With rumours circulating about the Lewis Hamilton’s relationship with Kim Kardashian, some fans have been speculating whether the reality star might appear trackside at the Australian Grand Prix.
But last night at Casa Ferrari, the Formula One star revealed that the person who made the journey with him was someone special.
“My mum has been so excited to be here this weekend,” Hamilton told the crowd.
Speaking exclusively at the event, the seven-time world Champion reflected on the support that has followed him throughout his career.
“When I started racing, I never thought that I would have anyone other than my mum as my fan,” he said.
Two decades into his Formula One career, Hamilton said he still has to remind himself how rare the opportunity is.
“I have to pinch myself because I’m one of only 22 drivers now that get to do this in the world,” he said.
The British driver also revealed that this year marks a major milestone at the Australian Grand Prix.
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“This is my 20th year coming to Melbourne, which is going nuts,” he said.
“But I don’t feel any older than I was when I was 22, so I think that’s a positive.”
Hamilton kept the crowd entertained throughout the appearance, but the biggest laugh came when he jokingly scored a new Ferrari, the Amalfi, the brand’s new front-engined V8 grand tourer, priced at $503,261 plus on-road costs.
Hamilton said he had no idea what he was about to see.
“I haven’t seen this car, so this is going to be fun,” he told the crowd.
As the car was revealed, Hamilton leaned into the moment.
“What is this for me? I don’t know anything about it, but I’m going to lie,” he joked.
Seconds later, he delivered the line that had the room laughing.
“Great, free cars, I love it.”
The Ferrari Amalfi was unveiled during the event, the Italian brand’s new front-engined V8 grand tourer replacing the Roma.
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Hamilton also spoke about the massive operation behind Formula One, revealing the scale of the team working behind the scenes.
“We had three weeks of testing, 1600 people back at the factory to build these two cars,” he said.
Asked what has impressed him the most since joining Ferrari, Hamilton gave a simple answer.
“Tifosi,” he said.
“The fans around the world for Ferrari are nuts.”
“I mean, I remember as a kid, and I had old toy cars, but it’s just crazy how wherever we go in the 24 countries around the world, how passionate people are.
“And when you go to Italy, it’s literally the Pope and Ferrari.”
