Lewis Hamilton had an awkward moment with comedian Jack Whitehall at the British Grand Prix just before the race got underway at Silverstone. As usual, a number of celebrities are guests at the event, with English comedian Whitehall among them. However, his attempt to mingle with drivers on the grid resulted in a bump into the seven-time world champion.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Whitehall said: “Just now when I was being invited to the grid I nearly body-checked Sir Lewis Hamilton. I don’t know whether I’m going to be invited back again, it was a very cold stare.”
The Bad Education Movie star has previously mocked Hamilton, 40, in the past. Although his comments were made in jest, he speculated that was the reason behind his cold reception, and also revealed his mum was at Silverstone with him.
“Maybe that was for the jokes I made at F1 75 as well and not just the body check,” he continued. “My mum is very excited to see Martin Brundle, and I brought her with me. She said that he is her hall pass, whatever that means…”
Whitehall had already raised eyebrows before heading to Silverstone. He said: “I’ve been invited by Mercedes. But I’m going to go to the Red Bull garage and annoy Christian Horner for two hours.”
Despite the pre-race distraction, it didn’t affect Hamilton in the early stages at Silverstone. After qualifying fifth, he moved up a place after overtaking ex-teammate George Russell on the opening lap.
Max Verstappen maintained his lead from the start, from the McLaren pair of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. However, an afternoon of chaos is in store, with a virtual safety car having already been deployed in the first six laps.