Lewis Hamilton raised more than a few eyebrows after he trotted out to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Drivers’ Parade alongside Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Oliver Bearman.
The seven-time world champion completed a sensational switch to the Italian manufacturer ahead of the season that will see him don the famous red of the prancing horse from the 2025 campaign.
This had some onlookers wondering how the dynamics within his current team Mercedes would be affected, and some fans now believe the 39-year-old has already mentally moved on from the outfit.
‘[Lewis Hamilton] hanging out with the Ferrari guys.’ One fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter. ‘Mentally, I think he may have already moved teams!’
Another wrote: ‘Oh absolutely, by the time he moves he would have all things in place in his side of garage.’
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Lewis Hamilton caught the attention of F1 fans when he walked out to the Saudi Arabian Drivers’ Parade alongside Ferrari’s duo
Some supporters were convinced that the seven-time world champions has already distanced himself from current team Mercedes
‘Definitely trying to give the appearance of distancing himself from Merc, can’t blame him really, given what Toto’s apparently been saying!’ A third wrote.
Hamilton’s decision to join the Ferrari duo was also theorised by some to be an attempt to show support for the deputising Bearman.
The 18-year-old made his bow in the sport for Ferrari, replacing Carlos Sainz, who has been absent from the weekend with appendicitis.
The Essex-born teen started from 11th on the grid after narrowly missing out on a spot in the third and final round of qualifying on Friday but will be targeting a points finish in one of the best cars on the grid.
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Oliver Bearman was all smiles as he arrived for the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix in Jeddah
However, others thought the 39-year-old was simply trying to support his fellow British driver, who is in this weekend for Carlos Sainz
‘Perhaps he is just giving moral support to Ollie.’ Pondered one user on X. ‘Lewis is great like that, always supporting others.’
Another said: ‘Love that he’s chatting to Ollie and I hope – giving support and encouragement.’