Racing ace Lewis Hamilton turned heads when he arrived at the Bahrain Grand Prix in a Thawb, the traditional dress of men.

Mercedes man Hamilton , 31, was walking alongside Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa shortly before competing in the race.

The reigning world champion qualified on pole after putting in what he called a ‘𝑠e𝑥y lap’ in Q3.

But the world champion later had a nightmare start to the race enduring a collision just seconds after the start.

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Hamilton arrives with Sheikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa, president of Bahrain Motor Federation ( Image: REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed)

Hamilton wasn’t entirely to blame as he was clobbered by Williams ace Valtterie Bottas through the very first bend.

And it was all catch-up after that to earn third.

Just as in Melbourne a fortnight before it all went pear-shaped in the first few hundred metres.

Then a faulty start system was to blame.

However Hamilton remained relaxed after the race.

“I’m really chilled, not big issue,” insisted Hamilton.