Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, known for his dominance on the basketball court, is also a devoted Formula 1 fan. Embiid made waves on social media following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix when he publicly reacted to the chaotic crash between Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz. In a tweet that instantly went viral, the NBA MVP didn’t hold back his feelings about the incident, while also heaping praise on rising F1 star Oscar Piastri.
“What the F**k Was Sainz Doing?”: Embiid Reacts to Perez-Sainz Crash
Joel Embiid’s love for Formula 1 is no secret. The Cameroonian-born NBA superstar has been vocal about his passion for the sport, and it was on full display during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The race was intense from start to finish, with Sergio Perez showing promise before an unfortunate collision with Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz threw a wrench into the proceedings. Embiid, watching along like millions of F1 fans worldwide, was quick to voice his frustration.
“What the f**k was Sainz doing?”
This incident sparked debate among racing fans, many of whom shared Embiid’s bewilderment. Sainz, driving for Ferrari, collided with Perez, resulting in both cars suffering damage that altered the outcome of their races. Perez, who had been performing admirably, lost his chance at a high finish, leaving many, including Embiid, questioning the Ferrari driver’s actions.
Embiid’s Lifelong Passion for F1
Joel Embiid’s connection to Formula 1 stems from his upbringing in Cameroon. As a child, he was introduced to a variety of sports, with football and Formula 1 being among his favorites. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion that the Sixers’ center carries with him to this day.
Despite his intense NBA schedule, Embiid makes time to follow the high-octane world of F1. His fandom often bleeds into social media, where he engages with both basketball and motorsports fans alike. Embiid’s tweet about the Perez-Sainz incident was not just the rant of an outraged spectator—it was the reaction of a true fan of the sport.
Joel Embiid’s High Praise for Oscar Piastri: “Future World Champion”
While the crash between Sainz and Perez grabbed much of the attention, Embiid made sure to acknowledge the stellar performance of McLaren driver Oscar Piastri. In the same social media session, Embiid showered praise on the young Australian driver, who finished first in the race, outperforming veteran drivers Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris.
“Oscar Piastri is a future world champion.”
Piastri’s rise through the ranks of Formula 1 has been nothing short of impressive. The 23-year-old has quickly made a name for himself in one of the most competitive sports in the world, and Embiid’s prediction only adds to the growing excitement surrounding Piastri’s future.
Piastri’s performance in Azerbaijan saw him best Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who once again failed to convert a pole position into a win, and Mercedes’ Lando Norris. With his fourth-place starting position, Piastri had a lot of ground to cover, but his calm and collected driving impressed fans and experts alike—Embiid included.
Embiid’s Brash Confidence Extends Beyond F1
Joel Embiid’s unapologetic opinions aren’t limited to motorsports. In a candid interview with the New York Times Podcast back in August, Embiid confidently stated that if it weren’t for his injuries, he would already be in the conversation for the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) title in basketball. When asked if he feared criticism for such bold statements, Embiid shrugged it off.
“That’s okay because that’s the truth. You think about what I’ve been able to accomplish and what has been taken away because of injuries. There’s a lot of what-ifs, but if you combine collectively and individually, you can make the case of being up there.”
As one of the top centers in the NBA today, and the reigning MVP, Embiid has built a remarkable career despite a series of injuries that have sidelined him throughout his professional journey. He remains focused on adding an NBA Championship to his resume, a goal that continues to drive him as one of the league’s elite players.
Injuries Continue to Haunt Embiid’s Career
While Embiid’s confidence is unwavering, injuries have been the Achilles’ heel of his career. Last season, Embiid was on track to deliver the best statistical season of his career before left knee tendinitis forced him to miss several games. His absence left the 76ers struggling to maintain momentum in his absence.
Despite these setbacks, Embiid’s resilience continues to shine. As he gears up for another season, hopes are high in Philadelphia that he will finally overcome the injury curse and deliver the elusive NBA championship.
Formula 1 and NBA: A Perfect Escape for Embiid
For Embiid, Formula 1 offers more than just thrilling races—it provides a mental escape from the pressures of his own sport. With F1’s high-speed action and strategic complexity, it’s no wonder the 7-footer finds himself captivated. His reactions to the Azerbaijan GP crash and his admiration for Oscar Piastri’s talent show that he approaches F1 with the same level of passion and scrutiny that he applies to basketball.
As the new F1 season continues, fans of both the NBA and Formula 1 will be keeping an eye on Embiid’s Twitter feed for more insights, reactions, and bold predictions from the star athlete-turned-motorsport critic.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.