Formula One holds 22 Grands Prix annually across the globe, drawing interest from top athletes in various sports who attend races, meet drivers, and invest in teams [1, 2]. In 2023, NFL stars Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce, and Patrick Mahomes, golfer Rory McIlroy, boxer Anthony Joshua, and footballers Trent Alexander-Arnold and Juan Mata joined others in investing in the Alpine F1 team [1, 2].
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said top-level athletes connect with Formula One’s values of "discipline, constant pressure, attention to details and the ability to perform in stressful moments," explaining part of the appeal [1]. Tennis champion Rafael Nadal, a 14-time French Open winner, showed his enthusiasm by waving the checkered flag at the Miami Grand Prix in May, calling himself "a big fan" and noting that "anything can happen at any moment" [1, 2].
Other athletes traveled to the Miami Grand Prix paddock, including members of the NBA’s Miami Heat and NFL’s Miami Dolphins, who met with drivers and toured the venue [1, 2]. A strong connection is forming between Formula One and tennis, in part thanks to the professional friendship between Domenicali and ATP chair Andrea Gaudenzi, both from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region [1, 2]. Gaudenzi explained tennis and F1 share traits as star-driven, solitary sports where athletes spend much time on the road and compete largely alone: "In the car you race against yourself, and on the court you play within yourself" [1].
Jannik Sinner, current world No. 1 in tennis and a lifelong racing fan, is personally acquainted with F1 drivers including George Russell and Esteban Ocon [1, 2].
The sustained interest by elite athletes through investing, attending races, and personal interaction highlights Formula One’s growing cross-sport appeal. The 22-race calendar offers multiple venues for engagement worldwide [1, 2]. Formula One’s next major events will continue to showcase this diverse fan and investor base.