Lewis Hamilton’s quick comeback to Jack Whitehall once left the audience of The Graham Norton Show stunned in disbelief. The seven-time Formula One world champion and the comedian were sitting on the couch with actor Ewan McGregor nine years ago when the discussion about driving skills started.
Hamilton, 40, confessed to host Graham Norton that he seldom drives off the racetrack. Whitehall interjected with a playful question: “Can you park, are you good at the whole shebang or just the fast bit? ” Without skipping a beat, Hamilton retorted: “We know that you can’t drive. ” The audience reacted audibly to the remark before Hamilton followed up, questioning Whitehall: “How does a man not have a driver’s license? ” Despite his admitted lack of driving skills, Whitehall confidently responded: “I get picked up by the chicks. ” Almost a decade after their unforgettable exchange, the two – both self-proclaimed Arsenal FC supporters – are set to meet again as Whitehall hosts the F1 season launch event this Tuesday evening.
The event, called F1 75, celebrates the 75th anniversary of the esteemed racing series, where Hamilton will make his first public appearance representing Ferrari, according to reports from the Mirror. The British racing superstar is preparing to debut with Ferrari next month at the Australian Grand Prix, teaming up with colleague Charles Leclerc. Ferrari chief Benedetto Vigna has high aspirations for the duo, showing confidence in their capabilities. “We aim to compete at the top in both the Formula 1 and endurance championships, with a strengthened team and a clear objective: to win,” he expressed. “On a brand level, the arrival of Lewis is certainly beneficial for us. It will be a strong partnership with Leclerc. ”
With Hamilton’s less-than-impressive qualifying record last season at Mercedes in comparison to George Russell, Sky Sports’ analyst Martin Brundle stresses the necessity for Hamilton to start strong at Ferrari. “He’s got to do that,” Brundle affirmed to Sky Sports. “He’s got to leverage his experience.
“There are no justifications at this level for anyone, even the rookies, but you might allow the rookies half a season to find their footing, at most. They will anticipate someone like Lewis to have mastered the people around him and the car within two or three races, to be honest. Never underestimate Lewis Hamilton. “
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