He always stays up-to-date with the latest fashion trends.

And Lewis Hamilton stood out from the crowd in a vibrant tie-dye jersey and cream trousers on Sunday as he left the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles with a friend.

The racing car driver, 35, clutched a Balenciaga jacket as he entered his luxurious vehicle and headed to the Waldorf Hotel in California for an early business meeting.

Splash of colour: Lewis Hamilton stood out from the crowd in a vibrant tie-dye jersey and cream trousers on Sunday as he left the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles with a friend

He rocked chunky footwear and prioritised safety with a face mask as he loaded his expensive raincoat into the boot of his car.

His pal cut a casual figure in a white jumper, grey jogging bottoms and white trainers.

The outing comes as Lewis’s new Formula One deal has ended speculation about his plans for this season, but the one-year duration raises questions about how long the seven times world champion will stick around.

All of the driver’s previous deals have been multi-year agreements but a shorter one buys time for both sides while other issues are worked through.

Back to business: The racing car driver, 35, clutched a Balenciaga jacket as he entered his luxurious vehicle and headed to the Waldorf Hotel for an early business meeting

The debate is likely to continue for months to come, just as the last contract saga was a hot topic throughout much of last year.

‘It´s an unusual announcement for such a team and such a driver it must be said,’ said former driver and Sky television commentator Martin Brundle.

‘Clearly at least one of the parties wanted to keep their options open going forward. I suspect that was Mercedes-Benz, and so they put it to bed for this year, and then they are saying that they will sort 2022 out somewhat earlier.’

Hamilton will be favourite for an unprecedented eighth crown, and a record-extending 100th win this year but his future will remain in focus.

Ready for the road: He rocked chunky footwear and prioritised safety with a face mask as he loaded his expensive raincoat into the boot of his car

Team boss Toto Wolff acknowledged that earlier in February after Mercedes announced the Briton, who was out of contract, had agreed an extension to take him into a ninth season with the team.

‘It is an important contract,’ he said.

‘It is important because of this season and how we want to position ourselves from 2022 onwards and how is his thinking.

‘Lewis needs to decide what his future holds for him. The team needs to decide in the long term what we want to do about drivers.’

Hamilton and Mercedes also announced plans for a joint foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the sport.

‘The idea of the foundation, credit where credit is due, came from (Daimler head) Ola Kaellenius, when we discussed between Lewis, Ola and myself,’ said Wolff.

‘We are going to run it jointly. It also shows there is an alliance and a relationship much beyond 2021.’

The season starts in Bahrain on March 28.

Thumbs up: The outing comes as Lewis’s new Formula One deal has ended speculation about his plans for this season but the one-year duration raises questions about how long the seven times world champion will stick around