Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is known for dominating the hardwood, but when he’s not wreaking havoc on NBA courts, he’s a passionate fan of Formula 1 Joel Embiid slams Carlos Sainz. His love for the sport, which stems from his upbringing in Cameroon, where he grew up watching F1 and football, has continued into his NBA career. However, the reigning MVP is not shy about voicing his opinions when it comes to the world of motorsport.
Joel Embiid Slams Carlos Sainz Over Azerbaijan Crash
During the recent Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Embiid did just that, expressing his frustration after a collision between Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. The two drivers were locked in a tight race when things went awry, with the collision effectively ruining Perez’s chances of a strong finish.
Clearly irked by the crash, Embiid took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to call out Sainz. “What the f**k was Sainz doing?” the Sixers’ big man tweeted, laying the blame squarely on the Ferrari driver for the incident. Embiid’s outburst mirrored the sentiments of many Perez fans who believed Sainz’s driving error cost the Red Bull driver a chance to finish higher.
WTF WAS SAINZ DOING?
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) September 15, 2024
Embiid’s passion for Formula 1 is well-known among his fans, and he often shares his thoughts on races and drivers. Despite his frustration with Sainz, Joel Embiid also took time to praise McLaren’s rising star, Oscar Piastri. The young driver, who managed to secure his first-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, caught Embiid’s attention with his performance.
“Oscar Piastri is a future world champion,” Joel Embiid tweeted, giving a nod to the 22-year-old McLaren driver who has been making waves in the Formula 1 world. Piastri’s ability to hold his own against more seasoned drivers like Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris impressed not only fans but also the Sixers star, who clearly sees a bright future for the Australian racer.
Oscar Piastri is a future world champion
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) September 15, 2024
In the Grand Prix, Piastri managed to fend off Ferrari’s Leclerc and Mercedes’ Norris, securing a much-deserved victory. It was Leclerc’s fourth time starting on pole, but once again, he fell short of finishing first, a pattern that is becoming all too familiar for the talented Ferrari driver.
Piastri’s rise in the sport is nothing short of remarkable, and it’s clear that he’s caught the eye of Embiid, who isn’t just a casual observer of the sport but someone who genuinely appreciates the intricacies and challenges of F1 racing. The young McLaren driver’s ability to navigate through the high-pressure environment and outlast experienced competitors like Leclerc and Norris has earned him praise from both fans and experts alike.
For Embiid, Formula 1 isn’t just a passing interest—it’s something deeply rooted in his childhood. Growing up in Cameroon, he was exposed to the sport at a young age, and his love for F1 has followed him throughout his life. Now, as one of the biggest stars in the NBA, Embiid continues to follow the sport closely, and his commentary on races has become a regular occurrence on social media.
His connection to the sport goes beyond just watching the races; he understands the strategy, the pressure, and the skill involved. So when he expresses his frustration at a crash or praises a young driver’s potential, it comes from a place of genuine appreciation and knowledge of the sport.
Embiid’s passion for Formula 1 offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of an athlete who, while being one of the most dominant players in the NBA, finds time to appreciate other sports on a deep level. His frustration with Sainz’s crash and his admiration for Piastri’s performance speak volumes about his competitive mindset, even as a spectator.
His tweet about Sainz may have stirred up controversy, especially among Ferrari fans, but it’s clear that Embiid’s opinions are as sharp and outspoken off the court as they are on it. Much like in basketball, Embiid doesn’t shy away from expressing what he believes, even if it might upset some. His tweets are a reflection of his no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point attitude—a quality that has made him both a polarizing and beloved figure in the sports world.
With NBA players like Embiid publicly engaging with F1, there’s a growing crossover between basketball and motorsport audiences. Embiid’s deep understanding of Formula 1 and his willingness to comment on the races could help bring more American sports fans into the F1 fold, especially given the increasing popularity of the sport in the United States.
Embiid’s vocal admiration for young stars like Piastri also highlights how Formula 1 is entering a new era, with fresh faces taking the spotlight from veteran drivers. As Embiid correctly points out, Piastri has all the makings of a future champion, and with influential figures like the Philadelphia 76ers‘ star singing his praises, more people might start paying attention to F1’s next generation of stars.
For Embiid, whether it’s on the basketball court or the race track, competition fuels his passion. His latest social media commentary is another reminder of how athletes like him see the world of sports through a unique lens. Whether or not his prediction about Piastri’s future championship success will come true remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Joel Embiid will be watching, and he won’t hold back his thoughts.
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