Formula 1 fans have pointed out Petronas’ Instagram story that describes Sir Lewis Hamilton as an eight-time champion.
The Malaysian gas and oil company has announced an extension of its partnership with Mercedes this week, in a move that will see the two parties work together beyond 2026.
Petronas has been a title sponsor of the Mercedes team since their return to Formula 1 in 2010, and they have been by the German team’s side throughout all of their 15 championship successes in the last 12 years.
They were also the name partner of the Malaysian Grand Prix, with dropped off the calendar in 2017 following Max Verstappen’s victory.
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It was the Dutchman that ended the Silver Arrows’ run of seven consecutive Drivers’ Championships last term, dramatically beating Hamilton in the final round of the season in Abu Dhabi.
It came about as a result of a controversial Safety Car restart procedure by then race director Michael Masi.
The Australian allowed a limited number of lapped runners through ahead of the final lap, creating a grandstand finish to the thrilling title battle, and facilitating a last-lap pass by the Red Bull driver.
While Masi did not technically contravene any regulations, the FIA agreed that his interpretation of the rules was ill-advised, and he was relieved of his duties as race director.
There have since been calls for Verstappen to be stripped of the title in favour of Hamilton, who looked on the verge of securing his eighth crown in 2021.
Petronas currently supplies Mercedes with fuel, and they will be providing them with the eco-friendly synthetic fuel set to be introduced in 2026, when new technical regulations come into force.
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Following the announcement of the extended partnership, Petronas held an event in Kuala Lumpur with Hamilton and team-mate, George Russell, which was attended by dozens of passionate fans.
On their Instagram story, Petronas introduced Hamilton as an eight-time champion, but they have since corrected themselves having been “mixed up because of all the excitement.”
Petronas have done a lot right in the world of F1 in the last 12 years, so we will let them off for one mistake!