“This Is Going to Be Like Our Super Bowl”: Lewis Hamilton Hyped for Converted NBA & NFL Fans as F1 Debuts Grandiose Miami GP

Lewis Hamilton is in the Magic City for the inaugural Miami GP. Ahead of the race weekend, he went to a golf event alongside the NFL star Tom Brady in Miami. Later, the driver shared his thoughts about the growing F1 fanbase in America.

The English driver mentioned how thrilled he was to see the Americans’ excitement for the NFL and NBA. But he always left with the question of why they didn’t have a similar enthusiasm for Formula One. Hamilton shared, “I never understood knowing how, you know, going to Tom’s games … going to watch the NBA and knowing how amazing the fan base is out here, people [are] so passionate about sport in this country and then not understanding why they’re not connecting with our sport.”

Things have changed now as new American races keep joining the schedule. For a long time, America only had one race, the US Grand Prix, but Miami joined the list this season. Further, the Las Vegas GP will also join the calendar for the 2023 season. Hamilton is happy to see the growth and even states that F1 will get as grand as Super Bowl in America.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton Reps Voguish NBA Counterpart Russell Westbrook With Latest F1 Paddock Appearance

“At one stage, we didn’t have a Grand Prix here, and then we only had one Grand Prix. Now we’re expanding.” Hamilton continued, “I think this is going to be like our Super Bowl.”

Lewis Hamilton is nervous about driving for the first time in Miami

The seven-time world champion has been to various circuits throughout his 16-year-long career. But the Englishman is still thrilled to go on a new circuit. However, he’s also nervous about his performance in the Sunday race in Miami.

The Mercedes driver is undoubtedly one of the best drivers in the world. But his performance this season has been below par, as the driver is struggling with the 2022 challenger W13. So far in the 2022 season, Hamilton has failed to impress the fans.

So, the struggling form troubles Hamilton’s happiness to drive on a new circuit which will be full of fans. Hamilton said, “I am so happy to be in Miami. This is the sport’s first time here, and the anticipation of this event has just skyrocketed. Everyone is so excited, but there will be a little bit of nerves because there will be so many people here, and it is a new circuit.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Biggest Pitlane Mishaps Featuring Hamilton, Raikkonen & Verstappen

Hamilton had a disappointing weekend in Imola, where his 2021 championship title rival Max Verstappen lapped him. He further finished P13 while teammate George Russell finished P4. It would be fascinating to see how he performs in the inaugural Miami GP.