The Formula 1 paddock and the fans welcomed NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal, with open hands on October 23. The four-time NBA champ made an appearance at the US Grand Prix with the F1 world championship trophy.

Meanwhile, the Red Bull driver Max Verstappen secured his second straight championship after edging over Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during the final few laps. The Dutchman secured his 13th victory of the season on Sunday. Hollywood legend Brad Pitt was also spotted in the Mercedes garage during the race at Circuit of the Americas.

Surprisingly the F1 crowd gave $400 million worth Shaquille O’Neal a warmer response compared to Brad Pitt during the post-race commemoration. The four-time NBA champ showed up in a chauffer-driven bull-themed car with the F1 world championship trophy on Sunday as a celebrity guest.

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 The whole F1 paddock welcomed Shaquille O’Neal and fans gave him a huge round of applause. O’Neal has made such special appearances in various sports across the world. However, it is known that Formula 1 racing holds a special place in Shaq’s heart. Thus, his recurrence across the F1 circuit was quite intriguing for the American crowd. 

Shaq receives a warm welcome from F1 fans

Recently, Insider’s sports correspondent Cork Gaines reported on Twitter that Shaquille O’Neal received a greater response from the audience than Brad Pitt. Gaines wrote on Twitter, “Shaq just got a louder ovation than Brad Pitt. Although to be fair, he’s easier to spot from afar. #F1 #USGP.”

It is certainly true that Shaq’s 7’1 massive physique would have been hard to miss by the spectators. Shaquille O’Neal’s presence during a special night for Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing was quite heartwarming to witness. Red Bull Racing also won the 2022 constructors’ championship after the US GP win. Meanwhile, fans also welcomed $300 million worth actor, Brad Pitt, once again as he came to support Red Bull’s rivals Mercedes. 

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Shaquille O’Neal recreates iconic 2021 F1 entry

Shaq recreated his iconic 2021 entry after the US Grand Prix on October 23. The three-time Finals MVP showed up with the F1 world championship trophy at the Parc Ferme on his EPIC longhorn car, driven by a chauffeur.

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However, the Big Diesel could not make a podium appearance like in 2021 due to his other commitments. Shaq was there for the music as DJ Diesel’s performance was reportedly scheduled right after the race in Austin. The F1 world was left in awe of Shaquille O’Neal’s larger-than-life personality and would hope to see him again soon.