Lewis Hamilton leaves Daniel Ricciardo red-faced

IF the women of the world were unsure about Daniel Ricciardo’s relationship status — they’re not now. Rogue move, Lewis.

THE post-race press conference after the Hungary GP was a rollercoaster for Daniel Ricciardo.

After a third-place finish behind Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, the Australian had to endure a squabble between the Mercedes teammates about qualifying rules.

But that wasn’t the most awkward moment of the Q&A with journalists. That came when one reporter wanted to know the three drivers’ opinion of the new outfits worn by the Hungarian grid girls.

Reporter: “Lewis, you are a fashion addict, how do you like the new dress of the Hungarian grid girls?”

Hamilton: “I like it very much, actually. I thought they looked amazing. It’s not always that we have the best grid girls — or outfits should I say. This year it went well and for some reason Hungary just has an abundance of beautiful women. So it’s perfect for us (pointing at Ricciardo), we’re single. Not so much for Nico, but we enjoy it.”

At this point Ricciardo’s famous smile was as wide as we’ve ever seen it and his face turned bright red. But there was more to come.

Reporter: “Nico, do you have anything to add?”

Rosberg: “Nope (shakes head).”

Reporter: “Daniel?”

Ricciardo: “He has to be careful what he says (gesturing at Rosberg, who has been married to wife Vivian since 2014). Yep, they look great. It’s hard for us. Obviously on Sunday we’re focused on the race and the task ahead but it would be nice if we raced on Saturdays and had Saturday evening to ... explore the city a bit more.”

At this point Hamilton whispered something inaudible in Ricciardo’s hear which prompted more laughter from the Aussie.

Hamilton and Ricciardo laugh off the awkwardness.

It went largely under the radar but Ricciardo reportedly split with his high school sweetheart Jemma Boskovich before the start of this season.

The 27-year-old is protective of his private life but did reveal the temptation which is part and parcel of being a Formula One driver during an interview with Channel 7’s Sunday Night last year.

“There are some hot girls around — don’t worry about that, we do travel the world and there are some gorgeous females,” Ricciardo said.

“I have only got eyes on one, sorry ladies, I know I have just broken a lot of hearts.”

That no longer appears to be the case and if Ricciardo is back on the market, there’s probably no better wingman than Hamilton.

The Brit — whose list of exes includes former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger — had the tabloids asking questions about the nature of his relationship with Hungarian model Barbara Palvin after they shared a hug in the wake of his win on Sunday night (AEST).

According to The Sun, Palvin — who is Justin Bieber’s ex — “rushed over to the F1 star to embrace him after he drove to yet another victory”.

Lewis Hamilton shares a congratulatory with model Barbara Palvin.