Sir Lewis Hamilton has confirmed he is part of a bid to buy Chelsea, describing the opportunity to hold a minority stake in the Premier League club as “one of the greatest opportunities.” The seven-time Formula 1 champion, alongside tennis star Serena Williams, has joined a consortium led by former British Airways chairman Sir Martin Broughton to take over from sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
Hamilton, whose personal wealth is estimated at around £260 million, will invest several million pounds if the bid succeeds. He may also take up a formal role promoting diversity and inclusion at the club. A decision on a preferred bidder could be made early next week.
The 37-year-old revealed his interest during a press conference before this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, explaining his lifelong passion for football. He played from age four to 17 and attended numerous matches. However, he stressed that his previous support for Arsenal would not affect his role at Chelsea, should the bid be successful.
Hamilton recounted how he became an Arsenal fan as a child. “I was the only kid of colour there and the kids all supported someone different… I remember switching between teams and my sister punching me several times in the arm, basically beating me to say I had to support Arsenal,” he said. Despite this, his uncle Terry is a Chelsea fan, and Hamilton has watched many games with him.
