Lewis Hamilton has declared he will be dividing his loyalties at the forthcoming World Cup, backing both England and Brazil when the tournament kicks off in North America.
The 41-year-old Ferrari driver, currently sitting fourth in the Formula One standings, made the revelation prior to this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.
"For me, it's tied with England," Hamilton explained. "Honestly, Brazil has always been my favourite team."
The seven-time world champion spoke fondly of his childhood fascination with the South American side.
Lewis Hamilton admitted he has a fond spot for Brazil ahead of the World Cup
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"Growing up in England, I used to love watching Brazil play. I think it's the colours, the culture, and the players always just looked the most skilled, they were so cool," he said.
Hamilton's affection for Brazil extends far beyond football, rooted deeply in his admiration for the legendary racing driver Ayrton Senna.
The three-time world champion, who tragically lost his life in a crash in 1994, served as Hamilton's childhood hero.
"I just appreciate where they come from. Many of the players come from the streets where they play with no shoes and there's something quite special about Brazilian culture," Hamilton remarked.
The British driver paid homage to Senna by waving the Brazilian flag following his victory at Interlagos in 2021, and received a race-worn helmet from the Senna family in 2017.
Hamilton was bestowed with honorary Brazilian citizenship in 2022, having previously expressed his deep connection to the nation's people and energy.
Lewis Hamilton and Neymar are both close friends
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He also counts Brazilian football icon Neymar among his friends.
Should Hamilton's two favoured nations meet during the tournament, the Ferrari star will at least have cause for celebration regardless of the outcome.
England's historical record against Brazil makes for grim reading, however.
The Three Lions have never managed to defeat the Selecao at any international tournament, drawing their initial World Cup encounter in 1958 before losing all three subsequent meetings.
Their most recent clash came in the 2002 quarter-finals, when Ronaldinho's audacious free-kick sailed over David Seaman to secure a 2-1 Brazilian victory.
Overall, England have won just four matches against Brazil, with 11 draws and 12 defeats recorded.
Tournament predictions remain notoriously difficult, though a quarter-final showdown between the two nations in North America remains a distinct possibility.
Brazil haven't won the World Cup since 2002 | GETTYHamilton has already enjoyed a memorable season away from the track, witnessing his beloved Arsenal claim the Premier League title.
"I think, like for everyone, [it was] very emotional," he admitted. "I shed a tear, to be honest."
The driver recalled his childhood in Stevenage, playing football on Peartree Way as a five-year-old, the only black youngster among his group of friends.
He found himself switching allegiances between West Ham, Tottenham and Manchester United depending on which mates he was with at the time.
His sister ultimately settled the matter during a walk home, asking which club he supported before delivering a playful punch to his arm.
"She gave me a dead arm back then, a little dig in my arm, and said: 'You have to support Arsenal!'" Hamilton recalled. "We had a laugh yesterday about it."