January 7, 1985. England. When Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton was born in Stevenage, just outside London, the chances of him becoming one of the most successful and influential Formula 1 drivers of all time were slimIn fact, the odds were stacked heavily against him. His humble family struggled for money, and the world of motorsport was a million miles away from being diverse and accessible. Yet these were barriers to be broken for Hamilton – a child protege with an unshakeable vision – and his incredible talent, fearsome work ethic, and now-legendary determination paid off. With dedicated father Anthony by his side, young Hamilton exploded onto the karting scene and began dominating championships across the UK and beyond, to the extent that – by the time he was just 13 – he was offered a role in the McLaren driver development programme. As a driver, Hamilton has won an incredible seven Formula 1 World Championships, tying the all-time record with Michael Schumacher (and he’ll be pushing for an eighth with Ferrari). These astonishing achievements have catapulted him right to the very top: Hamilton now represents an elite level of sportsmanship very few others can match, and the same goes for his wealth. As such, all eyes are on the British driver, everywhere he goes, and whatever he does. Owning a private jet is potent evidence of Hamilton’s success. Our in-depth guide reveals the story behind the personal plane Hamilton cherished for years before he decided to sell.
Bombardier Challenger 605
After five thrilling seasons as a Formula One driver of fearsome repute, Hamilton finally took the plunge – and bought his private jet. His choice was from the Bombardier Challenger 600 series; a dashing, bright red 605 for which he paid $23 million in 2013 (just as he left McLaren to drive for Mercedes). With a range of 7500 km and a top speed of 850 km/h, this long-haul business jet was perfect for flying around the globe for races with maximum efficiency, respect to time, and maximum comfort: both hugely important for such a high-performing competitive athlete. The Bombardier Challenger 605 accommodates up to 10 passengers in comfort, along with three crew members, so Hamilton was able to take his closest entourage and family members with him around the world. They travelled in fine style and were able to appreciate the nature of their jet-setting lifestyle: the spacious cabin boasts particularly large windows, flooding it with natural light and unveiling a wondrous view of the earth below.
Sky-High Luxury
As a Formula One superstar, Hamilton’s extreme personal wealth has never been in question: as one of the highest-earning global athletes, he has often exceeded $70 million per annum in peak years of success, taking into account his salary, bonuses, and commercial tie-ins. So when Hamilton opted for a private jet, he invested heavily and it became a fundamental (and iconic) part of the luxurious lifestyle he liked to convey. Painted a striking custom red, and with his initials and racing number on the plane’s tail, it also featured an opulent interior and advanced technology throughout – especially so, when considering that it was purchased more than a decade ago. Comfort was everywhere: leather seats, an immaculate bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a full-service galley, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and a high-speed wifi network. Sound was also a key factor under consideration: the Bombardier Challenger 605 is fully insulated against any engine noise, to ensure a more peaceful flight.
Practicality Breeds Success
Pure decadence, no matter how luxurious, was not at the core of Hamilton’s decision to ‘pimp up’ his private jet and make it as perfect as possible. This was all driven by his desire to succeed: to give himself every chance of success, by creating the most suitable environment in which to thrive while constantly travelling around the globe (which, at times, can be exhausting in the extreme). Hamilton’s jet had a king-size bed: he considered sleep to be absolutely crucial for recovery and alertness and was at pains to arrive at each Grand Prix in peak physical fitness. To that end, Hamilton also had a fitness centre on board – for longer flights, whether from his home in Monaco or Mercedes HQ in Brackley, England, he would ‘work out’ when the opportunity arose. Owning a private jet offered Hamilton an authentic advantage – especially when it came to travelling on his own schedule when flexibility was paramount. His schedule is daunting and unpredictable: one week alone might throw up the pressure with a Grand Prix, lucrative sponsor events, and even politically-driven engagements.
Carbon Conscious
Despite his private jet providing unparalleled efficiency and convenience – and helping him achieve unmatched heights in modern-day Formula One – something in Hamilton changed. In 2019 – to the shock of many – he announced he had sold his Bombardier Challenger 605 as part of his efforts to reduce his carbon footprint and to make a tangible step towards aligning his lifestyle with his emerging environmental values. Since then Hamilton has emerged as a vocal figurehead for such issues within sport, frequently using his platform and influence to advocate for sustainability and global conservation. He speaks openly about climate change and has vehemently encouraged individuals, especially those in the public eye, to take real action. Clearly, Hamilton still travels all over the world for much of the year, but he has shifted his methods considerably: to minimise his environmental impact, he often takes commercial flights where possible, in spite of the ‘hassle’, and he is a known driver of electric vehicles. His commitment doesn't stop there: he also follows a vegan diet and has invested in a variety of eco-friendly initiatives and businesses, including renewable energy projects.
Taking a step back, the admiration and adulation for Hamilton is richly deserved: a gifted sportsman who fought his way to the top, and whose legacy extends far and wide as he pushes boundaries in sport, activism, and culture. Lewis Hamilton is a tour de force. Whatever his opinion, whatever his latest pursuit – on or off the track – it is impossible not to admire him. A world-class sportsman who talks the talk and walks the walk, he wanted F1 to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly, and so made a decisive move. Put himself up front and in pole position – as is his very nature.
