Lewis Hamilton‘s closest celebrity friends and relationships have grown alongside his success as the most popular and accomplished Formula 1 driver globally. Often spending time with well-known figures during his breaks from racing, Hamilton enjoys the company of various high-profile personalities from sports and entertainment. This article explores five notable celebrity friendships that reveal a different side of the F1 champion.
A Surfing Bond with Kelly Slater
One of Hamilton’s longest friendships is with Kelly Slater, an 11-time World Surf League champion and American surfing legend. Their shared love for surfing regularly brings them together, especially in Florida, where Hamilton practices the sport with Slater during his post-season downtime. Hamilton has openly spoken about his passion for surfing, including a harrowing near-death experience at Pipeline after starting at Surf Ranch, highlighting how deeply connected he is to the ocean alongside Slater.
Mutual Respect with NFL Icon Tom Brady
Hamilton and NFL great Tom Brady share a public friendship marked by mutual admiration and respect. Brady has praised Hamilton’s racing prowess and records, while Hamilton reciprocates by commending Brady’s dedication and success in football. Their friendship was notably visible in May 2022 when they participated in a golf event together in the United States, showcasing their camaraderie beyond their competitive sports.
A Longstanding Connection with Neymar Jr.
Brazilian soccer star Neymar Jr. has been a close friend of Hamilton since around 2016, often showing support by attending F1 races and social events with him. Hamilton, who holds honorary Brazilian citizenship, frequently spends time with Neymar, and their friendship is evident through their regular communication and visible companionship at various gatherings.
Friendly Ties Spark Dating Rumors with Shakira
Hamilton’s close relationship with Colombian singer Shakira sparked dating speculation in 2023 following her separation from Gerard Piqué. Despite their secretive meetings and Hamilton’s own unmarried status, both have maintained silence about the nature of their connection. Their friendship, however, remains a notable part of Hamilton’s circle given the media attention surrounding their interactions during that period.
Film Collaboration and Friendship with Brad Pitt
Among Hamilton’s celebrity friends is actor Brad Pitt, with whom he has collaborated on an upcoming Formula 1 movie. Hamilton contributed as both co-producer and actor, offering significant creative input that enhanced Pitt’s role in the film. This partnership highlights Hamilton’s expanding interests beyond racing and his valuable influence in the entertainment industry. While he is also known to be friends with Tom Cruise, his collaboration with Pitt represents a unique intersection of his passions for motorsport and film.
The Impact of Hamilton’s Celebrity Relationships
Lewis Hamilton’s friendships with figures like Kelly Slater, Tom Brady, Neymar Jr., Shakira, and Brad Pitt demonstrate his ability to maintain meaningful connections beyond the racetrack, blending sports, entertainment, and personal interests. These relationships support his life off the circuit, while also reflecting his diverse influences and ambitions. As Hamilton continues to advance his career and explore new ventures such as film production, these bonds may play an important role in his evolving public and private life.
