Last weekend, motorsports fever swept across America as fans from around the world gathered for an exhilarating spectacle. Homestead Miami Speedway, in sunny Florida, played host to the second race of the Playoffs’ Round of 8, and it was nothing short of a racing extravaganza. Joe Gibbs Racing star Christopher Bell claimed the chequered flag, securing a coveted Championship 4 berth, leaving only two spots up for grabs for the Phoenix finale. The tension is palpable as the remaining six contenders gear up for the penultimate showdown of the 2023 season at Martinsville.

Meanwhile in Austin, the Circuit of the Americas was buzzing with excitement as it hosted the F1 spectacle, drawing celebrities and sports elites to the COTA paddock. Among the notable figures was NASCAR’s beloved icon, Danica Patrick, who once graced both Cup Series and Indycar. She made a return as an analyst for the Sky Sports crew last weekend.

Danica Patrick shifts gears with the F1 broadcast mic in Texas

Sunny Austin wasn’t just a one-and-done deal; it was a full-blown weekend show for motorsport enthusiasts. The sprint layout took center stage, offering fans a thrilling double dose of action with two races, along with two qualifying rounds and a single free practice session.

Adding to the excitement was the inaugural season of the F1 Academy Series, the women-only racing competition that found its way to the Circuit of the Americas. This marked the culmination of a successful debut season for the academy and a significant milestone – it was the first time it was broadcast worldwide on ESPN, a move aimed at promoting female participation in the male-dominated sport.

Among the luminaries in the paddock was Danica Patrick, who has made a name for herself in the male-dominated racing world. With a seven-season Cup Series career and five seasons in stock car racing’s junior ranks, she’s also spent eight years in the open-wheel IndyCar Series, securing one remarkable win.

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During the race weekend, Patrick donned a new hat as part of the Sky Sports broadcasting crew. As the weekend’s festivities wrapped up, she couldn’t contain her excitement. She took to Instagram with a post captioned, “Keep it weird Austin!!!! And fast… Two races this weekend with a sprint race Saturday and a normal race on Sunday!”

In the post, she was seen posing with Christian Horner, Team Principal of the ever-dominant team, Red Bull, who claimed the 2023 constructor championship for a consecutive second time. Amid the whirlwind of tire changes and pit stops, Patrick found herself in a fascinating tête-à-tête not only with Horner but also with one of the F1 Academy masterminds, Susie Wolff, the managing director whose tireless efforts have breathed life into this venture.

Adding a touch of star power to the F1 academy endeavor was none other than the Mercedes duo of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Their arrival was a powerful display of support and mentorship, which left a lasting impact along with the groundbreaking announcement that from 2024, all 10 Formula 1 teams would nominate a driver in the Academy, racing in the team’s colors.

Lewis Hamilton’s star-studded pit stop at F1 Academy sparks calls for team-wide support

While some celebrated this alliance, Susie Wolff voiced her disappointment at the lack of broader F1 team engagement. “It’s a little bit sad that it’s always Lewis. He’s always the one offering support, coming over and really, because I think in the end, he knows what it’s like to be the only one and so he has an affinity,” Wolff added lauding the seven-time champ.

“I expect a lot more interaction from the F1 teams generally next season because they have the platforms, they have the voices, and I think that’s something which will be hugely helpful because this is not a short-term project. If we want to see success, it’s got to be long-term.”

On the flip side, Patrick had a different perspective, emphasizing authenticity in support. “I think it has to be authentic, I really do,” Patrick shared. “And we know more about Lewis because of the things that he does. Lewis loves it and you see him doing a lot of things, and it’s really good. He plays a really big role and he has a lot of influence.”

As we conclude this tale with plenty to ponder, what are your thoughts on the F1 Academy? Meanwhile, on the NASCAR scene, with the championship finale on the horizon, whose banner will you be rallying behind as they race toward the title shot?

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