Race for Shakira's heart: Tom Cruise and Lewis Hamilton rumored to be competing for singer's affections, but how do they stack up
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: British Formula One star Lewis Hamilton and Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise have made headlines throughout their lives for their record-breaking achievements in their respective fields. Recently, the F1 champion as well as the ‘Mission: Impossible’ star has been in the news for their association with the Colombian songstress Shakira. The ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ hitmaker, who parted ways with longtime partner Gerard Pique in 2022, became the subject of romance rumors with Cruise after the duo was spotted together at The Formula One Miami Grand Prix in May.
However, the speculation soon fizzled out after the 'Rabiosa' singer was seen spending time with Hamilton in Miami. The duo reportedly enjoyed a boat ride in front of Shakira’s Miami mansion and also dined together in Barcelona after Hamilton won the second place at the country's Grand Prix, which the singer attended. Shakira has long been friends with Cruise and sources close to the singer denied the possibility of any romantic connection between the two. However, nothing has been revealed about her relationship with Hamilton. Amid the alleged love triangle between the stars, here's a look at Cruise and Hamilton's life and career.
Age
Cruise was born on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York, to electrical engineer Thomas Cruise Mapother III and special education teacher Mary Lee. He is currently 60. Hamilton was born on January 7, 1985, in Stevenage, Hertfordshire to Anthony Hamilton and Carmen Larbalestier. He is 38. While they are both considered to be "contenders" to win Shakira’s heart, Hamilton is 22 years younger to Cruise. He is also eight years younger to the ‘Waka Waka’ singer, who is again 14 years younger than Cruise.
Net Worth
While Cruise is known as one of the highest-paid actors in the world, Hamilton is known as one of the highest-paid F1 drivers in the world. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Cruise has an approximate net worth of $600M as of 2023 while Hamilton's net worth is roughly $285M as of 2023. The actor and the racer get an average salary of $50M a year.
Dating history
While Hamilton and Cruise are both rumored to be pursuing Shakira at the moment, both have had other relationships in the past. Hamilton reportedly dated model and TV personality Danielle Lloyd for around six months in 2002 before amicably ending their relationship. He was also rumored to be dating Jodia Ma, who he met while studying between 2003 and 2007. While the pair parted ways after Hamilton rose to fame, Ma only had praises for her former partner.
Hamilton’s most high-profile relationship was with Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger. The duo was seen together shortly after Hamilton sparked dating rumors with 2007 Miss World Vivian Burkhardt. Scherzinger and Hamilton’s on-and-off relationship began in 2007 and garnered much media attention. However, the couple parted ways in 2015 after nearly eight years together citing busy schedules.
The F1 star mostly kept his private life under the wraps following his split with Scherzinger but he was linked to the likes of Rita Ora, Barbara Palvin, Kendall Jenner, Veronica Valle, Winnie Harlow, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Sofia Richie. However, none of these rumors were confirmed or denied.
While Hamilton never walked down the aisle despite being involved in several alleged romances, Cruise has been married thrice during his life. The actor dated Melissa Gilbert in '80s, who clarified that their relationship never got physical. Actress Heather Locklear once revealed she went on one date with Cruise while Cher said that her 1985 fling with the actor made him one of her top five lovers.
Cruise was also rumored to be dating his ‘Risky Business’ costar Rebecca De Mornay in 1983 before their split two years later. The ‘Top Gun’ star’s first marriage was with Mimi Rogers in 1987, which ended three years later in 1990. He said “I do” for the second time with actress Nicole Kidman in 1990 but their marriage ended in 2001. Some reports revealed Cruise started dating Penelope Cruz shortly after parting ways with Kidman but their alleged romance fizzled out by 2004.
The actor also allegedly dated ‘General Hospital’ actress Nazanin Boniadi from late 2004 to early 2005 before starting his relationship with his third wife Katie Holmes. Cruise and Holmes tied the knot in 2006 and stayed together for six years before ending their marriage in 2012. Following his third divorce Cruise was linked with Laura Prepon and Hayley Atwell, but none of the rumors were confirmed.
Children
Cruise shares adopted children, Isabella and Connor, with Kidman and a daughter, Suri, with Holmes. Hamilton does not have any children.
Career achievements
Both Cruise and Hamilton are one of the biggest names in their respective fields. Cruise is known one of highest-paid actors in the world and one of biggest stars in Hollywood. His films have grossed over $4B in North America and over $11.5B across the globe, making him one of the highest-grossing box-office stars of all time.
Cruise established himself as an action star, especially with classic film franchises including ‘Mission: Impossible’ and ‘Top Gun.’ He is also the recipient of various accolades, including four Academy Awards nominations, three Golden Globe Awards and an Honorary Palme d'Or, among others. He received a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1986.
Hamilton is also regarded one of the as one of the greatest drivers in the history of F1, currently driving for Mercedes. He holds several Formula One records and has won a joint-record of seven World Drivers’ Championship titles. Hamilton also has the record for most wins (103), pole positions (103) and podium finishes (193), among others.
In addition to his sports record, Hamilton is also a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, a fellowship for the best and brightest engineers recognized by the Royal Academy of Engineering. He was listed in the 2020 issue of Time as one of the 100 most influential people globally, and was knighted in 2021.
Cruise vs Hamilton: Who will win over Shakira?
While both Cruise and Hamilton are rumored to be racing to win over Shakira’s heart, it is not known if the singer is at all interested in dating either of them. Initial reports suggested that Cruise “is extremely interested in pursuing” Shakira and could be a “soft pillow” that the singer can “fall on” amid her split with Pique. Sources allegedly told The Mirror that Cruise believed he and Shakira “had incredible chemistry and taking it as a slam dunk they'd be dating in no time.”
However, an insider said Shakira found her dating rumors with Cruise “hilarious” and has no plans in dating the A-list. “Shakira had a great time hanging out with Tom at F1 but she has no interest in dating him,” sources told US Weekly, adding, “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 rumors 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,” sources further claimed.
Meanwhile, another insider told Radar Online that Shakira’s multiple sightings with Hamiltonn left a “dent” in Cruise’s ego. “It was a huge dent to Tom's ego, it stung all the more because he considers Lewis a buddy,” sources said.
The Mirror previously reported that the singer seemingly rejected Cruise’s advances to globetrot with “buddy” Lewis. Another insider claimed Shakira was currently on a “dating break.”
However, People claimed sources said that Shakira and Hamilton were getting to know each other and enjoying each other’s company. “They're spending time together and in the ‘getting to know you’ stage. It's fun and flirty,” an insider said.