Shaquille O’Neal probably has the most appearances in F1 in the entire NBA history. Usually a regular US Grand Prix attendee in Austin, the former Lakers player was spotted at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
This is the second time Shaq has been seen in an F1 race outside the United States. It was 12 years ago, during the German Grand Prix, he was first spotted on an F1 circuit and was even interviewed by Martin Brundle on his grid walk.
Thus, it’s safe to say the 7 feet former basketball player is now an avid follower of F1. And probably he’s there to witness four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel ending his 15-year-long career spell.
Also read: Sebastian Vettel looking forward to never having to use neck-training device after F1 retirement
F1 Twitter adores how excited Shaquille O’Neal looked at the F1 race
During the drowsy laps of the race, the excitement of Vettel’s last race was slowly fading away. The cameraman woke up the entire F1 fanbase on Twitter by panning the camera on O’Neal.
The four-time NBA champion looked excited like a toddler when the cars whooshed away at 200 miles per hour right in front of the grandstand, where O’Neal was sitting.
Shaq looking like a kid in a candy store at the #F1 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/PKlUGZI6Kr
— Chris (@chrisdotau) November 20, 2022
Just saw @SHAQ watching the last F1 race this season. I’ll be in #Baku next year for my 1st in person F1 race! Please be there so I can watch #F1 with you 🙂
— Silvanmellome (@G2P2N) November 20, 2022
Love @SHAQ face watching F1
Face of pure happiness
— OCTANE (@HiOctaneGamer) November 20, 2022
Las Vegas, Miami and Austin: Three races for Shaq
F1 has expanded in F1 exponentially. So much so that the most advanced motorsport will be hosting three races in the United States in 2023: Miami, Las Vegas and Austin.
The demand for all three races is alarmingly high. Even the most expensive Las Vegas Grand Prix tickets are getting sold out. Not to forget that every race in the States bring in an increased number of celebrities across all fields.
The drivers also do crossovers with the NFL and NBA superstars. And not to forget Shaq, for the past two years, he has been coming onto the podium in Austin with the USGP trophy on fancy ‘Badillac’.
Also read: Why BMW Sauber gifted Sebastian Vettel baby bottle and pacifier after his F1 debut?
