Lewis Hamilton has kicked off the new year on full throttle, awarding himself a hefty bonus for his prosperous 2018 season in the form of a luxurious Manhattan penthouse.

The Formula One ace, 34, picked a four-bed pad in a complex that is popular with celebrities, and is only a block from another penthouse he bought in 2017.

The apartment is at 70 Vestry Street, a limestone building designed by Robert A.M. Stern architects, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Hamilton’s new four bedroom property looks out onto the Hudson River and is complete with a courtyard, an 82ft long swimming pool, a squash court and a library.

The Wall Street Journal reports that he has another pad round the corner at 443 Greenwich Street where other star names including Jennifer Lawrence and Mike Myers have lived.

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Hamilton won his fifth world title last season, putting him in an elite group of three drivers who have achieved the landmark.

Michael Schumacher is out in front with seven and Juan Manuel Fangio also claimed five titles.

While a champion on the track he is also a star turn off it and is always keen to brace the limelight.

Hamilton is the most marketable figure currently in Formula One with endorsements which include with Mercedes-Benz, Tommy Hilfiger, Monster Energy, Puma, IWC and Sony.

His official residency is in Monaco but he is regularly jet-setting around the globe.

He’s currently ranked 47th on the Forbes rich list with a reported wealth of $51m dollars.

Hamilton also has a busy romantic life and was recently linked to rapper Nicki Minaj with the two appearing on each other’s Instagram accounts.

Last September the two were seen cozying up to each other at a Tommy Hilfiger promotional event.

The British driver will have to face stiff competition from Sebastian Vettel, Charles LeClerc and Max Verstappen for the 2019 title. But the 5-time world champion will surely be up for the challenge.