It's Lewis Slamilton! F1 champion is pole-axed as he takes on professional wrestler in Mexico

By Martin Domin for MailOnline

Published: 04:30 EST, 29 October 2015 | Updated: 08:08 EST, 29 October 2015

Having dealt a knockout blow to his rivals and won his third drivers' championship, Formula One star Lewis Hamilton proved more than a match for an altogether different opponent on Wednesday.

The Brit, who clinched his second successive title in Austin, Texas on Sunday, took to the wrestling ring in Mexico City ahead of this weekend's race.

Hamilton was joined at Arena Mexico, the home of Lucha Libre wrestling, by Mistico, a 32-year-old Mexican whose real name is Luis Ignacio Urive Alvirde and who previously had a spell in WWE.

Scroll down to watch Lewis Hamilton in the ring with professional wrestler Mistico

Lewis Hamilton took to the wrestling ring in Mexico ahead of the next round of the Formula One calendar this weekend

Lewis Hamilton took to the wrestling ring in Mexico ahead of the next round of the Formula One calendar this weekend

Hamilton aimed several kicks at professional wrestler Mistico as he warmed up for his final move 

Hamilton aimed several kicks at professional wrestler Mistico as he warmed up for his final move 

Hamilton swung Mistico against the ropes before preparing himself for his body slam 

Hamilton swung Mistico against the ropes before preparing himself for his body slam 

Hamilton then performed the cross body slam which left the professional wrestler on the canvas

Hamilton then performed the cross body slam which left the professional wrestler on the canvas

Mistico is counted out after collapsing to the ground and Hamilton can celebrate his victory 

Mistico is counted out after collapsing to the ground and Hamilton can celebrate his victory 

Hamilton is carried on the shoulders of another wrestler, Mephisto, as Mistico remains on the canvas 

Hamilton is carried on the shoulders of another wrestler, Mephisto, as Mistico remains on the canvas 

Hamilton celebrates his victory with wrestlers Mephisto (left) and Mistico ahead of Sunday's race

Hamilton celebrates his victory with wrestlers Mephisto (left) and Mistico ahead of Sunday's race

LUCHA LIBRE WRESTLING

Meaning free wrestling, the term is used to describe the sport in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries.

It is characterised by colourful masks and in some matches, the loser must remove his permanently, something that can damage his reputation as well as his career.

During the promotional event, Hamilton was serenaded by a traditional Mariachi band, played table football in the ring and was given a beaded skull as a gift.

But it was with Mistico that he seemed to have most fun, aiming two kicks at his midriff before pulling off a cross body slam to leave his opponent prone on the canvas and defeated.

Hamilton was then carried on the shoulders of another wrestler, Mephisto, in celebration.

'Every day I am waking up and I'm like, "I can't believe it. I'm a three times world champion",' the Mercedes driver said.

'I don't know when it's going to kick in but I'm definitely enjoying it. When people tell me three, I have them repeat it because it sounds really cool.'

Hamilton also took on Mistico at table football with Mexico striker Oribe Peralta declaring the match to be between Mexican side America against Arsenal.

Hamilton also took part in a game of table football with Mistico during the promotional event

Hamilton also took part in a game of table football with Mistico during the promotional event

Mexican footballer Oribe Peralta (centre) watched the match which took place in the ring 

Mexican footballer Oribe Peralta (centre) watched the match which took place in the ring 

Hamilton was presented with a skull after his victory as he counts down to the final two races of the season

Hamilton was presented with a skull after his victory as he counts down to the final two races of the season

The gift represents the Day of the Dead holiday which coincides with this weekend's race

The gift represents the Day of the Dead holiday which coincides with this weekend's race

Hamilton was serenaded by a traditional Mariachi band and also joined in with the festivities 

Hamilton was serenaded by a traditional Mariachi band and also joined in with the festivities 

The skull meanwhile represents the country's 'Day of the Dead' holiday which coincides with this weekend's race. 

'I've seen this on TV, in movies, but to actually be there and be in the ring is really cool,' Hamilton added.

'They were talking about just doing a very simple manoeuvre but I wanted to really do it. Hopefully you were kind of impressed by my wrestling moves. Maybe when I retire I'll come back.'

And Hamilton also insisted he has no plans to take a back seat on Sunday despite having won the title with two races to spare.

'I want to win the race,' he said. 'I'm going to keep pushing for sure. Especially when it's a new circuit, you always want to be the one to put your stamp down and be the first.

'From the simulator, it looks fantastic.

'Very, very tricky and not just another track, because we're very high it's hugely demanding for us with the down-force and thin air. It's going to be physically probably one of the toughest races.'

Hamilton then watched as Mistico and Mephisto took to the ring at Arena Mexico, the home of Lucha Libre wrestling
Hamilton then watched as Mistico and Mephisto took to the ring at Arena Mexico, the home of Lucha Libre wrestling

Hamilton then watched as Mistico and Mephisto took to the ring at Arena Mexico, the home of Lucha Libre wrestling

The two professionals show Hamilton how it's done with a spectacular match in Mexico City

The two professionals show Hamilton how it's done with a spectacular match in Mexico City

 

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