Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has made a surprising move on Instagram, unfollowing everyone, including his dog Roscoe and even Scuderia Ferrari, despite his massive following on the platform. With 39.5 million followers on Instagram and an additional 8.5 million on X, the British Formula 1 driver commands the largest social media presence among F1 athletes. Yet, this week, fans quickly noticed that Lewis Hamilton had unfollowed everyone, sparking curiosity about his reasoning.
Despite this significant digital change, the British driver has not announced the reason for his actions. However, it’s clear that he is not distancing himself from social media altogether. Just hours after the unfollowing, the seven-time World Champion posted gym selfies as he prepared for the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, signaling he remains active online.
Lewis Hamilton’s first season as a Ferrari driver has not unfolded as expected. So far, he has failed to secure a Grand Prix podium, let alone a victory. While there have been some moments of success, such as winning in the Sprints in China and finishing on the podium in Miami, the celebrations were brief. His interviews have often been downbeat, and his tense radio messages during races have prompted a significant amount of criticism from fans who are beginning to question whether his best years in F1 are behind him.
The Briton, however, has made it clear that he does not engage with social media criticism. Earlier this year, he revealed that he avoids reading the news and takes extended breaks from social media to avoid being bombarded by negative comments. He explained that he prefers to live in his “own little bubble,” away from the noise of public opinion.
This is not the first time Hamilton has taken a social media hiatus. After the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he lost the World Championship to Max Verstappen in a highly disputed race, Lewis Hamilton took a prolonged break from social media and unfollowed everyone on Instagram for the first time. He returned two months later, with a post that simply read, “I’m back.”
Lewis Hamilton has also been open about the mental health challenges that come with social media and the pressures of being an F1 driver. In a 2023 interview at the Brazilian Grand Prix, he acknowledged the anxiety social media can create and the toll it can take on mental well-being. He shared that he had been working through his personal challenges with therapy, meditation, and other tools to help him cope with the stress and pressure of the sport.
Despite the challenges he faces both on and off the track, the Briton’s decision to unfollow everyone on Instagram highlights his desire for personal space and mental clarity, reaffirming that he continues to focus on his well-being while navigating a challenging season.
