Lewis Hamilton has spent nearly two decades living under a spotlight that most athletes have never experienced, which also includes stressful moments and sharp opinions. That spotlight followed him again over the weekend, but this time, it was at an NFL stadium field instead of an F1 circuit.
Lewis Hamilton Joining NFL Royalty
Hamilton attended his first Denver Broncos home game since becoming a minority owner of the franchise, and arrived at Empower Field at Mile High with his niece and nephew. On the surface, it seemed like the perfect moment, as the Broncos were riding an 11-game winning streak, and confidence around the team was sky-high.
Instead, the Jacksonville Jaguars spoiled the party with a 34-20 victory that ended Denver’s long run of success. Within minutes, Broncos fans took to social media and did what sports fans do best. They joked, teased, and aimed a few playful jabs at the most famous new face in the ownership group.
Hamilton’s involvement with the Broncos is not a short-term project, as in August 2022, he joined the Walton-Penner ownership group that acquired the team for a staggering £3.4 billion, a deal that set a new benchmark for American sports franchises at the time.
Best known as a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Hamilton is one of the most successful drivers the sport has ever seen, with a career that includes more than 100 race wins, multiple eras of dominance, and a global profile that extends well beyond motorsport. Over the years, he has expanded into fashion, film, and activism, while also taking a keen interest in business and ownership opportunities.
Despite being part of the Broncos group for more than two years, Hamilton had not previously attended a home game due to a demanding F1 calendar and constant travel. This weekend finally offered the chance, and Hamilton treated it as a personal moment by bringing family along with him.
His role with the Broncos is not hands-on, as he does not influence lineups or game-day decisions. Instead, Hamilton has spoken and shown an intent to learn the business side and help the team expand its global reach. His presence alone brings international attention.
Fans Have Their Say After Denver Broncos’ Costly Loss
The defeat to Jacksonville quickly turned Hamilton into an easy target for jokes, as one fan joked, “The Broncos looked more like a Prancing Horse tonight,” a cheeky nod to Ferrari’s struggles in F1. Another said, “Louis needs to pick a new animal to gamble on – horses just ain’t cutting it.”
Not all reactions were adverse, as some fans welcomed Hamilton’s involvement and said, “I’m a Steelers fan…but I’m gonna start following the Broncos as well….now.” While another said, “Lewis Hamilton moving effortlessly between worlds.”
The jokes appeared to be mostly good-natured, and this is the language of sports fandom, especially when a winning streak comes to an end.
Hamilton understands the world of opinions better than most, as F1 has never been short on opinions, criticism, or memes, and a few jokes from Broncos fans are unlikely to rattle him.
On the racing side, Hamilton is coming off a difficult first season with Ferrari after he finished sixth in the Drivers’ Championship on 156 points, well behind champion Lando Norris and teammate Charles Leclerc. It was not the year he had hoped for, but it also marked the beginning of a long-term project, and it has not slowed his ambitions.
For the Denver Broncos, the loss changes little after a strong season. And for Hamilton, it was simply a reminder that ownership comes with its share of emotional ups and downs, just like driving.
