Et was the appearance of a winner before the competition. When Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton came to the Turkish Grand Prix circuit on Thursday, he strolled confidently through the paddock with sunglasses on. The Briton wore Burberry patriotically in blue, glencheck camouflage, sporty with a breast pocket, sneakers and trousers. But above: a skirt. Or more precisely: a tartan skirt. A piece of clothing as less feminine as Sean Connery.
Since contemporary pop and rap stars have recently been exploring what contemporary fashion actually has in store for them as men – Harry Styles in androgynous vintage look or Kid Cudi in white clothes – a cobalt blue ensemble with a hem on a Hamilton looks like this not even that new anymore.
But still it is surprising. Why? After all, four years ago he already wore the kilt very effectively on the cover of GQ magazine. At that time, however, only because he had previously been heavily criticized on social media: He had exposed his little nephew, who had been given a princess dress for Christmas. “Boys don’t wear princess dresses!” He had warned him, half jokingly. In an interview with GQ, he regretted it – and testified it with the picture in the skirt.
Today it seems natural for him not to follow certain conventions anymore. Lewis Hamilton is an athlete, yes, but he stands out among his colleagues: while his competitor Max Emilian Verstappen, for example, remains entirely in his profession as a racing driver (born into a racing aristocracy, in a relationship with Nelson Piquet’s daughter), Hamilton prefers to use his fame for himself to prove also in other fields than the sport. He is committed to the environment by living vegan and supporting animal welfare organizations. He stands up against racism when he criticizes how white motorsport is and that slave traders should be honored with statues. No wonder Hamilton was knighted last year.
And then of course there is fashion. At the Met Gala in New York, which was hosted by Vogue, he wore a classic, black suit; but there was also a delicate lace train blowing around his legs. That seemed a bit silly, but most of all it expressed: I can afford it. Such a train does nothing to my manhood.
That’s what he made clear again on Thursday: Not only is he seven-time world champion, he is also stylish. A kilt like that, not everyone can wear it on the racetrack. Whether he will actually win the weekend remains a sporting question. At least he was already certain of his victory.
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