Broadcaster issues apology for X-rated Lewis Hamilton exchange in behind-the-scenes footage

Sky Sports were forced to apologise moments after Lewis Hamilton won the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

The British driver claimed his first race victory for Ferrari on Sunday.

Sky Sports

Following the race, Hamilton headed into cool down room to watch back his win.

He was joined in the behind-the-scenes footage on Sky Sports by fellow Brits George Russell and Lando Norris.

Cool down room apology

However, an X-rated exchange between the trio was picked up on the microphones, forcing the broadcaster to issue an apology.

As Hamilton walked into the room, he could be heard saying: “You guys had a good fricking start.”

The audio feed then quickly cut out as they continued their discussion and the apology was subsequently issued.

Russell and Norris had been rewatching the start of the race, which had seen the former start on pole ahead of Hamilton.

Meanwhile, Norris had started in fourth before going on to finish third to complete an all-British podium.

The reigning world champion benefited from Kimi Antonelli’s retirement following an electrical shutdown in his Mercedes.

As a result, the three drivers completed the first all-British podium since 1968.

It is also Hamilton’s first win since joining Ferrari from Mercedes at the start of 2025.

Sky Sports

The seven-time world champion has now claimed 106 race victories across his career.

However, he had not taken the chequered flag since the Belgian Grand Prix in July 2024.

His win on Sunday followed back-to-back second place finishes in Canada and Monaco.

Hamilton was also on the podium at the Chinese Grand Prix in March after finishing third.

The 41-year-old now sits just 41 points behind World Drivers’ Championship leader Antonelli.

Hamilton reacts

When asked how it ranks with the rest of his career victories, Hamilton said: “They are all special in their own way. But, this one is something else.

Getty

“I watched Ferrari have all that success, when I was younger, watching it on TV and as I have been racing, I’ve always watched the screens and wondered what it will be like to win in that car and it has come.

“Everyone has worked hard for it and everyone deserves it. I am forever grateful to them and this is just the first of, I hope, many.

“Great pit stops today, great strategy. The car felt fantastic. Forza Ferrari.”

Hamilton will have the chance to add another win at the Austrian Grand Prix next time out on June 28.

His only previous victory at the Red Bull Ring came in 2016, a year in which he finished second behind Nico Rosberg in the World Drivers’ Championship.