Lewis Hamilton Wears Classic £92 Ray-Ban Sunglasses at Japanese Grand Prix

The Formula 1 driver made a fashion statement with his affordable shades at the race in Tokyo.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:08pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the movement and energy of a Formula 1 race, with a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses as the central focus, conceptually representing the accessible fashion statement made by the driver.Hamilton's choice of affordable Ray-Ban sunglasses at the Japanese Grand Prix reflects the accessible style that has made the Wayfarer a pop culture icon.NYC Today

Lewis Hamilton, the Formula 1 driver, has become known for his bold fashion choices, often wearing outfits from up-and-coming designers. At the recent Japanese Grand Prix, Hamilton finished 6th while wearing a full look from designer Willy Chavarria, but what caught people's attention were his surprisingly affordable Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses that cost only £92.

Why it matters

Hamilton's race day outfits have become a talking point, as he has pushed to express his personal style rather than just wearing team uniforms. His choice of accessible Ray-Ban sunglasses, a classic design worn by many celebrities over the decades, shows that you don't need to be a wealthy F1 driver to emulate his fashion sense.

The details

Despite having access to high-end designer sunglasses, including Ferrari's own £500-plus options, Hamilton opted for the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer frames that cost less than £100. The Wayfarer design was first introduced by Ray-Ban in 1952 and has since been worn by many famous figures, cementing its place in popular culture.

  • The Japanese Grand Prix took place on March 30, 2026.

The players

Lewis Hamilton

A Formula 1 driver known for his bold fashion choices, including wearing outfits from up-and-coming designers on race days.

Willy Chavarria

A New York-based fashion designer who won the CFDA American Menswear Designer of the Year award in 2023 and 2024.

Ray-Ban

An American sunglasses brand known for its classic Wayfarer design, which was first introduced in 1952 and has been worn by many celebrities over the decades.

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What they’re saying

“I'd arrive and feel terrible wearing the same thing 180 days a year. I asked if I could show up in my own style and change into the kit later. It took a long time to get the bosses to agree. I basically had to break the rules.”

— Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 driver

The takeaway

Hamilton's choice of affordable Ray-Ban sunglasses at the Japanese Grand Prix shows that you don't need to be a wealthy celebrity to emulate his fashion sense. The classic Wayfarer design has remained popular for decades, worn by many famous figures, and is accessible to the average consumer.