Because of the success of Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive’, F1 has come out of the ‘Niche’ category of sports. In recent years, the sport has made its way into mainstream media and has intertwined itself with pop culture. F1 drivers have made appearances at Cannes, given interviews at Vanity Fair, and celebrities from various fields are also seen on the grid before the race begins. But one such instance of Lewis Hamilton‘s guest being on the grid has caused a stir.

At the Spanish GP, Hamilton’s friend and special guest, Neymar Jr. was seen in the Mercedes Garage. Hamilton even offered him to try to sit in his W14. It was all new for the Brazilian as he wiggled into the driver’s seat for the “first time”. Neymar was also present on the grid before the formation lap. But instead of going off the racetrack, he stayed on the grass. This made the FIA take notice as it created certain security issues for the people on track and the drivers.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, as quoted by Autosport, “We must take learnings from the incident at the Spanish Grand Prix. The FIA has been assured by Stefano Domenicali [F1 CEO] that measures are being taken to ensure that there is no repeat of the incident. It is the duty of the FIA to ensure a safe environment for all. Safety in motor sport is the Federation’s main priority.”

Read More: “I’d Like Checo Kick His A*S”: Vampire Diaries Star Claire Holt Rips Max Verstappen to Shreds as She Reveals the Reason Behind Quitting F1

Despite Lewis Hamilton’s hospitality, Neymar created trouble for him and the FIA. But there should be no problem as their relationship goes a long way back.

Lewis Hamilton and Neymar Jr. – A Formidable Cross-Sport Pairing

The two legends in their respective sports first met at the 2016 Copa América Centenario tournament. Since then, they have been seen meeting on multiple occasions. But it’s a unique dynamic for them as Neymar is a Red Bull fan. And Mercedes and Red Bull are arch-rivals.

In the past, Neymar has been seen in the Red Bull garage as their guest. But even then, he never failed to wish luck to his friend, Sir Lewis Hamilton, for the race. In the 2019 Spanish GP, this was the exact situation when Neymar wished Hamilton from the Red Bull garage. Hamilton shared a post on Instagram of them, thanking him for the luck, which eventually won him the race. And many such instances followed where they always had a lot of respect and support for each other.

Watch This Story: Drive to Survive’s Success Becomes Inspiration for F1 TV Drama With Star Wars Actress as the Lead

It is always a pleasure to watch athletes from different sports interact and relate to each other’s victories and failures. Though Neymar might have created a bit of trouble for Hamilton and Mercedes, such a deep relationship should stay put. Let us hope that we get to see more of such interactions, but without any such concerns arising.