Former Formula 1 driver and current FIA steward Johnny Herbert predicts that Lewis Hamilton’s career path will lead him to the United States after his racing days conclude. Although Hamilton has secured a move to Ferrari starting with the 2025 season, at 40 years old, his time in Formula 1 is approaching its final stages. Herbert believes that Hamilton’s post-racing pursuits will focus primarily on opportunities in America, reflecting his existing interests outside motorsport.

Herbert pointed out Hamilton’s diverse projects beyond the track, including ventures in entertainment and sports ownership, suggesting a major career shift could be on the horizon. With a history of engagement in activities largely centered in the US, Hamilton’s next chapter may involve expanding his presence in those fields.

At some stage he was looking at investing into Chelsea wasn’t he? But most of the stuff that Lewis has done in the past has been stateside,

Herbert told Thunderpick.

The music industry has also been an area of interest for Hamilton, alongside his involvement in film, notably with the recent F1 movie featuring Brad Pitt. Herbert speculated that these creative fields might appeal to the driver after racing.

America has always been a big thing for him so maybe there is a link there. Maybe there’s a link with a football club out there in the States. I always feel it’ll very much be state-based whatever he will probably do after his career.

Potential Engagement in Football and Entertainment Ventures

Hamilton’s venture into football club ownership could mirror recent trends where celebrities and athletes acquire stakes in sports teams. For instance, actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took control of Wrexham AFC, and NFL legend Tom Brady contributed significantly to Birmingham City’s progress back to the English Championship. These examples are influencing the sports investment landscape globally.

Felipe Massa, Hamilton’s title rival from 2008, has also entered football ownership by joining Kevin Magnussen and tennis star Novak Djokovic to invest in French second division side Le Mans FC. This pattern adds context to the speculation around Hamilton’s future football ambitions.

Herbert suggested Hamilton might gravitate toward a high-profile football club such as Chelsea FC, despite the driver having been a longtime fan of Arsenal. Hamilton’s connection to football and the sport’s growth in the United States could guide his investment choices.

Herbert said,

Football here is enjoying the same boom that F1 has been going through. Tom Brady at Birmingham, Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham. I know the Premier League has always been a big thing but it just seems, compared to anywhere else on the planet, that football there just seems to still be still growing and getting that interest from further afield.

If he looked over here, then it would probably go back to the Chelsea link. There’s something close to his heart about football.

Chelsea FC remains co-owned by American businessman Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, who took over the club in 2022. Any potential move by Hamilton to acquire a stake would likely require patience until the ownership situation evolves.

Broader Context and Future Outlook for Hamilton

As Lewis Hamilton approaches the final years of his racing career, the anticipation around his next steps continues to build. His multifaceted interests in music, film, and sports suggest he is preparing for a seamless transition into new ventures that resonate personally and professionally. Given his strong ties to the United States in these sectors, a US-based future appears increasingly plausible.

Hamilton’s post-Formula 1 activities could not only shape his personal brand but also influence cross-industry collaborations between motorsport, entertainment, and sports ownership. With prominent figures like Tom Brady and Ryan Reynolds successfully integrating sports investments with their broader careers, Hamilton’s transition could follow a similar path, potentially elevating his profile beyond racing.

The continued expansion of football in the United States further supports this outlook, aligning with Hamilton’s existing passions and providing fertile ground for new projects. Observers will watch closely as the seven-time world champion prepares to leverage his influence and interests into his career beyond the racetrack.