Lewis Hamilton, one of the all-time greats of Formula 1, has had notable encounters with various world leaders throughout his illustrious career, among them, Russian President Vladimir Putin. Hamilton's proximity to Putin primarily stems from his unparalleled success at the Russian Grand Prix, where he has clinched victory five times, making him the only driver along with former partner Valtteri Bottas to have won the race more than once.
Hamilton's interactions with Putin, marked by glitz yet inherently awkward, culminated in several memorable moments, especially one concerning champagne. Back in 2015, after winning the Russian GP, Hamilton was overflowing with exuberance but made the blunder of accidentally dousing Putin with champagne. This incident didn't go unnoticed as Hamilton would discover the following year when he crossed paths with the Russian leader again after finishing second to teammate Nico Rosberg.
During their meeting, Putin subtly recalled the champagne mishap, stating, "I am accustomed to awarding you something each year. Year after year." Hamilton, sheepishly remembering the incident, promised Putin, "This year, I won't spray you with champagne. Last time, it wasn't me. It was someone else!" To this, Putin humorously replied, "You are doing well - with champagne and with the race." It's not every day someone can claim they’ve drawn Putin's ire and walked away relatively unscathed, yet Hamilton’s status as possibly the greatest driver in F1 history afforded him such grace.
After the playful exchanges, Hamilton continued his dominance at the Sochi circuit, winning three more times, with his latest victory occurring during the 2021 season. Unfortunately, the relationship between Formula 1 and Russia soured following the onset of geopolitical tensions, particularly after Russia invaded Ukraine. The FIA moved swiftly, canceling its contract to host the race as of March 2022. Since then, Putin has not been seen at the Russian Grand Prix, with his last appearance coinciding with Hamilton's win back in 2018.
Beyond the circuit, Hamilton has expressed solidarity with Ukraine, sharing heartfelt messages of support following the invasion beginning February 2022. Notably, he missed a significant photo opportunity the following month, where his fellow drivers posed wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the words No War. Hamilton explained he couldn’t partake due to his delayed flight, showing just how unpredictable circumstances can prove at times.
Despite the political developments impacting F1's ties with Russia, Hamilton continued to maintain his stance against war and violence, highlighting the importance of his platform as both a driver and public figure. His career, marked not only by the plethora of podium finishes and world championships but also by the notable figures he interacts with, remains captivating.
The intertwining narratives of sports, politics, and personal interactions concerning Hamilton and Putin reflect the complex world elite athletes often navigate. Hamilton's comedic yet respectful exchanges with Putin have added layers to his illustrious career, leaving fans with suspenseful anticipation of what his next interactions—be they on or off track—will hold.