Lewis Hamilton’s newest entrepreneurial pursuit is a reflection of his synergy with Angela Cullen, who upon her departure from his team earlier in the year, alluded to an upcoming ‘new chapter’ for the Formula One virtuoso.
The recent unveiling of Almave marks Hamilton’s foray into the beverage industry, touted as the first non-alcoholic spirit distilled from authentic blue agave. The teetotal F1 icon has crafted a product that mirrors the wellness and purity he and Cullen appreciate in their lifestyles.
Hints about this innovative enterprise might have been subtly dropped by Cullen earlier in the year.
In her March social media farewell, as she stepped away from her role with the racing champion, Cullen expressed her deep respect and optimism for Hamilton’s path ahead.
Her message was heartfelt: “To have stood beside you has been an honor and a joy. I’m filled with pride for all that you have achieved. Your support and belief in me have unveiled the infinite possibilities that lie within us all.”
Adding a layer of intrigue, she also mentioned, “I am eager to see the new endeavors you will embark upon. Your capabilities are limitless.”
While the link between this statement and Hamilton’s latest business announcement remains speculative, the closeness shared between the two during her tenure as his physiotherapist and advisor suggests she might have been privy to his entrepreneurial ambitions ahead of the public.
Cullen’s departure marked the end of an era, as she had been a steadfast companion and an integral part of Hamilton’s racing life, witnessing his triumphs and growth firsthand.
Beyond Almave, Hamilton has diversified his business interests, which include a collaborative clothing line with Tommy Hilfiger and an investment in the plant-based fast-food brand Neat Burger, which recently soared to a $100 million valuation after securing investment from several new backers, reported by the Financial Times.
With respect to Almave, Hamilton sees it not just as a beverage but as an invitation to embrace moderation and wellbeing. On Instagram, he shared, “Almave uses traditional tequila crafting methods to produce a non-alcoholic spirit that stands out in flavor and quality without compromising the essence.”