Hamilton surprises F1 rivals with hilarious 'sound guy' prank

Lewis Hamilton may be preparing to depart Mercedes next season, but that hasn't stopped the seven-time world champion trying his hand at a new role with his current team in the meantime.

In February of this year, the Brit shocked the Formula 1 world by announcing he was set to end his 12-year relationship with the Brackley-based outfit to join rivals Ferrari in search of another championship tilt.

READ MORE: Imola GP attendee reignites new F1 race rumors

It's been a frustrating few seasons for the 39-year-old, having been replaced by Red Bull's Max Verstappen as the sport's dominant force.

Hamilton still holds the record for the most F1 wins with 103, but his last triumph came back at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021, and his form in 2024 would suggest he is unlikely to be adding to his impressive win haul any time soon.

In the opening seven races, he has failed to make the top five, with his sixth-place finish at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix delivering his joint-best result of the year.

In Imola, however, Hamilton enjoyed a lighter moment in the paddock, taking over the role as the Mercedes sound engineer as he attempted to spy on his fellow F1 rivals.

The move sparked laughter among the drivers gathered, with Williams star Alex Albon in particular looking more than a little bewildered.

Full time @F1 driver, part time sound guy ? pic.twitter.com/kF0vFjRDZG

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 19, 2024

READ MORE: F1 legend Vettel makes RETURN in wholesome moment

Related

More F1 news

Full News Feed

Mercedes issue statement after missing out with Max Verstappen

• Yesterday 23:00

The story behind the F1 paddock spy

• Yesterday 21:00

Racing star wins two races at the SAME TIME

• Yesterday 19:00

Safety Car causes MORE carnage after crash

• Yesterday 17:00

F1 driver disqualified at Nurburgring and loses license

• May 18, 2026 23:00

Alpine F1 tensions grow as sponsor dispute fuels Gucci speculation

• May 18, 2026 21:00