Lewis Hamilton says he teared up celebrating Arsenal’s title in emotional X post

Lewis Hamilton said on May 21 that Arsenal’s Premier League title left him in tears, turning a routine Formula One news conference in Montreal into a personal account of fandom, family and childhood identity. The Ferrari driver spoke ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix after Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the league title, a result confirmed on Tuesday when Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth. Hamilton said the moment brought back memories of growing up in Stevenage and being pushed toward Arsenal by his sister. Reuters reported the comments from Hamilton’s Thursday media session in Montreal. ### What exactly did Hamilton say in Montreal? Hamilton told reporters on May 21 that he “shed a tear” when Arsenal clinched the title. Reuters quoted him saying the club’s success triggered memories from when he was five years old and playing football near his home in Stevenage. The Ferrari driver said: “I was the only Black kid in the area” and recalled that most other children around him supported West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester United. (thestar.com.my) He added that his sister settled the question of allegiance early, telling him: “You have to support Arsenal.” ### Why did the post and the quote resonate with fans? Hamilton’s remarks tied Arsenal’s title to a specific childhood memory rather than a generic celebrity endorsement. The detail about Stevenage, his sister and being the only Black child in that football setting gave supporters a personal explanation for a fandom that has been public for years. (thestar.com.my) Social posts circulating on May 21 highlighted that same passage, focusing on Hamilton’s description of Arsenal’s rise and the way he connected it to his own fight at Ferrari. The underlying reported quote that can be independently verified is the one Hamilton gave in Montreal: that he cried, remembered Stevenage and credited his sister with making him an Arsenal supporter. (thestar.com.my) ### When did Arsenal actually seal the title? Arsenal were confirmed as Premier League champions on Tuesday after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, according to Reuters. Arsenal’s official website is now carrying championship coverage under “Premier League champions 2025/26,” including reaction from manager Mikel Arteta and supporters. (thestar.com.my) The club website on Friday featured title-related videos, supporter reactions and championship merchandise, reflecting the scale of the celebrations around the team’s first league crown in more than two decades. ### How did football come up at a Formula One event? Montreal’s Canadian Grand Prix media day drifted into football talk as drivers discussed club loyalties and upcoming matches. Reuters reported that Alpine driver Pierre Gasly, a Paris Saint-Germain supporter, responded by backing PSG ahead of its match against Arsenal. (thestar.com.my) (arsenal.com) The exchange placed Hamilton’s comments in a broader paddock conversation rather than a standalone social-media statement. Reuters also reported remarks from Sergio Perez and Kimi Antonelli on football and the World Cup during the same media session. ### Where does this leave Hamilton and Arsenal next? (thestar.com.my) Hamilton made the comments before the Canadian Grand Prix weekend at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal on May 21, Reuters reported. Arsenal, meanwhile, continues to publish title celebrations and team reaction on its official website as the club marks its 2025/26 championship. (thestar.com.my) Arsenal’s next public updates are likely to remain on its official club channels, where title coverage was still prominent on May 22, while Hamilton’s next scheduled public appearance is the Canadian Grand Prix weekend in Montreal. (arsenal.com) (thestar.com.my)