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

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

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Passengers waiting in an airport departure lounge

US Flight Shutdown Sparks Cancellations at Heathrow

Nov 15, 2026 03:29 AM
Powerful waves crashing against a coastal seawall during stormy weather

Storm Charles Aftermath: Cancelled Flights and Weekend Flood Alerts

Nov 15, 2026 03:16 AM

Harry Potter Christmas Market Opens in Munich for Just Nine Days

Nov 15, 2026 03:03 AM

Gatwick Adds 10 Winter Routes, Including Phuket and Lapland

Nov 14, 2026 12:08 PM
World Duty Free Christmas sale banner advertising up to 70% off RRP

No Flight Needed for East Midlands’ Duty Free Christmas Sale

Nov 14, 2026 02:45 AM
Passengers boarding an aircraft on an airport apron

Europe’s Bomb Hoaxes Expose Security Gaps, IATA Warns

Nov 13, 2026 20:42 PM
Passengers outside the entrance to London Euston station

Christmas Rail Works Cut Northampton–Rugby Trains for Six Days

Nov 13, 2026 20:27 PM
Close-up of runners taking part in a road race

Paderborn Airport Run to Close Car Parks and Divert Buses

Nov 13, 2026 19:14 PM
Hamburg U-Bahn train passing Landungsbrücken near the harbour

SkyAlps Extends Rome and Hamburg Flights Into 2027

Nov 13, 2026 18:31 PM

London’s The Hari Joins IHG – What Changes for Guests

Nov 12, 2026 21:59 PM

North Wales Rail Shutdown to Disrupt January Travel

Nov 12, 2026 21:46 PM
Aircraft parked on a wet airport apron during snowfall

Manchester Airport Warns of Cold Snap Travel Trouble

Nov 12, 2026 21:33 PM
Panoramic view of Turin with the Mole Antonelliana rising above the city

Ryanair Adds 10 Winter Routes from Turin

Nov 12, 2026 16:58 PM
Shoppers browsing pastries at a Christmas market stall

Christmas Treats That Could Be Seized at Britain's Border

Nov 12, 2026 16:45 PM
Two crew members standing on the stairs of a purple Four Seasons jet

Four Seasons’ 23-Day Jet Trip Has Room for Just 48

Nov 12, 2026 14:12 PM

Spain Strike Cancels 332 Flights as Rail Walkout Is Delayed

Nov 12, 2026 14:07 PM

Storm Charles Cancels 380 Flights as Portugal Alerts Ease

Nov 12, 2026 13:54 PM
Santa Claus waving beside colourful Christmas lights

St Nicholas to Land at German Airport With a Baggage Surprise

Nov 11, 2026 23:51 PM
Person working at multiple computer screens in a dark room

More Airlines Warn Passengers Over Booking Data Leak

Nov 11, 2026 19:09 PM
Guests with luggage walking outside Sugar House Hotel in Vermont

Vermont’s New Marriott Has a Nature Trail Out Back

Nov 11, 2026 18:56 PM
SNCF TGV INOUI Nouvelle Génération train at a railway depot

France’s Long-Delayed TGV Finally Starts Carrying Passengers

Nov 11, 2026 18:43 PM
Colourful Bryggen waterfront buildings in Bergen, Norway

British Airways Adds Three Routes as London Airports Change

Nov 11, 2026 18:38 PM

Dubai Flights Return to Riga, Salzburg and Vilnius

Nov 11, 2026 18:25 PM

Qantas’ Record Flight Brings Nonstop London Trips Closer

Nov 10, 2026 19:22 PM
British passport held in a hand

EU Border Errors Could Block British Holidays

Nov 10, 2026 18:57 PM
LEAV Aviation aircraft parked beside an airport jet bridge

Paderborn’s Crete Flights Get a Second Airline

Nov 10, 2026 15:54 PM