F1 stars are among the most popular athletes in the world, and the best drivers in the series are appreciated and loved, even by competitors of other racing ventures. 2021 Moto GP World Champion Fabio Quartararo for one, seems to be a huge fan of Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Daniel Ricciardo.
Quartararo posted a picture on his Instagram story of himself recovering at home, after a grueling training session. However, fans including Dazale on Twitter, pointed something out in the picture that the F1 community absolutely loved. On the walls of Quartararo’s living room, right above his television lie three distinct helmets. These were replicas of F1 helmets and belonged to Hamilton, Leclerc, and Ricciardo respectively.
At the most recent round of the 2023 Moto GP Championship in Le Mans, France, Quartararo finished seventh and earned nine points for his team, Yamaha. In the championship, meanwhile, the rider who finished on top of the world two years ago isn’t faring too well. Currently, he is ninth, ties with Maverick Viñales and Jack Miller at 49 points.
Lewis Hamilton and his connection to Moto GP
Hamilton is arguably the most popular F1 driver in the world. Even outside the world of racing, the seven-time F1 world champion has many admirers, with several famous athletes idolizing him. One of those people is Valentino Rossi, a seven-time Moto GP world champion.
Back in 2019, Rossi was part of a monumental moment involving Hamilton. The two legendary athletes swapped their vehicles as part of a promotional event. Hamilton suited up to ride a Moto GP bike whereas Rossi got behind the wheel of his friend’s F1 car.
In what was described as an ‘unforgettable experience’ by Rossi, as quoted by Sky Sports, the two provided fans with a moment that will live fresh in the memories for a very long time.
F1 drivers and Moto GP riders unite
F1 drivers and Moto GP riders are more alike than many realize. They are both competing at the top level of their respective categories, and the competitors are often good friends away from the track. In fact, many F1 drivers have grown up idolizing Moto GP legends, including Lando Norris, who considers Valentino Rossi to be his hero.
Norris previously revealed that he wanted to become a Moto GP rider at first because of Rossi, but stuck to four-wheelers when he started winning trophies in karting all over the world.
Elsewhere, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz is a great friend of Marc Marquez’s. Marquez, who has won six world championships takes part in training sessions with Sainz when they are both preparing for their respective races.
The next round of F1 action takes place this weekend with the iconic Monaco Grand Prix. As for Moto GP riders, they have some time to unwind. The next round takes place on the 11th June at the Mugello Circuit.
