The basketball player appeared at the United States Grand Prix with a striking Texan style and ended up being in charge of waving the checkered flag in Kimi Antonelli's victory.
The basketball player appeared at the United States Grand Prix with a striking Texan style and ended up being in charge of waving the checkered flag in Kimi Antonelli's victory.instagram@sophie_cham
NICOLE SOMMA
Updated
For one day, Sophie Cunningham traded the basketball courts for the roar of engines. The WNBA player appeared this Sunday at the United States Formula 1 Grand Prix, held in Austin, Texas, and drew attention with a look inspired by the traditional cowgirl style.
The guard, currently a free agent after her time with the Indiana Fever, shared images from her visit to the Circuit of the Americas. Cunningham chose a black outfit accompanied by a Tecovas cowboy hat and other accessories that completed her particular tribute to Texas style.
Sophie Cunningham played a starring role at the Grand Prix
Her visit to the circuit was much more than just an appearance among the guests. Cunningham was given one of the most visible ceremonial roles of the day: she was in charge of waving the checkered flag at the end of the United States Grand Prix.
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The player appeared on the broadcast when Kimi Antonelli crossed the finish line to secure victory for Mercedes. The Italian completed the 56 laps ahead of Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, who finished second and third respectively.
The moment turned Cunningham into one of the most striking images of the day. The 30-year-old player did not hide her enthusiasm for being part of one of the most important events on the Formula 1 calendar in the United States.
From the WNBA to motorsports
The appearance in Austin fits with Cunningham's growing interest in the world of motorsport. The player had already attended different NASCAR events during the season and now added her first appearance at a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The appearance in Austin fits with Cunningham's growing interest in the world of motorsport.instagram@f1paddockclub
Her presence also comes at a transitional moment in her career. Cunningham is a free agent after her last season with Indiana and will have to decide what her next destination in the WNBA will be.
For now, the player took advantage of the weekend to enjoy another of her passions. Wearing a cowgirl hat, surrounded by the stars of Formula 1 and with the checkered flag in her hands, Sophie Cunningham found in Austin a setting very different from a WNBA court.