NOBODY wants to be a third wheel - especially to a Formula One driver.
This week it was claimed Lewis Hamilton is in a 'love triangle' with pal Tom Cruise and Shakira - potentially putting the men's 10-year bromance in jeopardy.
The Colombian singer, 46, has been pictured with both men recently, having split from footballer Gerard Pique last year.
Their acrimonious split came after Pique was rumoured to have cheated on her with 24-year-old Clara Chia Marti.
Now Shakira has seemingly moved on herself, with dates with Top Gun star Cruise and F1 legend Hamilton.
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Cruise, 60, and Shakira, 46, were spotted together at the Miami Grand Prix last month - with the Top Gun star said to be "giddy" after meeting her and reportedly sending her flowers.
Meanwhile Shakira and Hamilton, 38, were seen enjoying a boat trip together in Miami hours after reportedly crossing paths at a fancy restaurant.
And following the Spanish Grand Prix last week, Shakira was seen out for dinner with the Mercedes driver and pals in Barcelona.
According to PEOPLE, they are understood to be keeping things "fun and flirty".
A source told Radar Online: “It was a huge dent to Tom's ego, it stung all the more because he considers Lewis a buddy.”
The publication claimed Tom had told pals he had "incredible chemistry" with the singer and was "taking it as a slam dunk they’d be dating in no time".
Another insider told US Weekly that Shakira likes Tom - but only as a friend.
They said: “Tom was really nice and she enjoyed his company, but she isn't focused on dating him or anybody else at the moment. She has a lot on her plate and is focused on her kids and career for now.
“Shakira has seen the online rumours that Tom has been courting her — and how fans are chiming in with their opinions — but she thinks it's hilarious because it's just not true.
“She had a fun time when they chatted, but that's as far as things have gone.”
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According to Radar Online, Tom put Shakira off by coming on too strong.
They said: "Tom is an all-or-nothing character, he goes from zero to 100. His friends have gently advised that he'd do well to dial it back."
This week Hamilton’s team seemingly poured fuel on the fire by tweeting pictures of Cruise and Shakira in the paddock.
'What a legend'
Hamilton and Cruise have been pals since the actor invited Lewis onto the set of his film Edge of Tomorrow in February 2013.
Hamilton tweeted a photo of himself shaking hands with the Hollywood star, along with the caption: "Met the great @tomcruise on his film set, what a legend!!"
They'd previously posed together with Hamilton's then-girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger on the red carpet at the world premiere of Jack Reacher in London in December 2012.
They cemented their bromance by going to see Nicole, who Hamilton dated until 2015, perform in the musical Cats in 2014.
Hamilton posted a selfie of them together with the rest of the cast, captioned: “Tom & I backstage after watching Cats last week! #Grizabella #JellicleCats #ThatSongIsStillStuckInMyHead.”
Cruise became a regular fixture in the Mercedes garage, cheering on the seven-time F1 world champion.
The Hollywood star has always made sure to publicly back his buddy.
At the Miami Grand Prix, when asked who he was backing to win the race, he told Sky Sports' Martin Brundle: “Lewis, always. I love to watch him racing and he’s a good friend of mine. Hopefully he has a great day.”
Lewis has been equally full of praise for Tom - and his films.
He told Vanity Fair: “Basically I’m a friend of Tom... Cruise. One of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
"He invited me to his set years ago when he was doing Edge of Tomorrow, and then we just built a friendship over time.”
Upsetting phone call
Film fanatic Lewis also begged his pal for a role in the 2022 Top Gun sequel - and was offered a part as a pilot.
"When I heard the second one was coming out, I was like, 'Oh, my God, I have to ask him'," Hamilton told Vanity Fair.
"I don't care what role it is. I'll even sweep something, be a cleaner in the back."
But Hamilton was devastated to have to turn down filming due to his F1 schedule.
He admitted: "It was the most upsetting phone call I think I've ever had.”
Hamilton is thought to have been impressed by Cruise doing his own stunts and his ability to fly aircraft.
He revealed the actor took him for a ride in his WW2 P-51 Mustang plane, telling ESPN: “I’m already looking into how and when I can do my pilot’s licence because I know Tom is fully licensed and is amazing in both helicopters and planes.
"He’s been telling me to get a flight simulator for ages, so I think it’s about time.”
But with Cruise's pride allegedly dented, it looks like the buddies won’t be flying high again anytime soon.
The representatives of Shakira, Hamilton and Cruise have all not commented on the reports.
