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Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton’s budding romance is facing skepticism just days after the couple made their relationship Instagram official.
The 45-year-old reality star and the 41-year-old Formula 1 champion have known each other for years, with initial links dating back to 2014. However, rumors of a romantic connection only gained traction earlier this year, following sightings of the pair spending time together across Europe, including trips to Paris and a private getaway in the UK. They were also spotted side-by-side at high-profile events such as the Super Bowl in February.
More recently, their relationship appeared to intensify when they were seen sharing a kiss during a surf trip in Malibu. Despite these public displays, an insider has dismissed the relationship as a “showmance,” suggesting the couple is meticulously curating their public image.
Speaking to The Daily Mail, the source remarked, “If Kim is photographed with someone, it’s almost always intentional. Few are as skilled at crafting a precise public persona as Kim.”
They added, “But in this case, she’s playing an amateur game – this is a textbook showmance with Lewis. It’s almost farcical.”
The insider further claimed that a recent shopping outing was staged as a “PR stunt” to spark speculation about their relationship, saying, “It’s a blatant setup. ‘Kim and Lewis shopping for interiors?’
That’s an easy narrative to suggest they’re moving in together, keeping interest in them alive for another week.” They also noted that Kim’s resources would typically allow her to shop privately without public outings.
Additionally, the source pointed out that many of their photos are taken by the same agency, Backgrid, a Los Angeles-based outfit often linked to orchestrated or pre-arranged celebrity appearances.
Last week, Kardashian had already given a more overt nod to the relationship by sharing a photo on Instagram from the Coachella festival, showing herself sitting on Hamilton’s lap. Although his face was obscured, fans could identify him by his distinctive tattooed hand.
While Kim may reference Lewis on the latest season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, insiders say Hamilton prefers to keep their relationship low-key and will not appear on the show. A source told The Sun US, “Lewis likes to stay out of the spotlight when it comes to reality TV – similar to Kylie Jenner’s boyfriend, Timothée Chalamet. He’s not interested in being a star of the show.”
The source added, “Kim and Lewis dated privately for a few months before going public. Though their relationship is more visible now, Lewis doesn’t want to be a breakout reality TV personality. Naturally, Kim will have to hint at their relationship in the show.”
Representatives for both Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton have been contacted for comment.