The stars have descended upon the Formula 1 Grand Prix held in Austin, Texas. Aside from real-life royalty, track and field queens Sha’Carri Richardson and Dina Asher-Smith traveled to Texas to witness the thrilling action in person. They set aside their heated rivalry, which ignited after the former took the 100-meter crown in the World Athletics Championships, to enjoy the fast racing from the bleachers. However, they were not the only sports stars in attendance, as the surfing world was represented by their two best athletes.

Kelly Slater, who has donned the crown of the World Surfing League eleven times, joined Pipe master Gerry Lopez to mingle with members of the British royal family. They enjoyed the excitement of the races with Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and his wife, Duchess Meghan Markle. These renowned surfers are in love with speed and didn’t mind their time on land as they soaked in the adrenaline generated by the racers.

Kelly Slater and Gerry Lopez enjoy themselves at US Grand Prix

The plethora of celebrities in Austin left the Texans feeling Starstruck. The Circuit of The Americas track transformed into a pantheon of glamour and fame as A-listers from the surfing world assembled to watch the races. Even highly decorated British F1 racer Damon Hill could not help but feel blessed to be in the company of surfing champions Slater and Lopez. Looking chuffed, he posted an Instagram post with the two, captioned, “OK. I know most of you are F1 fans and that’s all good. But this is like winning the amateur surfer’s lottery! Gerry Lopez AND Kelly Slater AND Me! I confess. I went all overwhelmed”. After retiring from F1 racing, Hill took up surfing as the next best thing for someone who loves speed. Therefore, he was excited to pose beside his surfing icons.

Hill was able to capture the magical ambiance of the track in his social media post. Slater replied to the post in the comment section, writing, “We were both equally stoked to meet you! Thanks man. Congrats on your career…and your shredding in the surf!” Even Gerry Lopez commented, “Mate, sorry you were so busy… would have loved to tell each other some stories cuz I know there’s plenty of good ones. Next time!” Could this be the start of a new alliance between F1 racing and surfing?

Surfing world turns up to support F1 racing

Kelly Slater and Gerry Lopez weren’t the only legendary surfers in the bleachers cheering for the racers. Teahupo’o legend Raimana van Bastolaer added to the magic of the event as he turned up in Austin to support the racers. The surf ranch instructor took some time off from applauding his favorite racers to click a few snaps with Prince Harry. The Teahupo’o local also chatted with his friends from the surfing world and had a gala time. But that was not all that the surfers did in Texas.

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Kalani Miller, Kelly Slater’s longtime girlfriend, pulled the curtain on some of the most epic moments with a slew of Instagram photos. Kelly Slater’s mom commented, “I love car races,” and was excited to witness the second F1 racing of her life. Aside from the photos, the comments provided more revelations about the Slater family’s connection with F1 racing.

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