Rafa Nadal had a special honor at this year's F1 Miami Grand Prix. The tennis legend was one of the guests at this year's racing competition, which attracts all sorts of sporting legends and celebrities to its stands and the city of Miami, a location that has increasingly become a destination for all sorts of sporting activities. Nadal fulfilled a special role in the competition, and one that he'll likely remember in the years to come.
© Getty ImagesIn videos shared online, Nadal is seen chatting with one of the technicians at the competition, getting ready to wave the chequered flag. The clip shows him practicing a few times and later waving the flag with a smile on his face on the racing track as the cars rush past him.
He was also featured on an Instagram story shared by F1. "Hello everyone, it's Rafa here. I am here in the Miami Grand Prix, very excited after a long time without being [at a] race," he said on the clip. "Looking for an amazing race here, maybe it can rain so that's going to make [it] even more spectacular. But I want to wish the best of luck to every driver, especially Carlos and Fernando."
Nadal was referring to the Spanish drivers Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso, with whom he was photographed speaking with. He was also spotted spending some time with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
In chats with reporters, Nadal shared his admiration for the sport, especially for the drivers and their skills.
"On the court, I've sometimes been brave, but off it, not enough. The drivers are machines. From what they do exiting turns, in moments of pressure," he said in an interview with DAZN. "In the end, they race at over 300 km/h, just centimeters from the others. It takes qualities I don't have."
More guests at this year's Miami Grand Prix
© Formula 1 via Getty ImagesThis year's Miami Grand Prix was attended by numerous athletes, celebrities, influencers, and Miami icons. One of the figures that sparked the most conversation was Lionel Messi, who's become one of the biggest draws to the city ever since he started playing for Inter Miami.
Other figures spotted this year include Serena Williams, Snoop Dogg, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and more.
© Formula 1 via Getty Images
