Lewis Hamilton had a very famous fan in tow for the drivers’ parade ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — Hollywood superstar Will Smith.
The pre-race parade is usually reserved for F1’s 20 drivers but the recently-crowned 2018 champion had company on Sunday. Smith, a guest of Mercedes this weekend, climbed aboard the truck before it departed to do some filming of his own.
When Hamilton won the championship in Mexico City, a pre-recorded message from Smith was played over his radio channel saying: “Hey Lewis, congrats man! That’s how you do it, baby! Just like I taught you! That’s how, that’s how you do it! Just like that! That’s how you are supposed to drive!”
Hamilton, who now boasts five world championships, returned the favour to his friend ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Having done his own filming at the beginning of the parade, Smith was soon interviewed by F1’s Rosanna Tennant and admitted Hamilton was helping do something he’s been dreaming of for a long time.
“This is fantastic,” he said. “Lewis and I have been talking about this for probably like five years, since the grand prix in Monte Carlo. That was the first time I ever came and I’m just speechless, I love this, this is so exciting.
“I’m glad to be here to support my man. We’ve been talking about it for so long. I’m here with the world champ!” Read more
