American television star Kim Kardashian and seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton have appeared semi-naked together in a beach photograph published on Instagram.
The 45-year-old businesswoman posed in a yellow skirt and a bikini top, while the 41-year-old athlete wore shorts and a baseball cap. In the photograph, Hamilton wrapped his arm around Kardashian's shoulders and pulled her close to him.
The image was published directly to the racing driver's official account on Instagram, the photo and video sharing network owned by American technology giant Meta. Since being posted, the upload has gathered 3.5 million likes and more than 13,800 comments from followers.
July comments on relationship
The publication of the image follows comments made by Hamilton in July ahead of the British Grand Prix in Great Britain, where he publicly addressed his personal life.
During a pre-race media session, a reporter asked the Ferrari driver why he appeared happier in recent weeks and inquired whether a new girlfriend could be influencing his happiness. Hamilton confirmed that his happiness was linked to his new partner, describing her as very good.
Origins of March romance reports
Speculation surrounding a relationship between Kardashian and Hamilton first emerged in March after the Academy Awards ceremony. Following the event, Kardashian shared social media footage of herself wearing a Gucci dress at an Oscars afterparty.
Hamilton subsequently left a complimentary emoji comment under her photograph, sparking initial reports of a romance between the two high-profile figures.
Background on Kardashian and Hamilton
Kardashian is an American media personality and entrepreneur who rose to prominence on reality television before founding successful business ventures, including her shapewear brand Skims.
Hamilton is a British racing driver competing in Formula 1, the world's premier single-seater motorsport championship. He holds the joint record for seven world championship titles and currently drives for Scuderia Ferrari.
