Lewis Hamilton went for an all-black look at the Las Vegas Grand Prix red carpet that had fans joking he had been ‘spawned in to the Matrix’.
Hamilton is preparing for the first race in Sin City for 41 years as he looks to nail down second spot ahead of rival Sergio Perez – after Max Verstappen was already confirmed as F1 world champion last month.
The Mercedes driver often enjoys making fashion statements ahead of a Grand Prix and it was no different here in the stylish US party destination.
Just like Neo from the classic Matrix films, Hamilton wore an all-black ensemble including trenchcoat, a low-cut top that exposed his bare chest, trousers, boots and finished with black sunglasses and beaded necklace.
The seven-time world champion posed for pictures as he arrived on the red carpet with plenty of attention on him ahead of the highly-anticipated event.
Lewis Hamilton went for a striking look on the Las Vegas Grand Prix red carpet as he dressed in all black reminiscent of Neo from The Matrix
The Mercedes star wore black sunglasses as well as a trenchcoat and a low cut top exposing his chest
He had fans talking up his similarity to a character from the popular sci-fi franchise, with one writing on Instagram: ‘Bro just spawned into The Matrix.’
Hamilton is looking forward to the glitzy event despite criticism of the race from champion Verstappen.
The Dutchman was far from impressed after being involved in a Super Bowl-style opening ceremony – claiming he looked ‘like a clown’ and slamming the race for being more of a ‘show’.
‘It is 99 per cent show and one per cent sporting event,’ said the 26-year-old. ‘I was just standing up there, looking like a clown.
‘I guess they (F1) still make money whether I like it or not. So it’s not up to me. But I’m not going to fake it.
‘I voice my opinion on positive things and negative things. That’s just how I am. And you know, some people like the show a bit more. I don’t like it at all.
Hamilton hit back at Max Verstappen after he claimed he looked like a ‘clown’ at the opening ceremony for the race
Las Vegas is providing an iconic backdrop for the first Sin City Formula One race since 1982
‘I grew up just looking at the performance side of things. And that’s how I see it as well. I like to be in Vegas, but not so much for racing.’
But 38-year-old Hamilton hit back at his words, telling his rival to enjoy the ‘spectacle’ of the event.
‘I hear there are a lot of people complaining about the direction that (F1 CEO) Stefano (Domenicali) and Liberty has gone. But they are doing an amazing job,’ he said.
‘The sport continues to grow. It is a business and you will still see good racing here. It is a country to tap into and really captivate the audience.
‘We needed to have at least two races in the US, one wasn’t enough, and this is one of the most iconic and unique cities that they have here.
‘It is a big show for sure, and it is never going to be like Silverstone, but maybe over time, the people in this community will grow to love the sport.
‘Maybe the track will be good, and maybe it will be bad. It was so-so on the simulator. But don’t knock it until you try it.’
