Neat Burger, the plant-based fast-food brand backed by Lewis Hamilton, is launching in the US this year with a target of 1,000 branches around the world by the year 2030 – in anticipation of a meat-free world ten years later.

The company has eight branches up and running in London with another 30 in the pipeline. It began the year with more than £5 million in financing to generate growth in the US, Italy and the UAE, with a North American flagship set to open in Manhattan in the summer. The British regions will have to wait until next year.

Chairman and co-founder Tommaso Chiabra said: “By 2040, we see a world where alternative proteins have replaced animal proteins completely. Neat is leading the charge in the development of these alternatives that not only satisfy the needs of conscious consumers, but also deliver on flavour. We’re here to prove that the easiest choice can also be the best choice for the planet.”

Lewis Hamilton is the most successful F1 racing driver of all time, with seven World Championships and 103 victories to his name. This week he also emerged as a potential investor alongside Serena Williams in one of several bids to take ownership of Chelsea FC from Roman Abramovich.