Lewis Hamilton would’ve suffered a few sleepless nights at least post Abu Dhabi 2021. Safe to say, what’s ensued in the aftermath of that race, has also tormented the 38-year-old racing ace. But while the 7x champion reels back from these on track setbacks, he seems to have his plate full when it comes to the department of bad luck banging down his door. Driving an F1 car at break neck speeds wouldn’t even make the Brit flinch, but he does share a very real fear with many of us fans, too.
In the past, Hamilton has spoken up when asked about his love for surfing. And naturally, on the eve of the Australian Grand Prix, he would’ve taken the opportunity to ride amongst the waves. But there still is one impediment to Hamilton really enjoying the sport, and Down Under is where Hamilton faced his fear, eye-to-eye.
Whilst other drivers have met the more friendlier Aussie locals… 🐨🦘@LewisHamilton nearly met a shark, whilst out surfing! 😆🏄♂️#AusGP #F1 @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/qGQymN9RrG
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 30, 2023
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F1’s official Twitter account shared a video of Hamilton describing Hamilton’s sojourn with a shark whilst out surfing before the race weekend in Australia began. They captioned the tweet, “Whilst other drivers have met the more friendlier Aussie locals… @LewisHamilton nearly met a shark, whilst out surfing!” And just this was enough for F1 fans to take over the social media platform.
Fans react as Lewis Hamilton comes face-to-face with his biggest fear
Hamilton has been quite vocal about his fear of sharks. As soon as this tweet went viral, fans rushed to the social media website to light-heartedly mock the 7x champion. One fan even commented, “Context: Max verstappen is the shark.”
Let’s take a look at just a few of the fan reactions from this tweet describing Hamilton’s scary encounter.
Yeah, don’t get eaten babe! https://t.co/aOD0Qx61bg
— Mindy #TeamLH@MVF1 (@MindyMVF1) March 30, 2023
Dude you were just down the rd. Damn https://t.co/sIZT9SKEVW
— Neil Pule (@Neil_Pule) March 30, 2023
Welcome to Australia mate. 😀 #F1 https://t.co/RsJ47RW1jA
— Pep #F1 (@F1Podcast) March 30, 2023
https://t.co/2e08lsEbk4 pic.twitter.com/RjlgHyKTXD
— Malae (@malae_cac) March 30, 2023
A few fans even got Max Verstappen entangled in this meme fest about Hamilton.
It wasn't a shark. It was Max Verstappen in your rear view mirror.
— Ξ𝕍Ʌ (@LoonaStanEve) March 30, 2023
Context: Max verstappen is the shark
— Donquixote Doflaemon (@Doflaemon_M2) March 30, 2023
It was a field day for F1 memers online. As it turns out, Michael Masi was also in attendance at Albert Park. After the events of 2021, they obviously don’t see eye-to-eye pretty often.
A new Breed ? MasiShark ?
— Fernando Garcia (@Fernand80677835) March 30, 2023
Must’ve been Masi out for a swim. If you’re so scared stay out of the water. pic.twitter.com/OkJQEvswYt
— Carlo Formica (@carlo_formica) March 30, 2023
Anyway, Hamilton wouldn’t be too miffed with some friendly fan banter, right?
He needs to stop playing with us for real https://t.co/KZHxDrhKfH
— My name its (@_Tsepz_) March 30, 2023
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WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen: ‘Is my title tarnished? Not at all. I really deserved it’
Even the fish don’t like him 😭
— Vooroorlogsverzet (@prewarverzet75) March 30, 2023
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We hope Hamilton wasn’t too distracted with the shark given he has a big race coming up this Sunday!