Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton missed the Wimbledon men’s singles final on Sunday due to “an unfortunate misunderstanding regarding dress code”.
Hollywood stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Bradley Cooper and Hugh Grant were in the Royal Box to watch the highly-anticipated encounter between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, but Hamilton set tongues wagging after he appeared not to take up his seat in the Royal Box.
A Wimbledon spokesman confirmed that the driver had left before the match was over, but would not comment on why.
With the match at 4-3 in the fourth set, the spokesman said: ‘’He did come but he has gone. We are not commenting further.’’
Earlier in the day the racing star posted a picture on Instagram showing his Royal Box invitation package.
The All England Club declined to comment on whether Hamilton had not been in the Royal Box because he fell foul of its strict dress code, but a spokesman for Hamilton said: ‘’Due to an unfortunate misunderstanding regarding dress code at Wimbledon, Lewis is very disappointed to have missed the men’s final.’’
Men who are invited to the exclusive box on Centre Court must wear a jacket, tie and shoes.
In the picture he posted on Instagram, Hamilton did not appear to have a tie or jacket on.
A Wimbledon spokesman said: ‘’If he was not adequately dressed you could infer that he would not have been let in, but we do not comment on our guests.
“If he came without a jacket, tie or shoes he would have had two choices - not staying or going to get some extra stuff.”
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