Just ten minutes ago, on May 18, 2025, Lewis Hamilton responded to rumors of a romantic relationship with Blackpink singer Rosé, following an official statement from his manager, The Black Label. The speculation, which has inflamed Formula 1 and K-pop fans since their viral interactions at the Miami Grand Prix and Met Gala after-party earlier this month, reached fever pitch after intimate photos surfaced online. The Black Label’s statement earlier that day strongly denied any romantic relationship, describing the couple’s relationship as “strictly professional and friendly” thanks to joint brand partnerships with Rimowa and Puma. Hamilton’s response, published in a brief Instagram Stories post, echoed this sentiment, while also giving fans the opportunity to analyze his comments.
The saga began at the Miami Grand Prix on May 4, where Rosé, in the midst of promoting her “Messy” soundtrack for the upcoming F1 film, reunited with seven-time world champion Hamilton. The two, who first collaborated on Rimowa’s “Never Still 4” campaign in 2023, shared a warm embrace that went viral, with fans calling it a “meta moment” given Rosé’s role in waving the checkered flag. Their romance rekindled at the Met Gala after-party on May 7, where photos of them laughing and posing together sparked romance rumors. Social media, like X, went viral with comments like “We’re already dating!” and “Lewis and Rosé, it’s endgame,” fueled by Hamilton’s likes on Rosé’s Instagram posts, including her performance on The Tonight Show in December 2024.
The Black Label’s statement aimed to dispel speculation, emphasizing Rosé’s focus on her solo career and upcoming projects, including the release of the F1 soundtrack on June 27. It emphasized that her interactions with Hamilton were professional, related to their roles as global ambassadors for Rimowa and Puma, and urged fans to respect their privacy. The label also referenced Rosé’s consistent transparency in the face of relationship rumors, citing her 2023 denial of a relationship with Kang Dong Won. Hamilton’s response, posted at 12:18 +07, was concise: “Nothing but respect and good humor with Rosé. We are friends and I am a fan of her work. Let’s stay positive.” The message, set against a black background with a rose emoji, was interpreted by some as a classy deflection, while others pointed out its ambiguity.
Fans are divided. On X, some praised Hamilton’s maturity, with one user writing, “It’s because Lewis respectfully shut down the rumors that he became a legend.” Others, however, stuck to the “Lewis-ed” legend, highlighting their frequent interactions, including at a Rimowa event in Seoul in April 2024, where Rosé appeared coy while chatting with him. On Reddit, however, critics questioned their relationship, citing Rosé’s past controversy regarding a racial slur, though their followers argued that her evolution and Hamilton’s inclusive stance identified them as friends. The K-pop industry’s conservative stance on romantic relationships also influenced reactions, with some fans defending Rosé’s right to friendships without romantic prejudice.
Hamilton’s private life has long been scrutinized, but he has maintained his privacy, rarely confirming his relationships. Rosé, meanwhile, has made no secret of her musical inspiration drawn from her past loves, as evidenced by her solo album “rosie.” Their shared successes in fashion and entertainment—Rosé as an ambassador for YSL and Tiffany & Co., Hamilton as a style icon—have increased their visibility. The F1 film, backed by Hamilton’s company Dawn Apollo Films, further intertwines their worlds, with Rosé’s title contributing to the project’s hype.
The timing of these rumors coincides with Hamilton’s struggles at Ferrari, where he has been criticized for a disappointing 2025 season. Some speculate that the focus on Rosé is distracting from her 12th-place qualifying finish at Imola, though Hamilton’s emphasis on positivity suggests otherwise. Rosé, fresh off a Global Sensation Award win with Bruno Mars for “APT.”, is pursuing her solo career under The Black Label. Both stars, at the top of their game, face the challenge of public perception in the age of social media.
As the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix unfolds, attention may once again turn to Hamilton’s performance, but the “Lewis-ized” narrative persists. For now, both parties have put the rumors to rest, prioritizing friendship and professionalism. Yet, with their shared projects and undeniable charisma, fans will likely continue to hope for more than just a platonic spark.
