The seven-time Formula 1 champion's science-backed supplement stack for peak performance on a plant-based diet
When Lewis Hamilton switched to a vegan diet in 2017, nutritionists questioned whether a plant-based athlete could maintain championship-level performance. Hamilton's response? Four more world titles and a meticulously planned supplement routine. His approach combines foundational vitamins with performance-specific compounds, proving vegan athletes can excel at the highest level. From his "non-negotiable" morning ritual to post-race recovery formulas, Hamilton's stack reflects the precision required when heart rates hit 190bpm and cognitive demands peak at 300km/h.
Key Takeaways
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AG1 Athletic Greens is Hamilton's #1 supplement – The seven-time champion calls drinking AG1 each morning a "non-negotiable part" of his routine, citing the energy it provides as making "a world of difference" in his performance
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Plant-based protein gets consumed 2-3 times daily – Hamilton personally stated he has protein smoothies "two or three times a day" because they're "super quick, super easy" for his demanding F1 travel schedule
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B12 supplementation is mandatory, not optional – Sports nutritionist Tara Ostrowe emphasized that "every single day" Hamilton needs additional multivitamins, with B12 being "very difficult to get" on a vegan diet
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Electrolytes prevent the 2-4kg fluid loss per race – Hamilton's physiotherapist Angela Cullen confirmed daily SOS electrolyte use to maintain balance during races where drivers can lose up to 5% body weight
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Omega-3 supports split-second decision making – Performance biochemist Dr. Rob Child emphasized that omega-3 fatty acids have a "fundamental role" in information processing—skills Hamilton "tests to the limit when he is racing a car"
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Four championships won post-vegan switch – Since adopting a plant-based diet in 2017, Hamilton has proven that proper supplementation enables elite athletic performance, stating he's "physically in better shape" than ever
Hamilton's Foundation: Daily Essentials
1. AG1 (Athletic Greens): The Non-Negotiable Morning Ritual
Athletic Greens represents Lewis Hamilton's most publicly celebrated supplement, earning prominent placement on both his Instagram feed and the brand's official partnership page. The seven-time champion stated unequivocally: "Drinking AG1 each morning is a non-negotiable part of my routine. Long term habits are necessary for performance, fitness, and overall health. The energy I get from this every day has made a world of difference." His physiotherapist Angela Cullen confirmed she supplements with "daily AG1" as part of the team's performance protocol.
Why AG1 works for Hamilton:
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Delivers 75 vitamins, minerals, superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens in one scoop
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NSF Certified for Sport designation matters for athletes subject to anti-doping protocols
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In a clinical study, 97% of participants reported improved energy at one month, and at three months, 97% felt their digestion improved
For athletes seeking comprehensive nutritional coverage without the premium price, XV1 Green Superfood Powder provides science-backed B-vitamins, Vitamin C, turmeric, reishi mushrooms, and an advanced probiotic blend with digestive enzymes. Vegan & GMO Free with No Sugar and No Fillers, XV1's formula supports digestion, gut health, and immune defenses with one daily scoop—compatible with vegan, keto, and intermittent fasting protocols.
2. Plant-Based Protein Powder: The 2-3x Daily Performance Fuel
Hamilton's most frequent supplement consumption centers on plant-based protein, which he consumes "two or three times" daily in smoothie form. His rationale reflects F1's grueling travel schedule: "I always have smoothies. I love having various smoothies with plant-based protein. I generally have that probably two or three times a day because it's super quick, super easy, put it in the blender and you can take it with you."
The vegan protein challenge:
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While a 251g steak delivers 62g protein, the same weight of tofu provides only 20g
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Vegan athletes must consume larger volumes or supplement strategically
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Sports nutritionist Tara Ostrowe recommended protein shakes "30 minutes after training" for vegan athletes
At an estimated 68kg bodyweight, Hamilton needs approximately 95g daily protein (based on the 1.4g per kg recommendation)—difficult to achieve through whole foods alone when traveling across 20 countries. Angela Cullen confirmed the team's reliance on "Veg Vegan protein shakes" for consistent nutrition. This strategy enabled Hamilton to maintain the approximately 6.8kg of muscle he gained after switching to veganism.
3. Vitamin B12: The Critical Red Blood Cell Foundation
Vitamin B12 stands as the most non-negotiable supplement for any vegan athlete, particularly one operating in Formula 1's oxygen-demanding environment. Sports nutritionist Tara Ostrowe stated that "every single day" Hamilton needs additional multivitamins, emphasizing that "B12, crucial in the formation of red blood cells, is very difficult to get" on a plant-based diet.
Why B12 matters for F1:
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Red blood cell efficiency directly impacts oxygen delivery during races where heart rates spike to 190bpm
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B12 deficiency manifests as fatigue, cognitive impairment, and reduced endurance
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Supports energy metabolism and nervous system health for 300km/h decision-making
B12 exists naturally only in animal products, making supplementation biochemically necessary rather than optional. Hamilton's four championships since going vegan in 2017 validate that proper B12 supplementation enables peak performance when combined with strategic nutrition.
4. Electrolyte Supplements (SOS): Race-Day Hydration Insurance
Angela Cullen revealed the team's daily protocol includes "AG1, SOS, and Veg" Vegan protein shakes to ensure "electrolyte balance" alongside vitamin and mineral support. This addresses extreme fluid loss—races can result in 2-4kg weight loss, representing up to 5% of total body weight.
Sports nutritionist Tara Ostrowe emphasized Hamilton needs "4.5 liters of water" daily, noting "he will be sweating a lot in the car and he needs to make sure he's replenishing those electrolytes and fluids." Ostrowe recommended consuming nutrients "every 2-4 hours" for blood sugar stability, a protocol that includes electrolyte replacement. Sodium, potassium, and magnesium losses must be replaced to prevent cramping and maintain cardiovascular function during races.
5. Daily Multivitamin: Comprehensive Nutritional Insurance
Sports nutritionist Tara Ostrowe provided clear guidance: "Every single day" Hamilton needs additional multivitamins. This addresses multiple nutrient gaps in plant-based diets, particularly for athletes under extreme training stress. Beyond B12 and Vitamin D, vegan athletes face challenges obtaining adequate calcium, iron, and zinc.
Hamilton's AG1 partnership likely fulfills much of this requirement, as the formula contains 75 vitamins and minerals designed for comprehensive coverage. The all-in-one approach suits his demanding schedule across 20 countries, eliminating multiple bottles and dosing schedules.
For athletes seeking science-backed multivitamin alternatives, XV1's Green Superfood offers targeted formulas including immune support, detoxifying greens, and probiotic blends—all Vegan & GMO Free with No Sugar, No Fillers, and backed by a 90-Day Money Back Guarantee.
Performance Optimization: Vegan-Specific Solutions
6. Vitamin D: The Bone Health and Immune Foundation
Tara Ostrowe identified Vitamin D as challenging for vegan athletes, stating it "plays a huge role" in body functions and tends to be "difficult to get" on plant-based diets. Hamilton's lifestyle compounds this—despite racing in sunny locations, F1 drivers spend extensive time in covered cockpits, indoor facilities, and traveling between 20 countries.
Vitamin D's critical roles:
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Supports calcium absorption and bone density for crash protection
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Regulates immune function during March-to-November season
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Influences muscle function and power output
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Affects mood regulation and mental resilience
7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Algae-Based): Brain Function at 300km/h
Dr. Rob Child, a performance biochemist who worked with F1 teams McLaren and Ferrari, emphasized that omega-3 fatty acids have a "fundamental role" in information processing—skills Hamilton "tests to the limit when he is racing a car." The challenge: long-chain EPA and DHA forms "only come from" oily fish in traditional diets. Hamilton's solution involves algae supplements or seaweed, the original source where fish obtain these fatty acids.
Why algae-based Omega-3s matter:
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Split-second decisions require optimal neural signaling and membrane fluidity
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Plant sources like walnuts provide ALA, but the body converts less than 10% to active EPA/DHA
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Direct algae supplementation bypasses inefficiency
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Provides anti-inflammatory effects for recovery from 160-170bpm average heart rates
Hamilton's sustained elite performance since 2017 suggests his Omega-3 strategy successfully addresses the brain function concerns Dr. Child identified as critical for F1 success.
The Vegan F1 Performance Paradox
Hamilton's supplement stack addresses a fundamental question: can plant-based nutrition support Formula 1's extreme demands? His results provide compelling evidence—since switching to veganism in 2017, he's won four additional championships and reports being "physically in better shape" than ever. The seven-time champion credits his plant-based program with enhanced energy, clearer thinking, faster recovery, and better sleep.
The broader context reveals Hamilton's influence on athletic nutrition. The 360% increase in veganism over 10 years in the UK reflects growing acceptance, with elite athletes including the Williams sisters and Novak Djokovic demonstrating championship performance on plant-based diets. Hamilton's openness about his supplement protocol provides a roadmap for athletes considering similar transitions.
Successful athletic performance doesn't require veganism—many elite F1 drivers maintain omnivorous diets and achieve comparable success. Hamilton's choice reflects personal values around animal welfare and environmental impact. However, his meticulous supplementation proves that when executed properly with expert guidance, plant-based nutrition presents no barrier to reaching the absolute pinnacle of athletic achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lewis Hamilton's most important supplement?
Hamilton himself identified AG1 Athletic Greens as his "non-negotiable" morning ritual, stating the energy has made "a world of difference" in performance. His physiotherapist confirmed daily AG1 use. However, B12 supplementation is mandatory "every single day" for vegan athletes due to its role in red blood cell formation—arguably making it the most physiologically essential.
How often does Lewis Hamilton take protein supplements?
Hamilton consumes plant-based protein smoothies "two or three times" daily. This aligns with expert recommendations—sports nutritionist Tara Ostrowe advised protein shakes "30 minutes after training" to meet the 1.4g per kg bodyweight requirement. At approximately 68kg, Hamilton needs roughly 95g daily protein.
Are all of Lewis Hamilton's supplements vegan?
Yes, all documented supplements are plant-based or synthetic, consistent with his vegan diet since 2017. His Omega-3 supplementation likely uses algae-based sources, as Dr. Rob Child noted algae or seaweed provide the only vegan EPA and DHA options. For comprehensive vegan supplement options, XV1's vegan collection offers science-backed formulas including creatine gummies.
Does Lewis Hamilton take creatine or other performance supplements?
Available research doesn't confirm creatine in Hamilton's current stack. His documented supplements focus on addressing vegan diet gaps (B12, Vitamin D, Omega-3) and race-specific demands (electrolytes, protein). Performance biochemist Dr. Rob Child's analysis centered on brain function nutrients rather than traditional sports supplements. For convenient creatine supplementation, XV1 Creatine Gummies deliver 1,000mg creatine monohydrate per gummy—vegan, gluten-free, no scoop required.
How much does Lewis Hamilton spend on supplements monthly?
Specific costs aren't publicly disclosed, though AG1 runs around $79-99 monthly depending on subscription. Given Hamilton's consumption of protein powder 2-3 times daily, plus B12, Vitamin D, Omega-3, electrolytes, and other supplements, monthly costs likely range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. Elite athletes prioritize premium, third-party tested supplements for purity and banned-substance screening. Hamilton's AG1 partnership may provide complimentary products, making precise calculations impossible.
