Lewis Hamilton Smiles Along as Fans Openly Crown Him 8x Champion in the Presence of Max Verstappen’s Teammate

Arguably one of the greatest drivers of his generation, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has his fanbase split. Split with the thought if the Mercedes man can ever win the elusive eighth title. Whereas some are of thought, he already is an eight-time world champion and the event at the Las Vegas strip serves as proof.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is making an appearance on the F1 calendar for the first time since 1982. Besides Vegas, the 24-race calendar will feature two more races in North America. This is a byproduct of the growing popularity of the sport on the American subcontinent.

To build on that popularity, the Las Vegas Strip hosted Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Sergio Perez for the Grand Prix’s launch party. During the launch party, all three drivers took to the stage to have a conversation with David ‘Crofty’ Croft.

During that conversation, in front of a full Las Vegas strip, Crofty asked, “This can also be the title decider as well. Would it be the coolest place to win a world title here on the Las Vegas strip, in the entertainment capital of the world?”

To this Russell said, “This guy (pointing towards Hamilton) has won seven of them so he can probably tell you more about it.”

As soon as Russell’s remark was heard, someone from the crowd let their thoughts known and Crofty was kind enough to share them on the mic. “Someone’s saying he’s won eight,” he repeated.

Read More: F1 American Showstopper Las Vegas GP Makes Decent Promise to Fans 

Long live the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the 2021 championship! As clearly, it still has the fanbase split. Additionally, the events of the 2022 season did not let the events of the 2021 season dial down.

The Italian GP and the budget cap drama adding fuel to the 2021 fire between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen

We are all aware FIA admitted Michael Masi made a “human error” after the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP. The rule that Masi did not uphold came to play at the Italian GP when the race finished behind a safety car.

Additionally, the budget cap drama added more fuel to the fire after Red Bull was adjudged to have overspent in 2021. All this drama brought back sour memories for the fans and maybe a little for Hamilton as well.

“It always brings memories back,” said Hamilton. “That is the rules how it should be, right?”

WATCH THIS STORY: Mercedes React to FIA’s admission of “Human Error” in the Verstappen-Hamilton Scandal

Regardless of the result, the 2021 season will live deep within the hearts of the fans as one of the most exciting and controversial seasons of the decade.