Daniel Ricciardo might not be participating in the upcoming Formula 1 championship season. However, the Australian will still remain relevant for Red Bull in most of the races during the season. The 33-year-old has built incredible commercial value and a loyal fanbase during all his years in F1. Ricciardo’s commercial value was a big motivating factor for Red Bull to sign him as a third driver. However, Ricciardo’s likeability factor is no less. His friends and colleagues can attest to it and NFL star J.J. Watt has proclaimed it as well.

J.J. Watt recently announced his retirement from NFL and left an 11-year-long legacy in the sport. The American defensive end’s legacy does not end here, however. He may not be playing but has plenty to offer still, as an individual commercial entity. CAA Sports, an American talent and sports agency, will help Watt realize his worth with various deals.

CAA also represents Daniel Ricciardo and has been helping him grow his presence in the American subcontinent. This is where Ricciardo and Watt crossed paths recently. Safe to say, the always charming Ricciardo put J.J. Watt under his spell.

CAA Sports’ official Instagram page shared a photo of their two talents where Ricciardo is sporting the agency’s hoodie. Watt shared the post on his Instagram story with a message crowning Ricciardo a champion. A champion of what? People’s!

Watt shared the story with a caption that read, “The people’s champ” and tagged Ricciardo.

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Is Ricciardo building another bromance within the NFL? It’s too soon to tell! Although before J.J. Watt was singing Ricciardo’s praises, he was a fan of someone in the Haas garage.

Before the Daniel Ricciardo shout-out, Haas fanboy, J.J. Watt had a different main man on the grid

Back in May, the circus traveled to Miami for the first time. The only American team on the grid, Haas, hosted the NFL duo JJ and TJ Watt. The two did a mock pitstop during the weekend. Apart from the quick tire change, J.J. Watt also shared his thoughts on team boss Guenther Steiner.

The retired NFL captioned his Instagram post, “Whatever team Guenther Steiner is principal of, I’m a fan. Massive thank you to Guenther, KMag, Mick, Stu & everyone in the Haas garage for the hospitality and letting us test our pit stop skills. We may not fit in the car, but we can lift the damn thing. Can’t wait for Sunday,”

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The rise in the popularity of F1 in America is as evident as ever. If the Watt brother’s participation in a Grand Prix isn’t proof enough, we don’t know what is.