via Reuters
Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 24, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium with the runners up trophy, alongside American former professional basketball player Shaquille O’Neal REUTERS/Brian Snyder
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 24, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium with the runners up trophy, alongside American former professional basketball player Shaquille O’Neal REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Shaquille O’Neal and Lewis Hamilton are undoubtedly two of the most popular sportspersons in the world. While one is a living legend of the NBA, another is one of the best drivers in the history of F1. As Formula 1 arrived in the United States for the second race of the season, Shaq did something that has taken the fans aback.
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O’Neal, the NBA legend, was invited to the Circuit of The Americas as a DJ. As he arrived at the scene, a reporter asked him, “How big of a Formula 1 fan are you?” To which the four-time NBA champion answered, “Lewis Hamilton!”
Dutch reporter interviewing Shaquille O'Neal in the paddock in Austin:
“How big a fan of Formula 1 are you?”
“Lewis Hamilton.”He’s one of us for real, Shaq is such a legend 🫶 pic.twitter.com/AQQIkgoi3L
— Marina (@xxoMarina) October 24, 2022
This made F1 fans go all out in joy and appreciate Shaquille O’Neal over his straightforward answer.
The fans took no time to go on social media and spread the word on Twitter. This shows what Hamilton means to Shaq. And we have seen before, it’s not only Shaq who has had the Brit’s back. Countless American athletes like Serena Williams and Tom Brady hold the seven-time world champion in high regard.
Fans applaud Shaquille O’Neal’s answer for Lewis Hamilton
As O’Neal recreated his epic 2021 US Grand Prix entry in 2022, he arrived at the Circuit as a DJ this time. The NBA giant who handed over the P2 trophy to Hamilton last time didn’t get the chance as the prize distribution was slated for someone else.
Given below are some of the fan reactions taken from Twitter.
Shaq says it all, Lewis Hamilton is F1 https://t.co/b6dv83Ebmu
— Yippee!!!!!! (@biggervon) October 24, 2022
interviewer: how big of a formula 1 fan are you?
shaq: lewis hamiltonthat's it, shaq said it best
— Agnes Unicorn (@atsocacissej) October 24, 2022
Oh Shaq 😂😂😂 https://t.co/iBjNFdizgW
— Pavan (@RealHamiltonFan) October 24, 2022
Brilliant and eloquent answer from shaq – Lewis Hamilton 🔥
— V F1 (@swiftsambi) October 24, 2022
After the race, Shaq made sure he congratulated Lewis Hamilton on his valiant P2 effort at COTA.
Lewis is F1. Simple.
— Naj ✨ (@copsexhamilton) October 24, 2022
He's so real for that😌😌😌
— Hamilton Insights (@LH44_insights) October 24, 2022
@LewisHamilton is way above the sport !
— G.O.A.T 🐐 Save the King 👑 (@miamixmas) October 24, 2022
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Love this!! 🔥🔥💜
— Lenka (@Lvybihalova) October 24, 2022
Hamilton, who was so close to the win, had to settle for P2. However, after seeing Shaquille O’Neal’s open support for him this way, the Briton will surely be more pumped up for the next race in Mexico.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen and Christian Horner slam Mercedes for trying to ‘take shine off’ F1 title win after Lewis Hamilton drama
What was our favorite moment of the US GP? Let us know in the comments below.
