Lewis Hamilton introduced as 'eight-time world champion' at Mercedes sponsor event

It is still unbelievable to many that Lewis Hamilton did not win an eighth F1 world title in Abu Dhabi in late 2021, and we got proof again at a Mercedes sponsor event only last weekend.

Hamilton was the special guest of honour at the Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) in Malaysia on Saturday, and Petronas is of course the title sponsor of the Mercedes team.

The 38-year-old British megastar received a terrific reception as he was introduced onto stage, but it was the way that introduction was done which caused a few raised eyebrows. And doubtless a few embarrassed blushes.

READ MORE: F1 Driver Salaries: How much do Hamilton, Verstappen and co earn?

Lewis Hamilton an 'eight-time world champion'.

The event host said quite simply: "UTP, could you please put your hands together and your phones down for eight-time world champion Lewis Hamilton".

Yes, you read that right, eight-time world champion. Not seven.

“Put your hands together for 8 time world champion Lewis Hamilton”@Petronas knows what they’re doing ? pic.twitter.com/h6ogNRh194

— sumi ⚡️ (@99thcent) March 25, 2023

Of course a few eagle-eyed fans on social media spotted the faux pas, but it did not detract from what was clearly a terrific event which inspired a legion of young Hamilton and F1 fans.

Mercedes and UTP shared a number of social media posts showing Lewis signing autographs for fans amid huge excitement on campus.

READ MORE: Toto Wolff: Net worth, wife and career profile of Mercedes giant

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Axed F1 team boss on running for FIA president

• 18 minutes ago

F1 star predicts stunning Aston Martin turnaround after 2026 disaster: 'They will win grands prix'

• 1 hour ago

Carlos Sainz to Red Bull analysed as top F1 insider joins the silly season dots

• 2 hours ago

'What a horror!' - Pictures of new F1 track emerge and fans are not impressed

• 3 hours ago

Mercedes star George Russell opens up on brutal F1 disqualification

• Today 17:30

Lewis Hamilton hits gold with $9bn valuation as team boss triggers record sale: F1 News Recap

• Today 16:00