4Lewis Hamilton enjoyed dinner with Robert De NiroCredit: Getty

Hamilton, 38, looked engrossed as he listened to the veteran Hollywood star, 79.

The two have met before, and appeared to get on famously at French restaurant Balthazar in New York.

Recounting their previous meeting two years ago, Sir Lewis gushed: “I met Robert De Niro the other day and I remember calling my dad afterwards.

“‘Dad, I just met Robert De Niro!’”

Hamilton also chatted to De Niro’s son Julian, 27, at the bash.

Earlier in the day, the seven-time world champion had attended the 2023 Forbes Iconoclast Summit at Pier 60.

Hamilton was joined at the event by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, as he nears a contract extension with the Silver Arrows.

The pair have remained relaxed about the situation this season, despite Hamilton’s current deal expiring at the end of the year.

4The Formula 1 superstar also chatted with De Niro’s son Julian, rightCredit: Getty

Hamilton is expected to pen a £50million deal to stay at Mercedes beyond his 40th birthday, snubbing interest from Ferrari in the process.

But SunSport understands he is not expected to put pen to paper for another few weeks, as the deal passes through the lawyers.

Mercedes’ fortunes appear to be on an upward trajectory in recent weeks, following upgrades introduced for the Monaco GP.

Hamilton managed to grab second place a week later at the Spanish GP, with team-mate George Russell a place behind him in third.

The race marked just Hamilton’s second podium of the season, after a third-place finish in Australia.

4Hamilton, 38, attended a Forbes event alongside Toto WolffCredit: Getty

4Sir Lewis smiles while appearing on the panel