Two Formula 1 drivers land on prestigious list, but for different reasons

As a seasoned gamer who’s spent countless hours on racing simulators, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe and excitement when I see the names Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton on the same list. These two giants of Formula 1 have been dominating the sport for years, and their inclusion in Sports Illustrated’s “The 50 Most Influential Figures in Sports” is well-deserved.

Sports Illustrated has put together an influential roster, named “The Top 50 Game-Changers in Sports”, which recognizes people across four distinct groups: pioneers and role models, star players, decision-makers and investors, and trendsetters.

This list features several common names found in lists like this, including Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Lionel Messi, and LeBron James. However, it’s important to note that each individual can only be assigned to one category, despite the fact that they could potentially fall under more than one.

Two Formula One racers, boasting a combined total of 10 world championship titles and 176 race wins, were included as well.

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were both included.

Zach Koons put forward the names of both Verstappen and Hamilton. In the previous year, Verstappen won 19 out of 22 races, surpassing his own record of 15 victories from the year before. This season, he has secured seven wins in 17 races, making him the current world championship leader. He’s aiming to clinch a fourth consecutive title, with his last-lap victory over Hamilton in Abu Dhabi in 2021 marking the beginning of this streak.

Discussed were Hamilton’s impressive racing achievements, such as holding the record of 105 wins and tying Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world championships. Also highlighted was his upcoming shift to Ferrari next year, marking the culmination of a remarkable 12-year tenure with Mercedes.

Contrasting with Verstappen, Hamilton found himself categorized as an influencer instead of an athlete, given his activities beyond the racetrack were highlighted too, such as his Mission 44 project. Out of the fifty individuals featured, seventeen fell under the athlete classification. Hamilton was among nine in the influencer group.

Seven Formula 1 races still remain on the groundbreaking 2024 schedule, including this Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay Street Circuit. Catch all the action starting at 7:55 a.m. ET on ESPN. To ensure you don’t miss out, sign up for a free trial of FuboTV today!

2024-09-20 13:02