Lewis Hamilton’s year is off to a rocky start, both on and off the track.
- The closure of Neat Burgers marks the end of a passionate venture for Hamilton.
- Hamilton’s struggles on the track continue with a distant finish in Saudi Arabia.
- Financial losses hit Neat Burgers with a £7.9 million deficit.
- Neat Burgers’ final UK branches are officially closed.
Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 is shaping up to be a challenging year. Not only is he navigating turbulent waters on the Formula 1 track, but he’s also dealing with setbacks in his business ventures. The celebrated driver, known for his prowess behind the wheel, has seen a dream of his crumble as Neat Burgers, the restaurant chain he co-founded, closes its doors for good.
Known for his commitment to a vegan lifestyle since 2017, Hamilton jumped into the culinary world in 2019 alongside Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio. They launched Neat Burgers with the intention of bringing ethical, plant-based dining options to the masses. Hamilton’s vision was clear as he expressed his desire to support sustainable practices while providing delicious meat-free meals to those dabbling in veganism. But, as the saying goes, not all dreams come true.
Despite their noble mission and partnership with Beyond Meat, financial struggles plagued Neat Burgers. By 2022, the company reported massive losses of £7.9 million, a marked increase from the previous year’s £3.2 million loss. The dream of expanding internationally dimmed as outlets in both the UK and New York closed, with a company statement emphasizing the need to focus on successful locations over expansion.
The final blow came as Neat Burgers confirmed the closure of its last two UK branches. A spokesperson for the company acknowledged the tough decision, marking the end of a venture that held personal significance for Hamilton. On the track, Hamilton isn’t faring much better, currently sitting P7 in the Drivers’ standings, a distant 68 points behind leader Oscar Piastri. His recent performance in Saudi Arabia was described by the driver as needing a “brain transplant”, illustrating his frustration.
In the world of Formula 1 and beyond, Hamilton’s tenacity and dedication are well-known. However, 2025 seems to be testing his resilience more than ever. As the legend continues to navigate the ups and downs, both his supporters and critics are left watching his next moves with bated breath.
Lewis Hamilton encounters a year filled with both professional and personal challenges, signaling a time of significant change.
