The Karl Stefanovic Show

Adrian Portelli: ‘I Don’t Trust the Government’ – Why Australia’s ‘Lambo Guy’ Is Moving to Dubai

September 16, 2026·35 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

From a working-class upbringing in Melbourne to becoming one of Australia’s most recognisable young entrepreneurs, Adrian Portelli joins Karl to reveal the extraordinary story behind his rise to success. Portelli opens up about the years he spent struggling in Los Angeles, sleeping in cars, working as an Uber driver and eventually returning to Australia to start again from scratch. He explains how repeated failures, his passion for cars and his determination to prove his doubters wrong ultimately led to the success of LMCT+.But Portelli also takes aim at the Australian government, revealing why he has established a base in Dubai and saying: ‘I don’t trust the government.’ He argues that Australia is ‘chasing away success’ and frowning upon ambition when it should be celebrating it.Portelli opens up about the regulatory battles he says he has faced, why he feels successful entrepreneurs are being pushed out of Australia and why he believes the country risks losing young, ambitious businesspeople. He also reveals the story behind the ‘Lambo guy’ nickname,  his controversial appearance on The Block and why he believes Australia has become too uptight.Plus, Portelli explains why making money is no longer enough for him and reveals his future plans to ‘disrupt markets’ and ‘cause chaos’, including his plans to expand into new businesses and markets.Subscribe to The Karl Stefanovic Show for more interviews, debate and conversations on the biggest issues facing Australia, the UK and the world.

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