FRESH off winning the Australian Grand Prix, reigning F1 champion Lewis Hamilton made a 36-hour stopover in Sydney.

You’d think a man who up until only recently was dating singer Nicole Scherzinger and is set to become Britain’s richest ever athlete might turn a few heads while walking along Sydney Harbour.

Apparently not.

This couple was seemingly oblivious of the identity of the well-dressed man in designer shades and a black jacket when they stopped to ask if he’d take their photograph in front of the Opera House.

Perhaps Hamilton’s profile will grow in Australia’s largest city if the NSW government successfully wrestles the Australian Grand Prix from Melbourne.

“It’s beautiful here,” Hamilton told Sydney Confidential this week.

“I’ve only been to Sydney a couple of times now but I’ve seen pictures of the Opera House and it’s always so sunny. I really enjoy it when I come here. The weather’s always fantastic.”

Hamilton, who conceded he’s always relaxed when he arrives in Australia for the first race of the F1 calendar, had heard the buzz to relocate the race from Melbourne to Sydney when the current contract expires.

“I have heard of the potential for a street race here and I love street circuits,” he enthused.

“Street circuits are the best. For a driver they’re the best and it’s best for people to get close to — some 300,000 to 400,000 people leaning out of apartment windows.”