Lewis Hamilton uses prosthetics to transform into an ageing Mercedes employee

Lewis Hamilton pulled an Ant and Dec-style prank on a group of school children by disguising himself as a bearded car engineer.

The world champ, 36, surprised the youngsters during their visit to the F1 Mercedes’ team HQ in Brackley, Northamptonshire, as they took a factory tour after they spoke about their passion for the industry before being given a rousing speech from Lewis.

He posed as the aging staffer before taking off his disguise, a bushy beard on a latex face mask much to the disbelief of the primary school kids from Camden, who were invited because of their desire for careers in engineering and automotive industries.

Changes! Lewis Hamilton pulled an Ant and Dec-style prank on a group of school children by disguising himself as a bearded car engineer

Lewis left the kids thrilled as he masqueraded as the employee before pulling off his make-up and revealing his true identity to the three kids. 

Looking astounded, one of the trio professed they were rendered speechless, before Lewis let them hold on to the steering wheel of his car.  

Mercedes driver Lewis then sat down with the students to talk about the importance of education, a positive mental attitude and dedication.

He said: ‘Education I know is key for every child and we’re in a time more than ever before where we need to make sure we’re providing opportunities and also enabling the younger generation to understand what they are.

Who’s that!? The world champ, 36, surprised the youngsters during their visit to the F1 Mercedes’ team HQ in Brackley, Northamptonshire

New look: Lewis showed them his car while standing among the impressive trophy cabinet

‘There are a lot of youngsters who don’t realise that being an engineer, for example, is an avenue that they can go down.

‘We’re really trying to have a positive impact on the people that we meet, in particular the youth, and I’m proud of the things we are doing together.’

UBS, the leading global wealth manager and partner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, organised the meeting as part of their ongoing investment into quality education for young people in the UK.

Who’s that? Lewis left the kids thrilled as he masqueraded as the employee before pulling off his make-up and revealing his true identity to the three kids

Changes: He was disguised behind the make-up before revealing his look 

Ouch! He confessed removing the make-up was a painful process

Johan Jervoe, CMO at UBS, said: ‘This is a mindset that fits with our own beliefs.

‘Education is critical to inspire and empower young people from any background, thereby helping to forge a more equal society.’

Lewis is currently second in the F1 Drivers Championship behind Red Bull rival Max Verstappen.

The British star, who has won five races so far this season, is bidding to win his fifth straight world championship. 

Details: Mercedes driver Lewis then sat down with the students to talk about the importance of education, a positive mental attitude and dedication

Key: He said: ‘Education I know is key for every child and we’re in a time more than ever before where we need to make sure we’re providing opportunities and also enabling the younger generation to understand what they are’