British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has sold his cherry-colored plane: what happened

By Tychyna TetianaDec 4, 2023 07:54 AMNews
Share:
British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has sold his cherry-colored plane: what happened
Lewis Hamilton. Source: instagram.com/lewishamilton

The renowned British Formula 1 driver, Lewis Hamilton, a member of the Mercedes team and a seven-time world champion (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020), has decided to part ways with his private jet. He had previously acquired a Bombardier Challenger 605, which he had painted in a vibrant cherry color.

Throughout his career, the celebrated British athlete has amassed significant wealth, investing in various real estate properties and a diverse collection of cars. Recent reports indicate that he has chosen to relinquish ownership of his private jet, as reported by simpleflying.

In the course of his career, Lewis Hamilton accumulated substantial wealth, allowing him to acquire a residence in London's West End, a penthouse in Monaco, and another penthouse in New York with scenic views of the Hudson River.

Hamilton also boasts an impressive collection of automobiles, featuring models such as Shelby Cobras, Ferraris, and several Mercedes.

Details on the private jet purchase

According to Essentially Sports, Hamilton expressed his love for airplanes during an appearance on the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live. Shortly after the interview, the Mercedes team pilot went on to purchase a Bombardier Challenger 605 for a reported $29 million.

British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has sold his cherry-colored plane: what happened
Bombardier Challenger 605. Source: Curimedia Wikimedia Commons

Earlier, the racer mentioned his dislike for the mundane white colors of the plane. Consequently, the first action he took was to repaint it in a cherry hue and register it under the designation G-LCDH. These letters symbolize his full name, Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton.

Details about the aircraft

The Challenger 605, developed by Bombardier based on the Challenger 604, boasts improvements such as an updated cockpit with expansive windows, a new tail fairing, and a Collins Pro Line 21 cockpit.

Capable of accommodating up to 19 passengers, the aircraft boasts a maximum speed of Mach 0.85 and an impressive range of 4,600 miles.

Airplane Scandal

The Formula 1 driver made headlines in 2017 after his inclusion in the Paradise Papers list, revealing information about potential tax evasion. It was disclosed that the plane was registered on the Isle of Man, where there is no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or corporate tax.

Changing Priorities

Following this incident, the racer reassessed his lifestyle choices, opting to adopt a plant-based diet and renounce meat. In addition to embracing veganism, he committed to reducing his carbon footprint on the environment. Consequently, Hamilton decided to sell his Bombardier Challenger 605 airplane in 2019. The buyer is reported to be the British charter company SaxonAir Charter Limited, based at Norwich Airport (NWI).

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
View of Helsinki Cathedral and waterfront buildings seen from the shoreline

New Beijing–Helsinki Link Takes Flight in Spring 2026

Jan 17, 2026 01:33 AM
Daytime cityscape of Malaga with cathedral and residential buildings

LOT Opens Direct Warsaw-Malaga Route

Jan 16, 2026 23:56 PM

Canadians Urged to Pre-Pay Entry Fee for Colombia

Jan 15, 2026 21:06 PM

New Iberian Links as Air Europa Expands

Jan 15, 2026 20:33 PM
Fine dining-style plate with fish, beetroot and vegetables on a white table

Air France Adds Michelin Flair on African Routes

Jan 15, 2026 19:31 PM
Panoramic view of Istanbul’s skyline with ferries crossing the Bosphorus

New Gdańsk–Istanbul Route Adds a Useful Baltic Link

Jan 15, 2026 18:32 PM
View of Alicante coastline, marina and historic fortress under clear skies

New Nonstop Belgrade–Alicante Flights Set for Summer

Jan 15, 2026 07:31 AM
TAP Air Portugal aircraft landing at Porto Airport

Porto Gains New Long-Haul Links and TAP Investment

Jan 15, 2026 06:18 AM
Austrian Airlines Airbus taxiing on runway

Austrian Airlines Sets Plan for Free High-Speed Wi-Fi

Jan 14, 2026 20:04 PM

Summer 2026 Brings New Ryanair Links for Ancona

Jan 14, 2026 19:04 PM

Zurich Joins Glasgow’s Summer Flight Map

Jan 14, 2026 18:17 PM
Line of Ryanair passengers boarding a Boeing 737 at an airport.

Ryanair Calls Out OTAs for Inflated Fees in New Price Survey

Jan 14, 2026 04:37 AM
EU flag displayed on historic brick building.

EU Lawmakers Back Stricter Air Passenger Rules, Airlines Push Back

Jan 14, 2026 03:08 AM
Lufthansa Airbus aircraft taxiing at an airport.

Lufthansa Group Plans Fast Free In-Flight Wi-Fi Across Entire Fleet

Jan 14, 2026 02:32 AM
Emirates aircraft taxiing before departure.

Helsinki Gets Year-Round Dubai Link With Emirates

Jan 14, 2026 02:02 AM

Taxi Strike Slows Airport Access in Rome

Jan 13, 2026 19:05 PM

Ice Disrupts Flights Across Central Europe as Airports Halt Operations

Jan 13, 2026 16:03 PM
Panoramic view of Naples with Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples under a partly cloudy sky

Wizz Air Links Naples With Palma de Mallorca Ahead of Summer 2026

Jan 13, 2026 15:24 PM
Husky team pulling a sled through a snowy forest trail.

Spring Lapland Becomes Easier to Plan for Snow-Lovers

Jan 13, 2026 02:33 AM
Museum exterior of the Guggenheim Bilbao beside the river on a clear day

New Milan–Bilbao Route Boosts Northern Italy’s Direct Links to Spain

Jan 13, 2026 01:34 AM
Finnair aircraft parked at snowy Helsinki Airport apron

Finnair Refreshes Long-Haul Business Class With Nordic Flair

Jan 13, 2026 00:31 AM
Aerial view of Santander coastline in northern Spain

Wizz Air Adds New Summer Links From Bulgaria to Spain, Greece and Poland

Jan 12, 2026 23:35 PM

KLM Restores Regular Schedule After Severe Winter Disruption

Jan 12, 2026 22:37 PM

Weather Warning Grounds Loganair Flights Across Scotland

Jan 11, 2026 16:20 PM
Passport control sign at a European airport

EES Expansion Triggers Calls to Ease Border Bottlenecks

Jan 10, 2026 03:37 AM
In-flight meal with charcuterie and red wine

TAP Brings Portuguese Wine Culture On Board in 2026

Jan 10, 2026 02:32 AM