Lewis Hamilton spotted this morning in a bank along London’s Tottenham Court Road? Yes, you’re reading that correctly.

But the 2008 Formula 1 world champion wasn’t simply checking his balance, he was present with Banco Santander chairman Emilio Botin to launch the rebranding and relaunch of Britain’s Abbey and Bradford & Bingley as branches of the Santander bank.

By the end of the month, 1000 branches across the country will carry the Santander brand, aligning the firm’s British arm into line with its many international outlets.

And, of course, Lewis’s presence was integral to the day.

Since becoming a Formula 1 driver in 2007, he has been central to the bank’s message, appearing on billboards, campaigns and, most famously, a series of iconic TV adverts that have become embedded in the British public’s consciousness.

The first ad featured Lewis as a component in a tiny Airfix scale model. The second showed a miniature Lewis driving a Scalextric-sized car around a living room floor.

The latest commercial sees Lewis overseeing the construction of a huge road bridge using giant red bricks – symbolising the bank’s strength and stability.

Lewis said: “Some of the most enjoyable activities I’ve ever done off track during my Formula 1 career have been with Santander. Everything we do together is about thinking outside of the box, and I can’t wait to see the red bricks TV ad on air.”

Source: mclaren.com