When Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton decided to trade in his racing helmet for a seat beside the tennis court at the US Open final, it wasn’t just fans who were excited about him showing up. Among those particularly ecstatic to spot the living motorsport icon at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Centre were the Sky Sports commentators, with 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli losing it over spotting the 7-time champ.
During a heated competition between Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula, Bartoli’s attention shifted as cameras captured Hamilton’s entrance. Unable to contain her excitement, she shouted, “Oh, my god! I have to find him!” in front of the cameras.
Gigi Salmon chimed in: “Lewis Hamilton has made his way in. Marion has made no secret of the fact she adores him.”
Bartoli was determined to meet the seven-time world champion, repeating with resolve, “I have to find him, I have to find a way.” The sudden diversion of focus led to banter among the Sky Sports commentary team, which included Gigi Salmon and retired Spanish tennis star Feliciano Lopez.
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Lopez couldn’t resist teasing Bartoli, joking, “[Fernando] Alonso is a better driver,” referring to Hamilton’s Spanish rival who now drives for Aston Martin.
Salmon humorously continued: “Feli, she’s going to throw you off the top of this balcony if you say things like that. But I’m not even kidding.”
Not only did Hamilton’s appearance generate huge excitement among the commentators, but his attendance alongside Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour added to the glittering lineup of celebrities that attended the US Open final. Celebrities including Travis Scott and Rory McIlroy also joined the weekend.
This was a brief moment of relaxation for the soon-to-be Ferrari driver, who has been enduring a challenging 2024 season in his Mercedes car. The British driver has experienced a mix of results throughout the season, facing setbacks such as a DNF in Australia and several mid-pack finishes. Despite these struggles, Hamilton has still managed to demonstrate flashes of his world-class talent, securing crucial podium finishes, including a stunning victory at his home race at Silverstone and another first-place finish in Belgium after his teammate, George Russell, was disqualified.
Hamilton currently sits sixth in the Driver Standings, behind Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who he is replacing next year, while his teammate Russell, sits P8.
2024 F1 Drivers Standings As Of Italian Grand Prix
- Max Verstappen (NED) – Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT – 303 pts
- Lando Norris (GBR) – McLaren Mercedes – 241 pts
- Charles Leclerc (MON) – Ferrari – 217 pts
- Oscar Piastri (AUS) – McLaren Mercedes – 197 pts
- Carlos Sainz (ESP) – Ferrari – 184 pts
- Lewis Hamilton (GBR) – Mercedes – 164 pts
- Sergio Perez (MEX) – Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT – 143 pts
- George Russell (GBR) – Mercedes – 128 pts
- Fernando Alonso (ESP) – Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes – 50 pts
- Lance Stroll (CAN) – Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes – 24 pts
- Nico Hulkenberg (GER) – Haas Ferrari – 22 pts
- Yuki Tsunoda (JPN) – RB Honda RBPT – 22 pts
- Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) – RB Honda RBPT – 12 pts
- Pierre Gasly (FRA) – Alpine Renault – 8 pts
- Oliver Bearman (GBR) – Ferrari – 6 pts
- Kevin Magnussen (DEN) – Haas Ferrari – 6 pts
- Alexander Albon (THA) – Williams Mercedes – 6 pts
- Esteban Ocon (FRA) – Alpine Renault – 5 pts
- Zhou Guanyu (CHN) – Kick Sauber Ferrari – 0 pts
- Logan Sargeant (USA) – Williams Mercedes – 0 pts
- Franco Colapinto (ARG) – Williams Mercedes – 0 pts
- Valtteri Bottas (FIN) – Kick Sauber Ferrari – 0 pts
