Famous F1 Drivers That Are Often Seen at The Casino
When it comes to Grand Prix racing, Formula 1 is known to be the creme de la creme. The sport is an exhilarating thrill ride that has managed to finally break into the mainstream in the US courtesy of the success of Netflix’s Drive To Survive docuseries.
The 2023 F1 calendar will feature an unprecedented three races held stateside, with Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas all able to witness greatness.
But despite the current campaign providing plenty of excitement for its newfound American fanbase, the same cannot be said for the action on the track.
Reigning back-to-back world champion Max Verstappen has been head and shoulders clear of the opposition so far this term, winning ten of the 12 races that have taken place thus far and on course to romp to a third consecutive crown in record-breaking fashion.
With Super Max as well as plenty more of the most skilled and daring drivers behind the wheel, it’s no surprise that these sporting icons enjoy luxury off the track as well. The world of Formula One racing and the glitz and glamour of the casino scene have always had an intertwined relationship.
The most famous race on the calendar is the Monaco Grand Prix
It’s not unusual to see F1 drivers spending their downtime in Monaco, on yachts, visiting casino tables, hoping to strike it lucky just as they do on the racetrack.
But with the recent boom of popular online casino Canada platforms, these drivers don’t even have to leave their hotel rooms to get in on the action. Many top drivers are now turning to online casinos as a way to unwind after a hard day on the track, with the convenience and accessibility of these platforms making them an attractive option.
Considering the wide range of games and betting options available, it’s not uncommon to hear of drivers taking their strategic skills from the racetrack to the online casino tables.
So, with that being said, which drivers in particular are known to enjoy throwing their weight around in those famed casinos? Let’s take a look.
Kimi Raikkonen
Kimi Raikkonen (pictured above with the Dudesons in Monaco) is a Finnish racing driver who is known for his off-the-track antics just as much as his driving skills. It’s been reported that he’s spent thousands of Euros playing poker in casinos across Europe, particularly in Monaco. He’s also a fan of the French game, boules, and has even hosted a tournament at a casino in Nice.
The Flying Finn is a beloved character within the racing world due to his nonchalant and laid-back nature, a nature which came to the fore back at the 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix when he famously stated he missed a presentation by Pele as he was “taking a sh*t.” Nice one, Kimi.
Lewis Hamilton
Britain’s Lewis Hamilton is widely considered by many to be the greatest Formula One driver of all time. He has the joint most – alongside iconic German driver Michael Schumacher – world championship victories in the history of the sport, with seven crowns under his belt.
It might well have been a record-breaking eighth had it not been for the controversial decisions of race director Michael Masi at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Stevenage-born star picked up his first crown back in 2008, before winning six titles in seven seasons between 2014 and 2020 after making the switch from McLaren to Mercedes.
But when he’s not on the track, Hamilton likes to spend his time at the tables. He once reportedly lost £20,000 in just one hour while playing roulette at a London casino.
As well as that, he’s also known to be a regular at Monte Carlo’s famed Casino de Monte-Carlo, known for its high-stakes games and elegant décor. It’s unknown how his gambling is going however, one thing that is certain is that he certainly needs a change of fortune on track. Hamilton is currently in the midst of a baron spell of 37 races without a victory, the worst run of his 16-year career.
Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso simply doesn’t age. He is still racing at the highest level despite being 42 years of ahe, and he’s certainly not retired from the high life either.
The two-time world champion has made a name for himself in the racing world, but he’s also found a passion for poker. He reportedly played in a Celebrity Poker Tournament in 2014 in Milan, where fellow poker enthusiast, Raikkonen, was also in attendance.
Jenson Button
Jenson Button may not be as flashy as other F1 drivers, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t enjoy the good life. The 2009 world champion with Brawn GP has a great love for poker and has even competed in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, stating that he loves the “game theory” behind poker.
He also admits to winning and losing thousands of pounds at various casinos, proving that there’s more to him than just being a world-renowned racing driver.
