Hamilton backs Brazil as much as England and urges fans to hold off on 'It's Coming Home'

Lewis Hamilton has called on England supporters to resist belting out ‘It’s Coming Home’ until the Three Lions have actually lifted the World Cup trophy, while confirming he will be cheering on Brazil with equal enthusiasm throughout the tournament.

Speaking during media day ahead of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver — born in Stevenage and a holder of honorary Brazilian citizenship since 2022 — said his loyalties are firmly split between the two nations. “For me, it’s tied with England,” Hamilton said. “Honestly, Brazil has always been my favourite team. 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.”

Hamilton’s admission that he would be backing Carlo Ancelotti’s Seleção as much as Harry Kane and his teammates drew a considerable reaction at home, but the seven-time world champion showed no sign of walking it back. “I just hope they don’t sing ‘It’s Coming Home’ too early, because that’s what we normally do,” he said. “Sing it once we’ve got it, not before. It’s a great song, but I’m looking forward to seeing the guys in yellow in Brazil. I love watching Brazil.”

On the tournament itself, Hamilton was candid about the limits of his football knowledge. “I don’t have a prediction. I don’t follow it that much, that close to be honest. I will tune in every now and then. I will always keep a close eye on what England is doing.”

His comments came on the opening day of the World Cup in North America, hours before co-hosts Mexico faced South Africa in the tournament opener.

On track, Hamilton has finished second at each of his last two Grands Prix and appears to be finding his footing at Ferrari. He acknowledged that a maiden win for the Scuderia remains a work in progress, and was clear that he wants to earn it on merit rather than benefit from a rival’s misfortune. “I hope that we can be there for a scenario like that, but I think we exist to win and I don’t think we exist to win by default from someone else,” he said. “We exist to win through pure performance and earning it and that’s what we’re working towards.”