Racecar driver Lewis Hamilton, who made headlines with his appearance at the 2025 Met Gala, is widely regarded as a sporting legend. Raised in the English town of Stevenage (where he discovered his passion for go-karting at a young age) by a working-class family, the 40-year-old became the first Black driver in Formula 1 history and has since claimed seven world championships. Beyond athletics, Hamilton is a prominent advocate for social change and cultural influence.
Much of the athlete’s success can be attributed to the key relationships that have shaped his journey: his parents, Anthony and Carmen, who supported his early ambitions, and his long-time mentor, Fred Vasseur, who has played a significant role in his racing career for nearly twenty years. While his family and professional connections are well known, Hamilton remains notably private about his romantic life. Despite frequent speculation and rumors linking him to various celebrities, the question persists: who is Lewis Hamilton’s girlfriend? Let’s take a closer look.
The Athlete’s Earliest Relationships Were With Danielle Lloyd and Jodia Ma
In 2002, emerging motorsport talent Lewis Hamilton met model and television personality Danielle Lloyd in a nightclub. As Cosmopolitan notes, the two quickly hit it off, beginning a romance that lasted about six months. Danielle later described their connection as “love at first sight.” They remained friends for some time afterward, with Hamilton even supporting Lloyd when she was crowned Miss England in 2004.
Between 2003 and 2007, Lewis Hamilton’s girlfriend was Jodia Ma, whom he met while both were students at Cambridge. Their four-year partnership coincided with the former’s rise through the junior racing ranks. As Hamilton’s fame grew, their relationship came to an end. Jodia speaks highly of his drive and his future success while noting, “We both wanted to pursue our different careers.”
From 2007 to 2015, Nicole Scherzinger Was Lewis Hamilton’s Girlfriend
According to Parade, Hamilton’s most notable relationship was with Nicole Scherzinger, lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls. The two met at an MTV Awards ceremony in 2007 and began a nearly eight-year romance. Both Hamilton and Scherzinger cited their demanding careers and frequent time apart as major challenges. These issues ultimately led to an amicable split in 2015. Scherzinger described the breakup as “devastating,” and Hamilton, in reflecting on the split a few years later, said, “My world turned upside down.”
Despite Heartbreak, the F1 Racer Went on To Reach New Career Highs
After his split with Scherzinger in 2015, Lewis Hamilton entered one of the most dominant phases of his Formula 1 career. He clinched his third world title that same year, showcasing remarkable consistency with ten wins and 17 podiums. In a dramatic 2016 season he set the record for most wins without securing the title, an oversight which he corrected in 2017 when he secured his fourth world title.
He won his fifth, sixth, and seventh world championships between 2018 and 2020. In the process, Hamilton tied Michael Schumacher’s record for most titles and surpassed him for the most Grand Prix victories of all time. Off the track, the British star became a powerful force for change, using his influence to champion diversity, social justice and environmental causes. A visible supporter of the BLM movement, he unveiled a Black Lives Matter-themed helmet and an all-black Mercedes car in 2020 to highlight racial inequality in motorsport.
According to the Guardian, Hamilton said, “I have personally experienced racism in my life and seen my family and friends experience racism, and I am speaking from the heart when I appeal for change.” He has also spoken out in support of LGBTQ+ rights, wearing a rainbow helmet at the Qatar Grand Prix in 2021. He founded the Hamilton Commission to investigate and break down barriers for Black people in UK motorsport. The same year, he launched Mission 44, a foundation that pledged £20 million to support underrepresented youth and fund Black STEM educators in England. More recently, Hamilton has cultivated a reputation as a fashion icon and entrepreneur.
Hamilton Has Been Linked To Starlets Like Winnie Harlow and Shakira
The Formula 1 champion has been very private about his relationships following the Scherzinger breakup. However, his status as one of the world’s most eligible bachelors and his global fame make his love life a constant topic of public fascination. As a result, rumors have linked him to many high-profile celebrities over the years.
Canadian model Winnie Harlow, known for redefining beauty standards, was rumored to be Lewis Hamilton’s girlfriend between 2016 and 2017. The pair were first photographed together at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in September 2016 and continued to be seen at high-profile events afterward.. Although their frequent appearances fueled speculation, neither Hamilton nor Harlow ever confirmed or denied a romantic relationship.
As for Nicki Minaj, these two were seen together at New York Fashion Week. Both later posted photos from a Dubai trip they reportedly took together. Despite flirty Instagram comments and innuendo, neither confirmed anything serious was unfolding. Following those rumors, Hamilton was briefly linked to global pop superstar Shakira in 2023. The pair first crossed paths at the Miami Grand Prix. Soon after, gossip flew as they were photographed together on a boat in Miami and seen dining with friends in Barcelona. Shakira also cheered Hamilton on from the stands at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Is Lewis Hamilton Currently In a Relationship?
Lewis Hamilton has been the subject of dating rumors with actress Sofía Vergara since early 2025. Speculation began in January when the two were spotted enjoying a reportedly flirty lunch at an upscale New York City restaurant. The chatter intensified in May when Vergara attended the Monaco Grand Prix and was seen spending time at the garage of Ferrari, Hamilton’s new team, further fueling speculation. Vergara’s friends reportedly also expressed concern about the relationship, particularly due to the age gap between the two. However, neither Hamilton nor Vergara has publicly confirmed any romantic involvement, suggesting he’s still living the bachelor life.
The British Icon’s Drive To Succeed Might Be What’s Keeping Him Single
Hamilton was born in 1985 to Anthony Hamilton, of Grenadian descent, and Carmen Larbalestier, a white British woman. He spent his early childhood with his mother after his parents separated when he was two. Later, he moved in with his father and stepmother, Linda, to focus more seriously on his racing ambitions—a decision his parents made jointly.
An article in People magazine explains how Anthony traveled with his young son every weekend to races across the U.K, working multiple jobs and remortgaging his house to fund Hamilton’s early karting career. “I honestly do not think I would be where I am today,” said Hamilton, “if my parents and step-parents had not worked hard together.”
Perhaps for this reason, Lewis Hamilton appears in no hurry to settle down, focused instead on making the most of his career. “I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing, and that’s winning. That’s my No. 1 priority,” he said in a TIME interview. “I could be here until I’m 50, who knows?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Lewis Hamilton date Kendall Jenner?
Lewis Hamilton and Kendall Jenner were rumored to be dating in 2015 after being seen together at several public events. However, Hamilton publicly clarified that they were just friends.
Does Lewis Hamilton have a child?
As of 2025, Lewis Hamilton does not have any children.