There was also some nifty headgear for the top three drivers to play with. The increasingly fashion-conscious Hamilton wanted a second opinion, though, and there was only one man he was going to ask.
“Does it look good?” @LewisHamilton asks for some fashion advice from Russia president Vladimir Putin. #RussianGP pic.twitter.com/Mfj7tU9oBd
— BBCF1 (@bbcf1)
October 11, 2015
When Hamilton eventually dragged himself away to the podium, he said: “I am very proud and happy.
“We have had a great time here, if you have never been out here it is a beautiful country and you should come.”
• Five things we learned from the Russian Grand Prix
During the traditional champagne-spraying celebrations that followed, there were murmurings on social media that Hamilton might have doused his new friend before he could get clear.
Did Lewis Hamilton ‘get’ Vladimir Putin with champagne @ the #RussianGP? What do you think? http://t.co/TPMlsgQd3O pic.twitter.com/RPHjTgbjFy
— Telegraph Sport (@TelegraphSport)
October 11, 2015
The Telegraph’s Alan Tyers was watching, and was unconvinced it was deliberate.
So was this all razzle-dazzle for the cameras or have Lewis Hamilton and Vladimir Putin actually become fast friends? And what has Sochi got that Stevenage doesn’t?
Regardless, the Russian Grand Prix winner has taken everything in his stride today – and, in fact, for most of this season. It’s understandable he’s feeling friendly.
Thank you, Russia! Thanks to the best team in the world @mercedesamgf1. #RussianGP #TeamLH pic.twitter.com/skqLpp4DMJ
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton)
October 11, 2015