With American ownership in Formula One more popular than ever, two Alpine drivers opened up about two US sports stars that bought stakes in their racing team.
Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce bought into the French racing outfit in late 2023 and have been spotted at grands prix throughout the F1 calendar ever since.
As such, drivers Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan have seen plenty of the two NFL icons and have bonded with them.
Speaking to Page Six, Doohan and Gasly both sang the praises of the former Super Bowl champions.
Doohan told the outlet that the pair were ‘special, humble guys [and] down to earth.’
‘They’re also dedicated to their sport and their bodies and working towards their goals, so it’s great to see that reciprocated and, for us, to be able to chat about our differences in sport,’ he added.
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Pierre Gasly (L) and Jack Doohan (R) opened up about bonding with two Alpine part-owners
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Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes (L) and Travis Kelce (R) bought stakes in 2023
Doohan also spoke to the NFLers about the differences in their schedules and ‘where they spend their time away’ from competing.
‘It’s just good to pick the brains of the differences — and the time differences — of how much time we’re, let’s say, working and not working,’ he added.
Doohan concluded, ‘It’s great to have these huge and well-respected names on board.’
Gasly had a slightly different first impression of the Chiefs tight end Kelce, saying that he was a ‘character’.
The Frenchman added that both Kelce and Mahomes opened up about their work-life balance and how important their loved ones back home were to keep them grounded.
Kelce was seen enjoying himself at last year’s Miami Grand Prix – partying it up around the Hard Rock Stadium. He’s expected to return at some point during the festivities this weekend.
Doohan told Page Six that he isn’t distracted by Kelce, Mahomes, or any of the dozens of other celebrities that are expected to show up to Florida.
‘To be honest, I’m here to do a job,’ the Australian pro driver told us. ‘I’m here to race my car, to try to perform and, for me, as cool [as] it is, the rest for me is irrelevant.’
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Both Kelce and Mahomes were spotted at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix with Alpine
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Doohan says celebrity won’t distract him while Gasly hopes for an appearance by Taylor Swift
He concluded, ‘I am here to do a job with the team. It’s great if we can have that support from others but, for me, it’s not a big deal.’
Gasly, on the other hand, told the outlet that he is hoping for a potential sighting of Taylor Swift.
Swift wasn’t able to attend the Miami Grand Prix last year due to her Eras Tour engagements, but could show up this year.
Gasly revealed that he and his girlfriend, Francisca Gomes, saw Swift during a stop in Milan and admitted to being blown away by her performance.
