George Russell asked Lewis Hamilton about his relationship status during F1 testing in Bahrain - amid reports that the seven-time world champion is dating Kim Kardashian.
The Sun reported at the beginning of February that Hamilton had spent a 'romantic weekend getaway' with American reality star and influencer Kardashian in Oxfordshire.
They claimed that the pair had 'shared a room in the main part of the house' and had 'exclusive use of the spa and pool in the evening'.
Kardashian, 45, was subsequently spotted attending the Super Bowl with Ferrari driver Hamilton.
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Neither party has commented on the claims that they are dating.
Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz revealed that, earlier this month, a member of the written press in Bahrain asked Hamilton to confirm whether the rumours were true.
The 41-year-old is said to have replied: "It's my private life, I'm not talking about that."
Ahead of day one of the third and final test of 2026, which is being held in Bahrain, all 22 drivers were invited to the traditional pre-season photoshoot.
And Russell, who was formerly team-mates with Hamilton at Mercedes, took the opportunity to poke fun at the seven-time Drivers' Champion.
While the drivers were preparing for the photo, Russell turned to Hamilton before asking him: "All loved up or... what's the latest?"
In response, Hamilton simply smiled, prompting Russell to laugh and place his hand on the Ferrari driver's shoulder.
Isack Hadjar and Alex Albon were both stood by Russell and Hamilton during their brief exchange, but perhaps wisely decided not to get involved.
On the track, Hamilton enjoyed what appeared to be a positive first day of testing in Bahrain, placing in seventh.
Ferrari again got through the day with few reliability issues, barring Hamilton remaining in the pits for a short period in the afternoon to allow his team to work on the car.
Both Hamilton and team-mate Charles Leclerc completed 114 laps between them, ranking Ferrari sixth in the list of most laps completed by each team.
Hamilton was put up for media duties on the first morning in Bahrain, and spoke positively about his early impressions of the new 2026 car.
"With the car, I think we've started off quite well so far," he said (via Sky Sports). "It's an exciting time with the new generation of cars, because it's all brand new, and we're all trying to figure it out on the go.
"Last year we were locked into a car that, ultimately, I inherited.
"This is a car that I've been able to be a part of developing on the simulator, and so a bit of my DNA is within. I'm more connected to this one, for sure."
Topics: Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Formula 1
Ryan Smart