Top Indian cricketers who are Formula 1 fan boys

Many top Indian cricketers have admired Formula 1 over the years, with some of the biggest names in the sport expressing their fanboy moments toward F1 icons. From Sachin Tendulkar's legendary encounter with Michael Schumacher to Shreyas Iyer's admiration for Max Verstappen, these moments highlight the deep bond between cricket and motorsports.

Sachin Tendulkar and Michael Schumacher: A Legendary Exchange

In 2002, one of the most talked-about meetings in the sports world occurred when Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar met Formula 1 great Michael Schumacher at the British Grand Prix. The meeting was more than just a handshake; it marked the coming together of two sports icons. Tendulkar gifted Schumacher a signed cricket bat, while Schumacher presented the "Master Blaster" with a Ferrari car. This moment became a massive news story, and while social media wasn't as prominent back then, Tendulkar faced significant scrutiny in India for owning and using the Ferrari.

Sachin Tendulkar and Lewis Hamilton: Mutual Respect Across Sports

Fast forward to 2021, when Lewis Hamilton narrowly lost the Formula 1 championship to Max Verstappen. Tendulkar, an ardent F1 follower, shared his thoughts on social media, congratulating Verstappen and expressing sympathy for Hamilton. He said, “If not for the safety car, the trophy would’ve been his. Sheer bad luck.” This heartfelt message caught Hamilton’s attention, and he responded with a simple “Thank you.” Interestingly, the two had met earlier in Hamilton’s career in the presence of Vijay Mallya, adding another layer to their connection.

Shreyas Iyer and Max Verstappen: A Celebration of Champions

Shreyas Iyer, a rising star in Indian cricket, is also a big Formula 1 fan, with Max Verstappen being one of his favourites. In 2023, Iyer attended the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Verstappen won his record 19th race of the season. After the race, Iyer shared his admiration for the three-time world champion by gifting him a personalized Indian cricket team jersey and taking photos with him. The moment was a perfect blend of two sports, with Iyer paying tribute to Verstappen's excellence on the track.

Yuvraj Singh and Lando Norris: A Bond Beyond Sports

Yuvraj Singh, one of India’s most successful cricketers, shares a unique friendship with Lando Norris, an F1 driver. After Norris secured his first-ever F1 win, Yuvraj took to social media to congratulate him playfully, saying, “A star is born. You finally drove like you drive on the golf course!” Their bond extends beyond racing and cricket, as the two have been spotted golfing together on several occasions.