‘Zoolander!’: F1 star Hamilton hits Met Gala red carpet... and fans’ response is hilarious

Lewis Hamilton swapped the Formula 1 cockpit for the glitz and glamor of the Met Gala red carpet on Monday, meeting with a mixed response when he boldly asked fans for feedback on his look.

The Met Gala in New York City draws A-list names from the showbiz and sporting world, many of whom are decked out in some outlandish outfit choices.

Budding fashionista Hamilton – who has previously launched collaborative collections with Tommy Hilfiger – chose an eye-catching black and gray zig-zigged suit ensemble, topped off with a white cravat and glittery headband.

Putting it out there to his 5.48 million Twitter followers, the reigning world champion asked: “Arrival NYC at the Met Gala. What do you think of my look? I had so much fun co-designing this with Tommy.”    

The Mercedes man won praise from some fans, who feted the F1 ace as looking “fab-u-lous” and “gorgeous.”

For others, though, there was an unmistakable resemblance to that most famous of comedic fashion icons, ‘Zoolander’, the character played by Ben Stiller in the popular film of the same name.

Hamilton is no stranger to the self-obsessed movie character, having made a cameo appearance in the sequel to the smash-hit.

Others urged Hamilton to stick to driving, while some fans claimed his fuzzy-lined pattern looked like a dodgy TV signal.

Hamilton was not the only star from the world of spot to mingle with the ‘great and the good’ of the entertainment world, with Russian tennis ace Maria Sharapova also making an appearance, while fellow star Serena Williams caught the eye with a billowing yellow number.

© Reuters / Mario Anzuoni

© Reuters / Andrew Kelly