Lewis Hamilton was left stumped ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix after a security guard asked him for his credentials as the seven-time champion drove his scooter around the venue.
The seven-time world champion is among the most recognizable faces in the sport globally, after a historic motorsport career that has seen him win world titles with McLaren and Mercedes.
With the latter he has won six world titles, but that 11-year partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes will come to an end at the end of the year after the Briton signed a sensational deal to join Ferrari for 2025.
Throughout his career, Hamilton has greatly enjoyed his time in Montreal; in fact, no driver has won there more times, with Michael Schumacher tied for seven; However, that did not stop security from asking him for some identification.
A video shows the 39-year-old riding a scooter toward the security guard, who points to his chest and holds up his lanyard, suggesting Hamilton show his to pass.
Baffled Lewis Hamilton was asked for his security pass ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.
Hamilton is the most successful driver in Canadian Grand Prix history with seven victories.
Hamilton, however, wearing a Mercedes-branded T-shirt, does a double take as he passes the guard, perhaps surprised to have been asked for his credentials.
However, the guard doesn’t put up much of a fight and just watches the superstar driver walk away, looking over his shoulder in bewilderment.
A member of what appears to be the Mercedes star’s entourage gestures towards the security guard to allay any fears and Hamilton is allowed to move on.
While it is one of his favorite hunting grounds, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal has not seen one of his favorite riders reach the top for five years – a streak Hamilton will want to break.
In fact, they have not won a race since Saudi Arabia in December 2021, with Red Bull taking over Mercedes’ position as the leader in recent years.
It comes after the FIA unveiled the incoming technical regulations from 2026 to great fanfare on Thursday ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.
They promise machinery 30kg lighter than current heavy behemoths, saying the slimmer design will make them “more agile” and produce closer races.
But Hamilton, who has been calling for lighter cars for years, said: “It’s only 30kg.” He’s going in the right direction, but he’s still heavy.
While he has enjoyed great success in Montreal, he has not won a race there in five years.
‘I just saw what you have this morning, so I don’t have any big thoughts yet.
‘Drivers who have driven in a simulator said it is quite slow. We will have to see.
“In terms of sustainability, however, we are going in the right direction.”