By JODY THOMPSON

Move your straw, Lewis! F1 star Hamilton's water tube gets in the way as he goes to greet girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger with a kiss at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit


When greeting your girlfriend with a romantic kiss, all obstacles such as a piece of chewing gum should be immediately removed.

Shame then that Lewis Hamilton couldn't have moved his water bottle straw to one side when moving in on Nicole Hamilton for a smooch

Because the Formula 1 ace ended up missing his girlfriend's lips and settling for a peck on the cheek instead.


Probably not what she'd hope for: Nicole had to settle for a kiss on the cheek instead


The Formula 1 ace was behind the scenes after his third practice run at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit at Albert Park in Melbourne.

Nicole, who put all her album promotional plans on hold to fly to Australia to support her boyfriend, didn't initially seem too impressed with her less-than-romantic greeting.

But being the ever-supportive girlfriend, she was soon smiling by her racing driver beau's side as he spoke to his team.


Try my lips next time! Nicole looked a little indignant after her less-than-romantic greeting but was soon smiling again by Lewis's side


Side by side: Nicole Scherzinger flew to Australia to support boyfriend Lewis Hamilton ahead of his first F1 grand prix of the season


Despite the fact that her debut solo album was released just this week in Britain and most popstars would be busy hitting the promotional trail with a vengeance, Nicole, 32, flew to the other side of the world to stand by her man instead.

The former Pussycat Dolls star wrote on her Twitter page yesterday: 'G'day mates! I'm officially in Australia! Here to support Lewis for his first grand prix of the season! Go Lewis!'

The new Formula 1 season kicks off in Melbourne tomorrow but Lewis, 26, isn't showing any nerves ahead of the race.


Biggest fan: Nicole proudly showed her support for her man on her Twitter today


He wrote on his Twitter on Tuesday: 'Touch down!! I'm in melbourne finally n damn it's warm. Wicked. If any of you are in downtown Melbourne on Wednesday morning, come join me for a training run @ 11:00 starting at South Wharf with @Reebok.'

He's currently in practice sessions at the Albert Park circuit in the city - no doubt with Nicole cheering him on from sidelines.


Technical precision: Lewis was leaving nothing to chance ahead of his practice sessions on Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit today


Elsewhere, speculation is still mounting about Nicole's involvement with the U.S. version of the X Factor.

She was a hot favourite for the judging role and is also being tipped as the show's possible host.

Nicole was said to be lined up for a judging role on the UK version of the show, after impressing as a temporary judge when Cheryl was off ill with malaria last year.


Meet and greet: The McLaren driver was more than happy to chat to the media ahead of the new F1 season


But the Poison singer is said to be joining the Stateside version of the show after Simon, 51, negotiated a deal with her record label to allow her to appear on the show.

Katy Perry, Mariah Carey and Paula Abdul are all thought to have been considered judges of the U.S. version of the show.

Former Pussycat Doll Nicole landed her first solo Number One last weekend when Don't Hold Your Breath went to the top of the singles charts.

source: dailymail