Key Highlights
- Lewis Hamilton is a declared fan of Arsenal but has been offering mentorship to a Premier League player from one of their rivals.
- The mentorship includes support for Chelsea and England defender Reece James, who identified Hamilton as an important source of guidance during difficult times.
- Hamilton, a seven-time F1 champion, uses his extensive experience in high-pressure situations to help James navigate challenges in the sport.
Motorsport Legend Offers Support to Footballer
Lewis Hamilton, the Formula 1 icon and seven-time world champion, is known for his loyalty towards Arsenal. However, he has also been drawing on his wealth of winning experience to mentor a key player from one of the Gunners’ rivals.
Reece James, a Chelsea and England defender, has identified Hamilton as an important source of support in recent months. This mentorship extends beyond just providing encouragement; it involves sharing insights gained through years of competing at the highest level.
Hamilton’s Mentorship
According to James, their relationship began after he encountered Hamilton through a mutual friend and they have maintained regular communication ever since. Hamilton has been publicly backing James during critical moments, such as following Chelsea’s Club World Cup victory in the summer of 2025.
“Through it all, you kept your head up and kept pushing. Proud of you brother.”
— Lewis Hamilton on Instagram
Shared Insights from Different Sports
HAMILTON has shared his experiences in high-pressure situations with James, highlighting the similarities between their respective sports. Both athletes have faced significant challenges while striving for success and using mental toughness as a key asset.
James further explained: “We’re reasonably close. He’s probably the greatest F1 driver to have lived.
I know we play different sports, but there are many similarities. He tries to help me where he can, when I’m going through difficult spells, because he has been at a high level for longer, and he’s been through more.”
Background on Hamilton’s Ventures
In 2022, Hamilton teamed up with fellow sports superstar Serena Williams to back Sir Martin Broughton and his consortium in the Chelsea takeover bid. Although this venture ultimately fell short, Hamilton has had a taste of sports franchise ownership through his stake in the NFL team, the Denver Broncos.
Despite these business ventures, Hamilton’s primary focus remains on racing. He left long-term employer Mercedes to join Ferrari this year with the goal of clinching another F1 title before retiring from Formula 1.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Hamilton’s first season at Ferrari has been challenging so far, with only one Sprint race victory in March. However, his mentorship efforts extend beyond his own career goals to include the development of younger athletes like James.
The 40-year-old is determined to achieve success in Formula 1 before retiring from racing. His journey in sports ownership and his continued support for players across different disciplines underscore his commitment to supporting and inspiring future champions, both on and off the track.
