Sir Lewis Hamilton has reportedly sold his Pagani Zonda for $11.3 million.
The 36-year-old is said to have originally purchased the car for $1.6 million, meaning he has made a profit of almost $10 million on from sale.
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Hamilton’s car was a personalised version named the Zonda 760 LH. It boasts a 760 horsepower AMG V-12 engine, and has a unique purple coat.
He once suffered a minor crash in 2015 in the Zonda while driving in Monaco, where he resides.
Although the reason for selling the car is unknown, Hamilton was never particularly fond of the Italian machine, saying in 2018: “The Zonda is terrible to drive. It’s the best-sounding car I own, but handling-wise it’s the worst.”
However, a more compelling reason would appear to lie in the fact that Hamilton is an environmental activist away from Formula 1.
The seven-time world champion previously stated that he doen’t drive the supercars he owns, as he doesn’t want to unnecessarily increase his carbon footprint.
“I don’t drive any of the cars that I own any more. I only drive my [electric Mercedes-Benz] EQC,” Hamilton told Reuters in September 2020.
READ: Russell stresses he and Hamilton in very ‘different stages’ of their careers
His collection of cars is said to feature two Shelby Cobras, a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 recreation, a Ferrari 599 SA Aperta, and LaFerrari, a LaFerrari Aperta and a McLaren P1, as well as the Pagani Zonda which he has reportedly just sold.
Hamilton also sold his private jet in 2019 in a bid to reduce his carbon footprint, as he continues to use his high-profile position to lobby for positive changes.
The Briton missed out on the world championship in 2021 to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, and has been conspicuously silent since the controversial end to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix barring an interview immediately following the race.
It has been suggested that he may be off to pastures new – potentially related to global activism, music or fashion.
Former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is one of those who believe the 36-year-old may be on the move.
“I don’t think he is coming back, I think he will not race next year,” Ecclestone said in December.
“His disappointment in Abu Dhabi was too big and I understand him.”
He suggested that it may be time for his compatriot to focus on his other passions.
“Now, tied for seven titles with Michael Schumacher, it is the perfect time for him to fulfill his dream and be a fashion entrepreneur.”
Should Hamilton return – as several F1 drivers have indicated they would like him to – he will partner George Russell at Mercedes this year, with the 23-year-old promoted to replace the departing Valtteri Bottas.
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