Hamilton split-support – Lewis Hamilton says he will back both England and Brazil at the World Cup, pointing to a lifelong connection shaped by Brazil’s football culture and icons like Ayrton Senna. With England’s record versus Brazil bleak and a potential quarter-final meeting on the
Lewis Hamilton’s World Cup loyalties arrive with a flash of sequins and a blunt message: he won’t choose just one team.
Speaking ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, where the Ferrari star hopes to climb from fourth in the standings, the 41-year-old said he plans to split his support between England and Brazil. “For me, it’s tied with England,” he said. “Honestly, Brazil has always been my favourite team.”
Hamilton’s choice is rooted in the way he grew up watching Brazil play. “Growing up in England, I used to love watching Brazil play,” he said. “I think it’s the colours, the culture, and the players always just looked the most skilled, they were so cool.”
He added: “I just appreciate where they come from. Many of the players come from the streets where they play with no shoes and there’s something quite special about Brazilian culture.”
The remarks land in a moment when England’s route could intersect with the team Hamilton clearly feels closest to. There is a real possibility the two could meet in the quarter-finals. England have never beaten Brazil at an international tournament. drawing their first World Cup encounter in 1958 before losing all three subsequent meetings to the Selecao. Their last World Cup meeting came in 2002. when Ronaldinho chipped the ball over David Seaman from a free-kick to secure a 2-1 win for Brazil in the quarter-finals.
England’s overall record against Brazil reads 4 wins, 11 draws and 12 losses. If Hamilton’s prediction of a matchup proves right, his divided allegiances would turn a familiar rivalry into something more personal.
Hamilton’s bond with Brazil goes beyond football. He has been made an honorary citizen of the country, a recognition he received in 2022. His connection is tied to his childhood hero Ayrton Senna. the Brazilian three-time world champion who died in a crash in 1994. Hamilton has paid tribute to Senna by waving Brazil’s flag after winning at Interlagos in 2021. In 2017, he received a race-worn Senna helmet from the legend’s family.
He is also friends with football star Neymar. In 2014, Hamilton told Elle Men Brasil: “The thing I love the most in Brazil is people, energy. When I finally came here, I felt the energy. It’s a very diverse country, which I love. I feel at home.”
The question for England fans is what happens when pride meets habit. Hamilton has not yet attended a World Cup fixture, though he did clear his diary in 2018 in Russia if England reached the final. They instead lost to Croatia in the semi-finals.
Even away from football, Hamilton’s summer is expected to be packed. He is dating Kim Kardashian, with the relationship reportedly stronger than ever since they went public at the Super Bowl in February. They have also gone Instagram official after dating since December.
Hamilton has been seen with Kardashian and her children during a recent family dinner, and last month the pair were spotted kissing for the first time when they went swimming in the Pacific Ocean near her home in Malibu.
For now, though, Hamilton’s next statement is on the pitch—whether it comes in Monaco as he seeks a climb from fourth in the standings, or later on the World Cup stage, where he insists he will be backing England and Brazil at the same time.
Lewis Hamilton Brazil England World Cup Monaco Grand Prix Ferrari Ayrton Senna Neymar Kim Kardashian Arsenal Premier League Ronaldinho David Seaman