Denver Broncos fans took to social media to apologise to owner Lewis Hamilton after the Mercedes superstar watched the team slump to a 19-16 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night.
The Formula 1 star became co-owner of the three-time Super Bowl champions in August and was in the stands for the first time at SoFi Stadium in LA. However, Hamilton may have been left re-thinking his investment as the Broncos struggled to get going on offence in what is quickly becoming the theme of their 2022 season.
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has failed to reproduce the form he showcased for a decade in Seattle following his high-profile trade from the Seahawks. He finished 15-of-28 for 188 yards and a touchdown as Denver lost in overtime for the second successive week.
After arriving at the match, Hamilton posted a picture of SoFi Stadium to his Instagram story along with the caption: ‘Watching my team for the first time. So excited to be he here. Let's go @Broncos’.
The team also shared a clip the seven-time world champion recorded on their official Twitter account. With the field behind him, Hamilton said: “Hey, what's up Broncos Country, Lewis Hamilton here. Here to support the team. Go Broncos!”
Hamilton reportedly enjoyed the AFC West clash alongside the Walton Penner Ownership Group, including Rob Walton, Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner. Hamilton joined the Broncos franchise as part of the Walton-Penner family - the Walmart heirs - takeover of the team two months ago for a record price of $4.65billion (£4.1bn) on August 9.
It wasn't just an NFL record, but a sports record, topping Steve Cohen's $2.4bn (£2.1bn) purchase of the New York Mets and David Tepper's $2.3bn (£2bn) acquisition of the Carolina Panthers. However, the Broncos’ struggles have seen the team drop to 2-4 - and fans apologised to Hamilton for witnessing the match on Monday.
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One supporter suggested the seven-time world champion had picked the wrong local sport to invest in, writing: “I am a big fan of @LewisHamilton. I have been waiting to see him at one of our games.
“I’m sorry all of us have had to watch these @Broncos. He should’ve bought into the @Avalanche or the @Nuggets.”
Another wrote: “I’m sure the ownership is loving another 16 pt game” - while one joked: “I’d be alright with him playing QB. He does know how to win.”
The Broncos have failed to reach the playoffs in six seasons but acquired former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Wilson from the Seahawks ahead of the 2022 season. They then awarded him a monster five-year, $245million (£216m) contract extension ahead of Week 1.
In front of Hamilton, Wilson and the Broncos took the Chargers to overtime after tying 16-16 in regulation but went on to lose 19-16. The Brit will hope he fares better when he returns to the track this weekend for the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
