Hannah Waddingham stirred up a hornets' nest at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone over the weekend by making controversial comments about Sir Lewis Hamilton.
The Ted Lasso actress was at Silverstone on Sunday (July 9) to watch the Formula 1 British Grand Prix first hand. She was soon chatting to former racer David Coulthard, who was interviewing spectators live on Channel 4.
Coulthard was soon chatting with Hannah, who was rocking sunglasses and a flowing summer dress in the hot weather, for an unscheduled interview on the tarmac of the grid before the race began, YorkshireLive reports.
Although clearly enjoying the chat, he was not anticipating the Eurovision host's remark about Hamilton and the number of championships he has won.
David told Hannah: "I've been binge watching you! You've been making appearances everywhere."
And Hannah replied: "Have you? I know people must be sick of the sight of me, I do apologise."
David then countered: "Absolutely not."
Hannah then added: "I've waited a long time to be here and am I allowed to say that I'm very much looking forward to seeing Lewis Hamilton, 8 time champion?"
David, slightly taken aback, said: "You can say whatever you want! I don't think many people would disagree with that. He's a legend of the sport."
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Hannah replied: "Oh my god, is he ever. I mean he's just phenomenal and I hope I get to meet him and give him a little curtsey."
@skid_64 said: "Hannah Waddingham interviewed by Coulthard & Webber & she called out Lewis as the 8 times world champion"
The remark is controversial as Hamilton was robbed of an eighth F1 title when the rules were changed on the last lap of the last race of the season, allowing his rival Max Verstappen to change to fresh soft tyres and line up right behind him for a one-lap battle. That gave Hamilton, who had been leading and set to win his 8th title, no chance to defend. The decision ended up costing the race director his job and the rules have been changed to make it clear a repeat of those events can't happen again.
Viewers applauded Hannah for her controversial remarks - while also calling out Damien Lewis as a poor choice to sing the national anthem pre-race.
@yukiXNDA said: "Hannah Waddingham slaying live on tv calling Lewis an 8 time wdc and asking if she can say that lmaooo queen"
@skid_64 said: "Hannah Waddingham interviewed by Coulthard & Webber & she called out Lewis as the 8 times world champion !"
@sorryimpudge said: "HANNAH WADDINGHAM CALLED LEWIS A 8x WORLD CHAMP?? OH I LOVE HER"
@chaz_p77 said: "Hannah Waddingham and Sam Ryder at the British GP, but some bright spark got Damien Lewis to murder the national anthem instead..?
"Damian Lewis is a national treasure, whoever encouraged him to massacre the National Anthem is not a true friend
@vocallyexcluded said: "Hannah Waddingham was there, surprised she didn't rugby tackle him to save his honour. Oh Damian love, don't give up the day job, listen to your kids, bless"
In the race, Hamilton ended up finishing third behind fellow British driver Lando Norris in the McLaren, putting two British drivers on the podium.
