 1's connection to the cruel Iditarod dog-sled race via parent company Liberty Media. His involvement in the high-emissions sport of Formula 1 has also been cited as a point of hypocrisy by some, despite his vocal climate change advocacy and personal efforts to reduce his carbon footprint. Hamilton has acknowledged these complexities and committed to doing better.
Conclusion
In short, the answer to the question "Is Lewis Hamilton actually vegan?" is a resounding yes. He is not only vegan in his diet but is also a dedicated and outspoken vegan activist. His commitment goes beyond a personal dietary choice, encompassing a broad range of initiatives from business ventures to corporate influence and social media campaigns aimed at protecting animals and the environment. While he is not immune to criticism, his actions have undeniably had a significant impact on mainstream awareness of veganism and its potential benefits for both personal health and the planet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lewis Hamilton and Veganism
Q: When did Lewis Hamilton become vegan? A: Lewis Hamilton publicly committed to a 100% plant-based diet in 2017.
Q: Why did Lewis Hamilton become vegan? A: He became vegan for several reasons, including improved health and athletic performance, a deep concern for environmental pollution caused by animal agriculture, and ethical convictions regarding animal welfare.
Q: What health benefits has Lewis Hamilton experienced from his vegan diet? A: He has reported experiencing increased energy, better sleep, quicker recovery from workouts, clearer thought, and fewer allergies since switching to a plant-based diet.
Q: Is Lewis Hamilton's dog, Roscoe, also vegan? A: Yes, Lewis Hamilton has stated that his dog, Roscoe, is also on a fully vegan diet and has seen health benefits as a result.
Q: Has Lewis Hamilton invested in any vegan businesses? A: Yes, he is a backer of Neat Burger, a vegan restaurant chain.
Q: Did Lewis Hamilton appear in a documentary about veganism? A: Yes, he was an executive producer for The Game Changers, a documentary about plant-based eating and athletic performance.
Q: Has Lewis Hamilton faced any criticism for his veganism? A: Yes, he has received criticism regarding the environmental impact of Formula 1 racing and, from PETA, for not speaking out against F1's parent company sponsoring the Iditarod dog race.
The Game Changers Documentary and Lewis Hamilton's Role
Lewis Hamilton's involvement in the production of the documentary The Game Changers was instrumental in promoting the plant-based message to a broader audience. The film features elite athletes who follow vegan diets, directly challenging the misconception that meat is essential for strength and performance. Hamilton's participation, alongside other high-profile figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Novak Djokovic, lent significant credibility to the film's message. The documentary effectively uses science and personal stories of athletic triumph to illustrate the benefits of a plant-based diet, aligning perfectly with Hamilton's own experience and advocacy.
Vegan Ventures: The Legacy of Neat Burger
Launched in 2019, Neat Burger was Lewis Hamilton's effort to create an accessible and appealing plant-based fast-food brand. The chain expanded rapidly with high-profile investments, including from Leonardo DiCaprio. It offered a variety of vegan burgers, wings, salads, and milkshakes, aiming to provide a healthier and more ethical option for consumers. However, the brand faced financial difficulties, leading to the closure of all its UK and US locations by mid-2025. Despite these setbacks, the venture showcased Hamilton's commitment to making veganism more mainstream and demonstrated that a market exists for plant-based alternatives in the fast-food industry.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Diet
Lewis Hamilton's veganism is far more than just a diet; it is a core part of his identity as an athlete and an activist. Since 2017, his commitment has been consistent and unwavering, driven by deeply held beliefs about health, the environment, and animal welfare. He has not only transformed his own life but has also used his considerable influence to inspire countless others to consider plant-based living, proving that athletic success and ethical choices can coexist powerfully. His legacy, on and off the track, will be defined not just by his records, but by his tireless advocacy for a more compassionate and sustainable world.
