Lewis Hamilton is a sportsperson who has risen to the league of stars. He is no longer a mere F1 driver, but someone who can see his own celebrity idols up close. He has indeed rubbed shoulders with many, but few have snubbed him like Oprah Winfrey.

In an interview, Lewis Hamilton revealed his first interaction with Oprah and how it did not go as expected.

Oprah ignored Lewis Hamilton at a birthday party

While talking about Nelson Mandela, Lewis Hamilton’s voice took a reverent tone. The Mercedes driver mentioned that he had been to Mandela’s birthday party and sat mere seats away from him.

“I went to his birthday party and again, you know, so many famous people there and I happen to be on his table. Couple of seats away from him.”

Trending

Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”

April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT

Adrian Newey Hits Out at Climate Activist Lewis Hamilton’s Fuel Protest, Desperate to See V10 Engines Again

April 15, 2024 12:35 PM EDT

Who are Zhou Guanyu’s Parents? Everything We Know About The Chinese Driver’s Family

April 16, 2024 02:07 PM EDT

“I Was Quite Depressed”: Adrian Newey Makes Brutal Revelation as He Reveals Red Bull Heavily “Struggling”

April 15, 2024 02:38 PM EDT

Lando Norris Spotted With Portuguese Supermodel in $700K+ Supercar

April 13, 2024 03:51 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

This is an immense honor for someone who has admired Mandela from afar. However, that is also where Hamilton crossed paths with Oprah.

He said, “I was actually closer to him than Oprah Winfrey was. And Oprah didn’t give me any time, didn’t give me the time of day. I kind of look it back and I’m kind of like, I’m sure she was like ‘who is this little sh*t sitting next to me? He’s closer to Nelson!'”

Lewis Hamilton, With Almost 30 Million Followers, Marked the Beginning of His Inevitable Stardom With Just 20,000 Fans

That must have stung, although the seven-time world champion heartily laughs it off. Whether Hamilton is still salty about the encounter or not, it is surely an amusing anecdote.

Hamilton pays tribute to Nelson Mandela

Lewis Hamilton was close to Nelson Mandela before his death and continues to honor him frequently on social media.

Hamilton had kept in touch with Mandela after meeting him once, and even referred to him as a grandfather to him.

“He has become like a grandfather to me – that’s how I look at him,” Hamilton wrote in his BBC Sport column. “He has had such a huge influence on everyone in the world.”

Hamilton also wrote a heartfelt post for Nelson Mandela commemorating his 100th birth anniversary.

“You are the true King, a hero to so many of us. Today is your 100 Birthday, wish I could see you again but you are in my heart always and thinking of you on this day.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton Struts Into Exclusive Party In Milan Hosted By $1.5 Billion Fashion Designer

We all need heroes, as they often inspire us and lift us up. And Lewis Hamilton is certainly a hero to many, just like Mandela was to him.