Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 world title conquered last year with the Mercedes AMG Petronas team gave him the appetite to buy a new car, but it wasn’t a Mercedes-Benz he had in mind.

The British driver had apparently been longing for a LaFerrari, and that is precisely what he bought following his victory at the recent Australian Grand Prix. Hamilton splashed $1.5 million on a LaFerrari, with the purchase confirmed by a spokesman of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. Mercedes AMG Petronas team principal also confirmed Hamilton’s acquisition, telling Italy’s Corriere Della Sera: “For us there is no problem.”

As you all know by now, the LaFerrari is a hybrid hypercar capable of reaching a top speed of over 350 km/h (217 mph) and to accelerate from 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 7 seconds. It will fit nicely in Hamilton’s garage alongside the Pagani Zonda 760LH, various Mercedes-AMG models, Shelby Mustang GT500 and who knows how many other expensive toys.

Hamilton’s performance engineer Jock Clear recently left Mercedes AMG Petronas for Ferrari, replacing Pat Fry as the Scuderia’s head of engineering. Only time will tell whether the British driver will arrive in Maranello as well before he hangs up his racing boots.

Another celebrity that has recently bought a LaFerrari is British chef Gordon Ramsay.

Story references: CNN

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