LEWIS HAMILTON took time out of his Formula One preparations to show his support for Barcelona ahead of El Clasico.
The six-time world champion, 35, was in the Catalan city last week for pre-season testing and posed in a personalised shirt sent to him by the club.
Lewis Hamilton revealed he is a huge Barcelona fan as he was gifted a replica shirt ahead of El ClasicoCredit: Instagram
He kicked off his title defence by setting the quickest lap on the first day of testing, racking up a dizzying 94 laps and pipped team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 0.337 seconds.
But before heading to Amsterdam for the launch of his Tommy X Lewis SP20 collection, Hamilton made sure he sent his best wishes to Quique Setien’s side as they head to the Bernabeu.
In a video for Barcelona’s page, he said: “A huge thanks to FC Barcelona for sending me this shirt – I’m so, so grateful.
“I’m a massive fan, I’m so proud of you guys and I’ll be watching this weekend.
“Good luck with El Clasico. I know you guys are going to do amazing.
“You’re hugely inspirational and I just want to sent a lot of positive energy. Visca El Barca [Long live Barca].”
Barcelona know victory over Los Blancos on Sunday night would give them a huge advantage going into the final stages of the season.
Going into the game, Lionel Messi and Co hold a two-point lead over Zinedine Zidane’s side with 25 matches played.
But if Real Madrid can bounce back from their home defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday, they will reclaim top spot with 12 games to go.
In the reverse fixture in December, it finished goalless at the Nou Camp.
Both sides suffered shock defeats in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals so there is added motivation to win the league title and the Champions League.
Real are looking to secure a record-extending 34th LaLiga crown while Barca are currently on 26 and will be desperate to narrow the gap to six.
Hamilton was in Amsterdam on Saturday to promote his new collection with Tommy HilfigerCredit: EPA
Ominously for his rivals, the Brit was in impressive form at pre-season testing in BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
EL CLASICO – Real Madrid vs Barcelona – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for El Clasico clash
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
