Lewis Hamilton was in good spirits ahead of last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, a nation he clearly loves to be in.
The seven-time World Champion is known for his unique fashion sense; however, he took this to a whole new level in Japan.
Hamilton was spotted in the Asian nation dressed Toad from Super Mario Bros, with him having even worn a Toad hat.
It was certainly a bold look but in many ways an equally creative one, given that he’s previously expressed his love for gaming.
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He even tried to purchase a Nintendo 64 at the 2022 Canadian Grand Prix as he had an “itch to play old games,” he told The Independent.
There was no time for games when his visor went down in the W14, in what was another challenging weekend for Mercedes.
Hamilton did well to out-qualify team-mate George Russell, with the pair having lined up seventh and eighth on the grid at Suzuka.
The 38-year-old’s initial getaway was excellent, although he was forced onto the grass ahead of Turn 1 by Sergio Perez, whom he collided with.
This allowed Fernando Alonso to overtake the Mercedes driver, although he did get back past the Spaniard later on.
Hamilton spent most of his race battling with Russell, something which certainly increased the tension between the duo.
Russell overtook Hamilton in the opening stages following a great move at the chicane in the final sector, only for the 103-time race winner to power back past on the start/finish straight thanks to having his DRS in use.
A few laps later and they were at it again, after Hamilton ran wide at Turn 9.
This gave Russell a run on him down into Spoon, where the Stevenage-born driver ran wide, forcing both himself and his team-mate off the circuit.
Hamilton was noted for this by the stewards; however, no investigation was necessary.
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The veteran was back battling Russell in the closing laps after catching the 25-year-old, who was on old tyres due to attempting a one-stop strategy.
They wasted several seconds battling with each other, only for Mercedes to intervene by ordering Russell to allow Hamilton past.
Russell eventually have Hamilton the position, allowing the experienced driver to finish fifth and reduce his deficit to Sergio Perez in the Drivers’ Championship to 33 points.