Hamilton supports NFL team, breaks Abu Dhabi phone promise
Lewis Hamilton attended his first game as co-owner of the NFL's Denver Broncos, breaking a promise to go off-grid by posting on social media after their loss. The trip highlights his business interests beyond F1 and the difficulty of a true digital detox.
Lewis Hamilton enjoyed his first in-person game as a co-owner of the Denver Broncos this Sunday, a trip that saw him break a promise made just days earlier in Abu Dhabi to disconnect completely. His team lost, but the seven-time world champion took to social media to share his pride, despite vowing to "throw his phone in the freaking bin" over the winter break.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's off-season activities highlight the multifaceted lives of modern F1 drivers, who balance intense racing careers with significant business and personal ventures. His immediate return to social media after pledging a digital detox also underscores the challenge of truly unplugging, even for global superstars seeking a mental reset after a long season.
The details:
- Hamilton traveled to Denver's Mile High Stadium to watch the Denver Broncos, of which he is a part-owner through the Walter-Penner ownership group.
- The game ended in a 34-20 loss for the Broncos against the Jacksonville Jaguars, ending an 11-game home winning streak.
- Shortly after the final whistle, Hamilton posted an encouraging message to the team on Instagram, writing: "Tough day today but I'm so proud of this team... Remember it's not how we fall, it's how we get back up!"
- This directly contradicted his statement at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he told media his plan was to "throw my phone in the freaking bin" and go "completely unplugged from the matrix" during the off-season.
The big picture:
Hamilton's weekend exemplifies how top drivers invest their time and capital outside the cockpit. From film production—Hamilton was a co-producer on the upcoming Brad Pitt F1 movie—to sports team ownership, these projects build legacies beyond racing. His actions also reflect a common post-season pattern: the intention to disconnect is often easier said than done, especially when personal business interests are involved.
What's next:
Hamilton will now continue his off-season, likely balancing rest with preparations for 2024—a crucial season with Mercedes before his headline-making move to Ferrari in 2025. His recent comments on the 2026 regulation changes, where he expressed uncertainty and cautioned that fans "might not like" the new cars, suggest his focus is already drifting back to the long-term future of the sport, even during his break.