Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has revealed his love for Formula 1 after hosting former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner at a match this week.
Steiner is in Miami to promote next month’s Grand Prix, and enjoyed a night on the court at the Heat, watching Embiid’s 76ers win 109-105 on the road.
The high-profile pair met some time after the match, with Embiid an avid fan of the sport, in addition to his day job in the NBA.
Embiid told Mail Sport exclusively: ‘I am very passionate about F1. I grew up in Cameroon and lived for football and F1.
“I haven’t been to Miami because it’s during the playoffs, but my friends say it’s the best race in the US. It’s great to meet Guenther and I want to find ways to get more involved in the sport.”
Miami Dolphins CEO and F1 Miami Managing Partner Tom Garfinkel, NBA star Joel Embiid and Miami GP Ambassador Guenther Steiner (left-right) pose after the game
Garfinkel and Steiner had courtside seats at the Heat game and watched Embiid and Co. win
Steiner, meanwhile, also spoke to Mail Sport about his own history with basketball, revealing it is the second time he has been to a match in a week.
‘I follow N.B.A a little bit, but I’m not a big fan,” he said just hours before heading to Kaseya Center. “I went to two games in a week now… last week I was in Charlotte because my daughter wanted to go to a Hornets game.
‘So I’m going to a second one now, and I’m really looking forward to it. A number of Dolphins players will also be there, along with Tom Garfinkel (Dolphins CEO). It’s going to be a great night out.’
Before his night at the NBA, Steiner had a busy media day in his new role as ambassador for the Miami Grand Prix.
Steiner chatted with Embiid about the NBA player’s love for Formula 1 after the game ended
Former Haas boss Steiner smiles as he sits on the right, wearing his black Miami GP jersey
The former Haas boss will be the face of the race next month and gave his thoughts on why Miami has become such a popular destination on the F1 calendar.
“In F1 people don’t like change, they don’t want new things,” he says. “They’re skeptical, and you have to prove yourself… Miami did that. They proved that it is a different approach.
‘It’s not just about the car race, it’s about the entertainment factor. It’s the perfect place. Miami is a party city, food, fashion, it has everything. There were doubts, it was a new concept, a race behind the stadium.
‘The first year is always difficult, because you have to learn so much. But all the things that were wrong were fixed for the second year and they continue to do it. The Miami GP is now just part of F1, no one doubts it anymore: we are going to Miami. It looks like it’s been here for ten years.’