The 2008 World Championship decider has probably been the most iconic moment for Lewis Hamilton in F1. The last lap pass elated his loved ones and broke Brazilian hearts at Interlagos in a dramatic finale. Now, among these loved ones, Lewis had his partner Nicole Scherzinger in the paddock cheering and dancing every moment. Besides Hamilton’s family and team, she was on another level of excitement and happiness as the McLaren man crossed the line. Although, this close bonding did not stay longer for Hamilton as the couple split up in 2011, leaving the Briton “very upset”.

According to a BBC feature, McLaren’s then-communications manager Matt Bishop mentioned how a heartbreaking break-up with Nicole affected Hamilton. He stated, “He was very upset about that [breaking up with Nicole]. He did love Nicole [Scherzinger].” 

Lewis wasn’t in the best state of mind after splitting with Nicole in early 2011. The 2011 season saw the Briton commit some uncharacteristic sins while racing. He had several collisions with Felipe Massa as well as other drivers too. Perhaps the emotional effects of his heartbreak sabotaged the 2008 champion’s racing abilities.

The 2011 Monaco GP was probably the worst for Hamilton. As per Daily Mail UK, he received a drive-through penalty after colliding with Massa in an attempt to overtake him. Even after serving the drive-through, there was no respite for the Briton. In the closing stages, Lewis had another clash with Pastor Maldonado. The stewards even reprimanded the McLaren driver for the same post-race.

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Eventually, it was quite a close bond that was evident in the way Scherzinger had been supporting Lewis winning his maiden F1 title Hamilton even ensured he celebrated the 2008 triumph with his partner then, spending quality time. Regardless, for fans, the scenes in Brazil still remain one of the top moments of Hamilton in F1.

The Drama in Lewis Hamilton Clinching his Maiden F1 World Title

While breaking up with Scherzinger affected Lewis Hamilton badly, her support also boosted him to create one of the best moments of his career. Besides Nicole, Lewis’s brother Nicolas and his father and then-manager Anthony Hamilton were there at the 2008 Brazilian GP.

The setting was tense in a tight decider between Hamilton and Massa. The rain gods had spiced things up with wet track conditions. And it felt like Lewis could easily clinch his maiden title. According to ESPN, he just needed to finish inside the Top 5 and he was the world champion. Although, it did not turn out to be that easy.

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The race started with Massa and Kimi Raikkonen’s Ferraris at the top. Hamilton avoided any drama starting 4th and tried to stay inside the top 5. But, as the rain eased off, a safety car happened and the rain came back in the dying stages of the Brazil GP. But after all the shuffling, in the final few laps with rainy conditions, Hamilton was running 6th.

Sebastian Vettel had overtaken the Briton, and it was Timo Glock in 4th place for Toyota, still on the dry tires. It all felt done and dusted with Felipe Massa in the lead. Nicole, along with Lewis’s brother and father, may have even lost hope of Hamilton clinching the title. But then it happened.

The rain got stronger and suddenly Glock’s Toyota slipped back. Vettel went through to 4th, and on the last lap of the race, Lewis went past Glock to get back into 5th place. Massa had crossed the line and for about 27 seconds, he was the world champion. But, as Hamilton got in 5th, Nicole, Nicolas, Anthony, and the whole McLaren crew erupted in joy. They knew their man had become a Formula 1 World Champion.

WATCH THIS STORY: Inside Lewis Hamilton & Nicole Scherzinger’s Romantic Relationship

Lewis Hamilton may have suffered after his break-up with Scherzinger. But she will still remain an eternal part of the folklore, jumping in elation on his maiden F1 triumph!