Nowhere can hide from World Cup fever. Even the Ferrari garage is feeling the excitement. However, for England-born Lewis Hamilton, the tournament won’t be about following the exploits of the Three Lions alone. The seven-time winner of the Formula 1 driver’s championship has revealed he supports both England and Brazil, where he was made an honorary citizen in 2022.
Hamilton was born in Stevenage in 1985 but has always held an affection for Brazil, who he says played a brand of football that captured his imagination while growing up. Yet, racing has always been in his blood. Sao Paulo-born great Aryton Senna was an idol of the Ferrari driver. Hamilton wasn’t just drawn to the three-time world champion’s success on the circuit. He loved his passion. Hamilton has called him a “warrior” who was always “chasing perfection”.
They were ideals the British driver wanted to emulate. Senna’s fighting spirit was something Hamilton greatly admired, with an ability to “never drive half-heartedly” influencing his style, from early karting success to title-winning seasons behind the wheel of an F1 car.
That affinity to Brazil began with Senna. But it continued after Hamilton started spending time in the country. He has talked about his admiration for its diversity, people and culture. It’s little wonder the Formula 1 superstar can’t wait for November’s race at Interlagos, where he has won three times, to come around each year. In Brazil, “I feel at home,” Hamilton told Formula 1.com.
“I Love Watching Brazil Play”
While Hamilton hopes the Three Lions finally put six decades of hurt behind them, he can’t hide the fact that he wants Brazil to do well too. Seleção has “always been my favourite team”, he was quoted as saying by The Mirror. “Growing up in England, I loved watching Brazil play.”
He still supports England too, but has a warning for fans. Don’t sing “It’s Coming Home” before the Three Lions have lifted the trophy, he said in a recent press conference. “Sing it once we’ve got the [World Cup], not before”, he advised. That’s going to be difficult, as the Baddiel and Skinner smash hit is playing endlessly on the radio right now, along with other national team songs like World in Motion.
Indeed, beyond music, reruns of classic matches are being featured on BBC iPlayer like England’s unforgettable clash with Germany in 2010. In addition, the broadcaster has released the documentary, England 2006: The Golden Generation, a film about a period of national football that promised so much with talents like Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. Elsewhere, new iGaming titles like 9 Balls and World Soccer Grand Chance have been released, becoming popular at free spins no deposit UK casinos. Similarly, brand tie-ins and limited-edition products like the Lynx Marshmallow Smoke body spray and McDonald’s meals celebrate the tournament throughout the summer.
While Hamilton says he’ll keep a “close eye on what England is doing”, he says he is mostly looking forward to seeing “the guys in Yellow”. The attraction of Brazilian football for the Brit is more than just the country’s penchant for flamboyant, attacking play. So many players “come from the streets”, notes the F1 star, adding that they started playing without shoes. There’s an aura around Seleção that other teams don’t have.
Split Loyalties
Lewis Hamilton’s World Cup loyalties reflect the two places that shaped him: England, where his journey began, and Brazil, whose spirit and heroes inspired him. No doubt, as the tournament unfolds, he’ll be following both in between navigating the challenges of his next F1 circuit.
Leave a Reply