The British race car driver, Lewis Hamilton, not only enjoys chasing an adrenaline rush on the Formula 1 track, but he also takes a keen interest in chasing waves and paddling on the wave crest. That’s why recently, the Brit stopped at Byron Bay to catch some waves before making his way to Melbourne for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix. However, while surfing through the waves, a shark hindered Hamilton’s path and left him petrified to the core.

The Mercedes star recently made a halt at Byron Bay to pursue his favorite endeavor. However, the seven-time F1 world champion got a little more than he bargained for on his surfing spree. While enjoying his leisure time chasing the waves in the turquoise water, an unwelcome visitor visited him and left him in utter disbelief.

A close call with a shark petrified Lewis Hamilton

As per the report of Daily Express, after attending the sponsor event in Malaysia, Hamilton came down to Byron Bay for a paddling session before the Grand Prix commencement. Nevertheless, while catching waves, the Mercedes star encountered a brush with the ocean’s predator and was terrified by the close call. Describing his experience, Hamilton stated, “I went out surfing. Although, there was a shark so I was terrified the whole time”.

Interestingly, Hamilton initially planned to surf in Australia, but due to the higher possibility of discovering sharks in the Australian waters, he changed his surfing destination to Byron Bay. However, his planning went in vain, as he got what he was anticipating the most in the Byron Bay. “I wanted to do it here but I couldn’t find a netted area to go to. I just can’t go where there are sharks, man!”, added Hamilton.

Read More: “Just So Devastating”: Support Jet Ski Needs Rescuing From the Man Above

Nonetheless, the F1 star also received counsel from the Australians to rescue the shark attack if next time he gets in proximity to the ocean’s beast. “Every Australian I meet they’re like, ‘Nah. Nah, you’ll be alright. If a shark comes up to you, punch it in the face’. Australians are really kind of crazy, huh?”However, though he encountered a shark during his surfing spree, he felt rejuvenated after paddling through the waves. As he arrived in Melbourne, the F1 icon asserted, “I enjoyed the weather, got some really great training and I’m really fresh-minded and arrived here rejuvenated”. 

WATCH THIS STORY – Shark Attack Victim Slams Down Bystanders Who Were No Help During Horrifying Incident