LONDON -- There was bound to be an issue. A man increasingly renowned for his edgy style choices, heading to that bastion of starched traditionalism where rules rule supreme. Lewis Hamilton, rocking a pink floral shirt and chinos, hoping to get into the Royal Box on Wimbledon's Centre Court where jacket, tie and shoes are strictly required.
In the end, the rules won, and Hamilton was barred from the men's final between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, missing the former's spectacular triumph.
The day had started so well, with the F1 champion expressing his excitement on Instagram, posting photos from inside the grounds. "Honoured to have been invited to watch the men's finals from the Royal Box," he wrote.
On my way to Wimbledon to watch the final! Honoured to have been invited to watch the men's finals from the Royal Box! A photo posted by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on Jul 12, 2015 at 5:45am PDT
Wimbledon. A photo posted by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on Jul 12, 2015 at 6:46am PDT
Unfortunately, the club wouldn't relax their dress code for the racing driver.
"Due to a misunderstanding over dress code, he is disappointed to have missed the final," his spokesperson said.
Wimbledon's spokesperson, meanwhile, said that ""If he [Hamilton] 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."
Opinion was divided over the issue. Some thought the club's rules were pompous and unnecessary while others insisted there shouldn't be exceptions.
Might be me, but turning away @LewisHamilton from the Royal box for not wearing a bloody jacket and tie shows England as its pompous worst.— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 13, 2015
Lewis Hamilton is so awesome. Personally If I was invited to a 'royal box' to watch anything, I'd turn up in my pyjamas.— Jamie (@creepytennis) July 13, 2015
Can't see what all the fuss is about Lewis Hamilton. Why should he be treated different to anyone else ? It's about respect .— Lydia Jane (@LydiaJane13) July 13, 2015
Lewis Hamilton was barred from the royal box at Wimbledon for dressing like the lead singer in a Kid Creole and the Coconuts tribute band.— Bagpusspostgate (@Bagpusspostgate) July 13, 2015
Benedict Cumberbatch, Kate Winslet, Bradley Cooper and Hugh Grant were among the celebs who adhered to the dress code and saw Djokovic beat Federer in the final with a 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 win.