Olympic champion Gabby Thomas is no stranger to turning heads on the track, but these days, she’s trading sprinting spikes for stylish sandals as she enjoys some well-deserved off-season relaxation. Fresh off her incredible triple medal haul at the 2024 Paris Games, Gabby is not just kicking back—she’s making waves at high-profile events all over the country! From sun-soaked vacations to dazzling red carpets and fun-filled talk shows, she’s been enjoying her hard-earned limelight. And guess where she popped up next? At the Formula 1 Pirelli United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

Dazzling fans with a standout appearance on ESPN College GameDay ahead of the Georgia vs Texas showdown, Thomas returned to the screen for another showstopping moment at the F1 race. She was spotted decked up in a chic Texas-inspired ensemble, sharing words with F1 elites. However, her brief interview before the race had F1 fans buzzing going beyond her fashion game and Gabby’s new ventures. Asked about her favorite driver, Thomas gave an unexpected answer that had many doing a double-take.

Although she was spotted hanging out with Team Red Bull members on the pit row, Thomas revealed that her loyalty as a fan lies with none other than Lewis Hamilton. And fans were amazed by such an ironic twist. Hamilton, who drives for Mercedes and is soon set to join Ferrari, is of course a direct rival of Red Bull’s star drivers, including Max Verstappen. 

Thomas unapologetically stated, “I’m not really with a team in particular, but I’m definitely a Lewis Hamilton fan”. Her words left fans marveling at Thomas’ candidness while socializing with the very team Hamilton competes against. This lighthearted moment underscored the charm and spontaneity that Thomas has brought to her post-Olympic appearances. 

Whether she’s courtside at WNBA games or making her rounds on the pickleball court, her easygoing personality has made her a fan favorite. And the F1 pit row was no different. Moreover, the Grand Prix turned into a gala as it was not just Gabby Thomas from the athletic world who chose to visit the other tracks.

Gabby Thomas shines post-Paris Olympics hat trick

The 2024 F1 Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, became a gathering point for some of the world’s biggest track and field phenoms. The list included the names of Julien Alfred, Mondo Duplantis, Dina Asher-Smith, Leo Neugebauer, and Ryan Crouser. Bringing in star power to the Circuit of the Americas, the event truly turned into a spectacle. And the crossover that the world got to witness was truly historic.

For Gabby, this wasn’t her only venture after her Eldorado quest in Paris. The 27-year-old sprinter has remained quite caught up after her return from the city of love. On one hand, she was the face of Alexis Ohanian’s Athlos and on the other hand, she was attending other realms of sport. But whatever initiative Gabby Thomas took up, she grabbed the spotlight with ease.

Thomas attended a recent WNBA game about a month ago and extended her support to the shining basketball players. After watching a showdown between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, she shared a heartwarming moment with the gymnastics queen Simone Biles and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. Gabby Thomas is indeed taking her sport to the next step.