The Marvel Cinematic Universe has one of the most dedicated fanbases in the entire world. Marvel fans practically idolize the actors who play their favorite superheroes. So when they get a chance to meet the actors, they don’t think twice about it. Formula 1 has its own Marvel fanbase within it, and one of its diehard members is Alpine driver Esteban Ocon.
A lot of people think F1 drivers are superheroes—driving at upwards of 300kmph and withstanding G-forces almost ten times their body weight. While that’s true, they have superheroes of their own too. And not only has Esteban Ocon been handed the chance to meet one of his favorite ones, but he’s also been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity he can’t refuse.
Ryan Reynolds made Esteban Ocon an offer
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On Monday, Alpine announced a $218 million investment in the team by a consortium consisting of actors Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Michael B. Jordan, alongside Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners. With the investment, the group has claimed a 24% stake in the team, and according to Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi, one of the primary goals of the investment is to improve the brand’s media profile. While talking to Autosport about the investment, Esteban Ocon said, “I think it’s fantastic.”
After the announcement, Esteban had the opportunity to chat with Deadpool actor Reynolds. While texting, Reynolds revealed that he is looking forward to getting acquainted with the inner workings of the F1 world. Knowing how big a Marvel fan Ocon is, Reynolds offered him something he couldn’t refuse. The Frenchman exclaimed, “He told me I was invited on the set in London for the Deadpool movie. So I’m definitely going to be going!” Now that Ryan has gotten inner access to the F1 world with Alpine, he’s given Esteban inner access to the Marvel world. Needless to say, Ocon already has his plans sorted for whenever Reynolds’ London shoot for Deadpool 3 happens.
In the interview, Esteban also talked about Reynolds in general. He said, “He’s just someone that is very inspiring in what he does. Outside his actor world, I think he’s an extremely talented businessman as well. I think he’s a very good asset, him and his team behind our team.” Evidently, Ocon has a lot of respect for Reynolds and a love for his Marvel character Deadpool. But this wasn’t the first time the Frenchman expressed his passion for the MCU.
Esteban Ocon’s iconic Spider-Man helmet
One of the only elements of their racing gear that F1 drivers have complete creative control over is their helmets. They get to pick the design and the colors and can change them however many times they like over a season. During his interview with Autosport, he mentioned, “I’m a massive comics and Marvel fan in general.” And the accuracy of this statement can be confirmed by his helmet design at the 2022 US GP.
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Helmet design of Esteban Ocon for the #AustinGP#eo31 #ocon #alpine #usgp #usagp #f1 #formula1 pic.twitter.com/sAVaLRIHkk
— F1 Helmets (@F1HLM) October 21, 2022
For the weekend, the Frenchman unveiled a Spider-Man-inspired helmet design. While the race in itself was enthralling with all its on-track battles, it was Esteban’s helmet that spiked the most interest. He sure proved that there is no bigger Marvel fan than him on the F1 grid.
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What would you choose: inside access to Formula 1 or MCU productions?
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