Lewis Hamilton is cheering for two teams in the World Cup as the Ferrari star admits he feels “tied” between them.
Formula One star Lewis Hamilton has shared that he’ll be cheering for two teams in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The seven-time F1 world champion, who’s from Stevenage, England, is one of Britain’s greatest sports stars. Like many F1 drivers, Hamilton lives mainly in Monaco, where the next Grand Prix is happening this weekend.
When it comes to football, Hamilton grew up an Arsenal fan and even admitted he “shed a tear” when they won their first Premier League title in 22 years last season. But on the international scene, the 41-year-old’s support is split as the World Cup expands to 48 teams for the first time.
In a recent chat with F1, Hamilton said he’ll back his home country, England, but he’ll also be rooting for Brazil, who have won the World Cup five times. “For me, it’s tied with England,” Hamilton said. “Honestly, Brazil has always been my favourite team. Growing up in England, I loved watching Brazil play—their colours, their culture, and the skill of their players always stood out. They were so cool.”
Hamilton also respects Brazil because many players come from humble beginnings, playing on the streets barefoot, which he finds special. His love for Brazil goes deeper since his racing hero was the late Ayrton Senna, a three-time F1 world champion from Brazil.
Hamilton’s first F1 world championship win was in Brazil at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace back in 2008, and he’s had many big moments there. He has often paid tribute to Senna and the passionate Brazilian fans, even carrying Brazil’s flag after wins—most memorably at the 2021 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Though he was knighted in 2021 to become Sir Lewis Hamilton, he received another special honor in 2022—he became an honorary citizen of Brazil. At the ceremony, he was given Brazil’s legislative medal of merit and a diploma. Hamilton told the crowd, “I really do feel like now I’m one of you, finally,” calling it “the greatest honour” to receive this citizenship.