Lewis Hamilton admitted he shed a tear over Arsenal’s Premier League victory when the talk turned to football on Thursday ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.
The Ferrari driver, a long-time Arsenal supporter, said the victory brought back memories of his childhood in Stevenage, when his sister forced his allegiance to the London club.
Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for a Premier League title on Tuesday when they were confirmed as champions following Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.
“I honestly shed a tear,” Hamilton said. “I remember being five years old and playing football around the corner in Stevenage. I was the only black boy in the area and everyone was supporting West Ham (United), Tottenham (Hotspur) or Manchester United.”
«She (his sister) gave me a push and said: ‘You have to support Arsenal.’ We laughed about that the other day,” he added.
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Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was quick to offer a rival perspective and declared himself a proud Paris St Germain fan ahead of next week’s Champions League match against Arsenal.
«I’m glad we started talking about real things,» Gasly joked.
PSG secured a fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title last week after beating nearest challengers Lens 2-0.
The Frenchman said he expected a “fantastic game of football” and left no doubt where his loyalties lie. “I will obviously be rooting for PSG and hopefully they can win a second Champions League,” he said.
Further down the pit lane, Cadillac’s Sergio Perez had his own football mission in mind.
The Mexican said he is determined to fly back from Europe mid-season to watch his country play in the upcoming World Cup, with matches scheduled in his native Guadalajara.
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«I literally just have to come for the match and then go back to Europe. We will make it happen,» Perez said.
«It’s a World Cup at home. Anything can happen,» he added, remaining cautiously optimistic about Mexico’s chances.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli said he was still unsure who he would support at the World Cup with Italy absent, but he developed a soft spot for Brazil and Lionel Messi.
“For example, I really like Brazil, the way they play the game,” said the Mercedes driver. “But then again, I also cheer for Messi, one of my favorite players when I was little, and I also met him in Miami.”
«Unfortunately, Italy is not participating. So we may have to wait another four years,» Antonelli added. “It’s a disaster, but it’s okay.”
Published on May 22, 2026
