For the past three years, Lewis Hamilton’s management has been handled by US company Copper – with the start of the new season, he is returning to Marc Hynes
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has ended his contract with US management company Copper and is now working with his long-time friend Marc Hynes again
The former BTCC racer and 1999 British Formula 3 champion became friends with Hamilton when he was driving for John Booth’s Manor team in Formula Renault and Formula 3, working his way up the ranks.
Hynes worked as a driver coach for Manor at the time and remained close to Hamilton after his promotion to Formula 1. In December 2015, he took a job focusing on setting up the ‘Project Forty Four’ organization that Hamilton had founded a year earlier, taking care of the Brit’s day-to-day activities while he was on site at the races.
In early 2021, Hynes left Hamilton and subsequently became a key part of the Guanyu Zhou management team, working with his long-time partner and former Manor/Marussia colleague Graeme Lowdon.
The company the pair jointly own, Equals Management, will continue to work with the Chinese driver.
Hamilton worked with Copper and its Canadian boss Penny Thow from 2021 to 2023, focusing primarily on expanding ‘Project Forty Four’ and non-racing ventures.
These included the charity foundation Mission 44, a TV documentary project and the Apple-backed Formula 1 film, in which Hamilton is involved as a producer. Even though the main management contract with Copper is ending, Hamilton will continue to work with Throw on some of the ongoing projects.
Hynes, meanwhile, will focus on Hamilton’s day-to-day racing work rather than marketing activities. Further appointments are expected to strengthen the Mercedes driver’s management team as he continues to get involved in projects outside the sport.
A spokesperson for Hamilton told Motorsport.com: “The management agreement between Penni Thow and their company Copper with Lewis Hamilton has come to its natural conclusion in December 2023 following the expiry of a fixed term.”
“Over the course of the partnership, Penni and her team have supported Lewis’ entrepreneurial vision and launched several exciting ventures together.”
“Although the management contract has expired, Copper will continue to work with Lewis on some of these joint projects to develop them successfully. In the coming months, Lewis will expand his Project Forty Four business and make exciting announcements as his entrepreneurial business and investment interests continue to grow.”
“Lewis is looking forward to the start of the new Formula 1 season and will be working with Marc Hynes, his long-time friend and former colleague, who will support Lewis with his on-track expertise.”
“Marc will focus exclusively on racing activities and support Lewis’ commitment to fight his way back to the top. “
