It seems some of the F1 drivers have found some interesting side quests. Carlos Sainz is vacationing at St. Andrew’s Golf Club, while Valtteri Bottas and Oscar Piastri are at the Summer Olympics. But you’re mistaken if you think Piastri and Bottas are watching the Games at home or in Paris. Looks like they’ve found their special calling as athletes at the Paris Olympics 2024! What?

We’re sure you’re equally surprised. How could they leave the F1 paddock for other sports? Besides, they didn’t even have time for practice. However, if they owned Hermione Granger’s Time-Turner, then there could be a possibility. But, that’s not the story here. The only theory, reality rather, behind this is – doppelgangers or look-alikes!

Recently, pictures of American curler Matt Hamilton went viral. The F1 community took special interest as the resemblance between the American athlete and Valtteri Bottas was striking. Surprisingly, both sportsmen had an almost similar mustache, and the only way to differentiate between Matt and Valtteri was by the lengths of their hair. But now, looks like Oscar Piastri has also followed Bottas into the Olympics arena! Of course, it’s a look-alike, but how are you to separate Piastri from the Dutch Gymnast Frank Rijken by looking at their side profiles? One could say, they are long-lost twins!

So, you see, the F1 stars haven’t left their professions. But, their doppelgangers are surely entertaining the world of sports at the highest level. Oscar Piastri‘s ‘cameo’ right after Bottas has truly amused F1 fans, and the curious bugs are tickling to know who Frank Rijken is.

Who is Oscar Piastri’s ‘clone’ in the Dutch Men’s Gymnastics team?

Born in Westvoorne, Netherlands, Frank Rijken is the so-called ‘Oscar Piastri’ of the Dutch Men’s Gymnastics team. Following his elder sister, Marlies, Frank took up gymnastics at nine. Rijken said: “As a little boy, gymnastics is one big playground… First, it is just playing, later it becomes sport.” He was probably destined for the sport, however, Frank Rijken’s career has been a tale of injuries and recoveries.

Paris Olympics was his second Games after Rio 2016, and Frank’s country has kept their faith in his talents. Currently, Rijken is representing the Prinsenvlag in the City of Love. But unfortunately, the Dutch team couldn’t do great at the Men’s All-Around Gymnastics event. Finishing 22nd, Frank Rijken’s event ended with disappointment. Meanwhile, Shinnosuke Oka of Japan bagged the Gold Medal, and Rijken’s 80.298 points were nowhere close to the top ranks.

Nonetheless, Frank’s campaign continues at the Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, his ‘long-lost twin’ Oscar Piastri is enjoying the summer break. Surprisingly, Piastri will return to F1 in the Netherlands next month! So, you see, there is a minute coincidental connection. Jokes apart, the ever-competitive world of sports continues to entertain us, and kudos to these athletes for doing their best in every event they participate in.

What are your thoughts on this? Share below!