In the world of Formula 1, there’s one star who’s extremely outspoken about fashion – Lewis Hamilton. However, would it surprise you to know that despite his $40,000+ worth of outfit choices, another star outshone him? No, it is not a Formula 1 driver. In fact, she’s America’s favorite singer from Barbados – Rihanna.

Lewis Hamilton did walk into the Abu Dhabi GP paddock with an orange and brown jumpsuit, straight from Rick Owen’s 2016 fall collection. On top of this, he wore $1,355 Luxor Beatle Bozo tractor boots, $820 Jacques Marie Mage Cliff sunglasses, and an IWC Top Gun Lake Tahoe watch, which alone is worth over $40,000! Despite his $43,000 ensemble, he couldn’t outshine Rihanna’s Las Vegas GP outfit, which managed to outshine him in this department with a unique twist to timepieces.

Rihanna literally gave Lewis Hamilton a run for his money in Vegas

Formula 1 returned to Las Vegas after four long decades. In the highly-anticipated star-studded affair, Rihanna added the glamor in Vegas’ glamorous environment, donning an outfit to be remembered for decades to come. The pop star effortlessly blended edgy and chic in a black leather racing jacket adorned with striking white sleeve details from Balenciaga’s Spring 2024 collection. The oversized outerwear was expertly offset by the now-iconic Balenciaga Pantaboots, creating a head-turning ensemble that seamlessly fused sporty aesthetics with high-end fashion. But the Fenty Beauty founder didn’t stop there.

Rihanna elevated the look with futuristic wraparound sunglasses and tasteful pearl jewelry, showcasing her impeccable taste and attention to detail. However, it was Rihanna’s hair that stole the spotlight—her recently dyed honey-blonde locks cascading in effortless waves, elegantly swept to one side. The bold red lip she sported added the perfect finishing touch, accentuating the overall glamor of her Grand Prix ensemble.

Okay, we lied. The hair wasn’t the only thing that stole the spotlight. The highlight of the outfit was the watch that she wore. As an anklet! Riri wore a custom-made $400,000 watch for the Grand Prix. Encrusted in emeralds and round-cut diamonds, it was the perfect addition to her already glitzy get-up for the event. It’s safe to say that until the lights went out at the Las Vegas Street Circuit, all eyes were on her.

With stars like Lewis Hamilton and Rihanna bringing their A-games during race weekends, it seems like fashion and Formula 1 belong together.

Fashion and Formula 1: A match made in Heaven

The mutually beneficial relationship between the fashion world and Formula 1 cannot be understated. With the celebrities and models showing up with high-end outfits, it inherently spreads the word and increases F1’s popularity, especially in the US. And it’s not just luxury brands. A few months ago, PUMA signed a long-term partnership with F1 to be its official trackside retailer. Recently, F1 named Rihanna’s long-time boyfriend, A$AP Rocky, as the Creative Director for the F1 x PUMA partnership.

ASAP Rocky unveils Puma x F1 collection ahead of Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The rapper and newly appointed creative director for Puma x F1 is set to launch his inaugural capsule collection for the brand this week.

Full story: https://t.co/CZwDhPJxvy

— Complex (@Complex) November 14, 2023

On the other hand, Formula 1 stars like Lewis Hamilton use the platform their driving prowess has given them to shine lights on the lesser-known, up-and-coming fashion designers. The high-profile, no-expense-barred race weekends also give a platform for the designers to market their products to their exact target audience. Truly, a win-win relationship. On the other hand, Formula 1 stars like Lewis Hamilton use the platform their driving prowess has given them to shine lights on the lesser-known, up-and-coming fashion designers. The high-profile, no-expense-barred race weekends also give a platform for the designers to market their products to their exact target audience. Truly, a win-win relationship.

Naturally, this helps bring in more spending, improving the popularity of both worlds. One thing is for sure, Hamilton is not going to stop with his extravagant outfits anytime soon.