F1 News: Lewis Hamilton Quits Alcohol - "I'll Suffer For Several Days"

F1 champion Lewis Hamilton has stopped drinking alcohol, citing significant improvements in his well-being and racing performance, coinciding with the launch of his non-alcoholic spirit, Almave

Lewis Hamilton has introduced Almave, his non-alcoholic spirit brand. Talking with Vogue, he expressed his interest in sobriety, admitting that he's stopped drinking since the launch of this new drink. 

Key Takeaways:

• Hamilton's Personal Journey: Having stopped drinking alcohol, Hamilton describes a marked improvement in his well-being and professional performance.
• A Sober-Curious Market: Hamilton's brand launch taps into a growing trend, with non-alcoholic beverage sales surging by 20% in a year.
• Wellness-Focused Lifestyle: Echoing his earlier shift to a plant-based diet, Hamilton's move away from alcohol aims to maximize his health and environmental consciousness.

The Mercedes driver's foray into the world of non-alcoholic spirits is more than just a business venture; it's a personal statement. Admitting to Vogue, he told them that he's now looking at a life without alcohol, and his latest business venture helps him do it. 

"​​I'll suffer for several days—sometimes it'll be like three or four days," he admitted. "I’ve always been looking for how do you get that extra 1%? As an athlete, that’s what you are always doing." 

For Hamilton, alcohol was more of a hindrance than a help.

Launching Almave with Casa Lumbre, Hamilton has been intimately involved in its creation. This isn't just a case of a celebrity lending their name to a product; it's about crafting something from the ground up. He worked closely with co-founder and master distiller Iván Saldaña on everything the business from the ground up.

The decision to enter the non-alcoholic spirits industry was informed by a booming market and a personal alignment with the sober-curious movement. 

"The fact is—alcohol does not help with that," Hamilton acknowledges, linking his mental health with his drinking habits.

Almave offers two alternatives: Almave Blanco for cocktails and the herbaceous Almave Ámbar to be sipped on the rocks, providing a social solution that aligns with Hamilton's lifestyle. After four months of sobriety, he's noticed significant benefits. 

"Since I’ve stopped drinking, I’ve just been feeling so much better, so much more clarity. I sleep better, I wake up in the morning and I can still get up at 5 a.m.," Hamilton shares. 

Through Almave, Hamilton is not only solving his own dilemma but also addressing a wider societal issue, the pressure of alcohol in social situations, particularly for younger adults. 

"You have that one shot and are like, ‘Damn, why did I do that?’ when you get home," he reflects on the familiar regret many face, "I was like, wow, that’s kind of crazy how I’m feeling pressured. And I realised, how can I be feeling pressure at 38? Imagine young 18 year olds."