Lewis Hamilton stole the show at Met Gala

When Lewis Hamilton was named a co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala, there was little doubt that the hype would be justified the moment the event began: the Ferrari driver arrived at the year's most anticipated gathering in a total look by Wales Bonner, stealing the show with one of the evening’s most memorable outfits. But what does it mean to be a co-chair? It’s simply another way of saying co-president, and Hamilton wasn’t alone in taking on this role: he shared the title with ASAP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Colman Domingo (LeBron James was also set to participate, but had to cancel due to a knee injury).

The Role of Co-Chair and the 2025 Theme

The four joined Anna Wintour in hosting the event, chosen as co-chairs for being figures who best embody the theme of the 2025 edition: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. The co-chair role is primarily symbolic, designed to elevate the profile of the celebrities involved. It carries even more weight when assigned occasionally—unlike Anna Wintour, an institutional figure of the Met Gala, who has held the role continuously since 1995. But back to Lewis Hamilton: while his start with Ferrari still has room for improvement, his performance at the 2025 Met Gala was undoubtedly brighter than his recent outings on the track with the Italian team. Hamilton ascended the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art leaving behind his racing suit—worn instead by actor Damson Idris, co-starring with Brad Pitt in the upcoming film F1, directed by Joseph Kosinski.

A powerful and coherent message was what Hamilton delivered—perfectly in line with the refined style he’s always displayed in the Formula 1 paddocks. But this time, shedding the image of the athlete was essential to fully embrace the theme of the evening and give true meaning to a look crafted down to the smallest detail. Lewis Hamilton’s outfit was rich in symbolism: an ivory-white suit (a color representing purity), featuring a cropped jacket, high-waisted trousers with tuxedo-style side stripes, a white bow tie, and an embroidered ivory sash hanging from the belt. The look was created by Anglo-Jamaican designer Wales Bonner—far from a random choice, especially given the connection between sports and the designer’s richly creative vision.

Lewis Hamilton, Wales Bonner, and Eric McNeil

A truly collaborative effort, the outfit was born from an initial conversation between Lewis Hamilton and his personal stylist Eric McNeil, who embraced the vision of Wales Bonner. The designer draws deep inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance and the figure of musician and actor Cab Calloway. “I was in London when Anna Wintour asked me to be one of the co-chairs of the 2025 Met Gala. I couldn’t believe it. She and I share a vision of what the Met Gala can become, and of the messages it can help convey. Fashion has always accompanied me throughout my career—as you all know, for example, in the Formula 1 paddocks.”

He went on: “This passion started when I was very young. Fashion has always helped me in a journey of self-expression. I’m referring, for instance, to the world of Formula 1, where my father and I were often the only Black people present. It was a world where I initially felt strong pressure—almost a duty—to conform. But no: thanks to fashion, I found a smart way to stand out and express my personality.”