Overview
- - Richard Hammond sent a pre-recorded good-luck message played at a Shell-hosted Ferrari fan event in Shanghai, referencing Shell Helix and the long Shell–Ferrari partnership.
- - Lewis Hamilton laughed onstage, said he had never met Hammond and "doesn't really know" him, and asked why Hammond was chosen before thanking him and noting he grew up watching his show.
- - The video carried clear promotional framing for Shell, including mentions of Ferrari collaboration and fuel branding.
- - Fans highlighted Hamilton’s past Top Gear appearances, and former host Jeremy Clarkson wrote on X that presenters James May and Richard Hammond did not meet the guests.
- - On track, Hamilton qualified fourth for Saturday’s sprint, saying Ferrari is losing time on the straights and needs to improve power back in Maranello as Mercedes set the pace with George Russell on pole.