Lewis Hamilton’s ‘cool vegan guy’ image has come under fire from seven-time Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya. The Colombian, who competed in Formula One for Williams and McLaren, argues that a ruthless mentality is what distinguishes the 40-year-old from current world champion Max Verstappen.
Hamilton transitioned to veganism in 2017, embracing a plant-based lifestyle for moral and environmental considerations. It comes after Hamilton was slammed for his ‘theatrics’ amid his Ferrari struggles.
The British driver has been outspoken in urging his devoted followers to reject animal exploitation for entertainment and explore the advantages of vegan living. He even backed a restaurant chain, Neat Burger, alongside Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, which offered plant-based alternatives to mainstream fast food favorites.
Nevertheless, the company decided to shut down its remaining UK outlets permanently this year. His pet dog, Roscoe, also maintains a vegan diet.
Yet Montoya believes Hamilton’s plant-based approach reflects the root of his recent performance issues. “I don’t get it,” he told CoinPoker.
“Hamilton wants to be portrayed as this cool vegan guy who doesn’t want to hurt any pets or any animals. But that guy shouldn’t be a racecar driver.
“Because the guy that wants to be a successful racing driver is the person that doesn’t mind crushing people in his head. He does whatever it takes to win. That is what Lewis used to be; that is what Max is.
“I think from what you hear, he’s working really, really hard, and he really wants success. That is very good to see, but he’s probably not getting enough traction within the team to get the changes. It’s really hard to get traction when the other guy on your team is quicker than you.”
Hamilton finds himself in a challenging position as the post-summer break stretch approaches. The seven-time world champion has been unable to secure a podium finish across his initial 14 race weekends wearing Ferrari colors, and following difficult outings in Belgium and Hungary, his self-assurance seems to have hit rock bottom.
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The Stevenage native branded his own displays as “useless” following qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he missed out on Q3 for the third consecutive occasion, including sprint shootouts. He even suggested Ferrari should “change driver” if they desire improved outcomes.
Verstappen, by contrast, has been squeezing every ounce of performance from his car in 2025, delivering two victories for Red Bull, who currently occupy fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship table.
Nevertheless, the four-time world champion holds just a 15-point advantage over George Russell in the drivers’ standings, and has managed only one podium across his previous seven Grands Prix.