Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid opened up about his love of Formula One after hosting former Haas team manager Guenther Steiner at a game this week.
Steiner is in Miami promoting next month’s Grand Prix and enjoyed a night on the Heat’s court, watching Embiid’s 76ers win 109-105 on the road.
The high-profile couple who met spent some time together after the game, with Embiid being an avid sports fan in addition to his day job in the NBA.
Speaking exclusively to Mail Sport, Embiid said: ‘I am passionate about F1. Growing up in Cameroon, I 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 America. 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 were sitting courtside at the Heat game, watching Embiid and company win.
Meanwhile, Steiner also spoke to Mail Sport about his own history with basketball and revealed that it is the second time he has attended a game in the space of a week.
‘I follow NBA a little, but I’m not a big fan,’ he said a few hours before heading to the Kaseya Center. ‘I went to two games in one week…last week I was in Charlotte because my daughter wanted to go to a Hornets game.
‘So I’m going to watch a second one now and I’m really looking forward to it. Some of the Dolphins players will be there too, Tom Garfinkel. [Dolphins CEO] with me. It’s going to be a great evening.’
Before his night in the NBA, Steiner had a busy day with the media in his new role as ambassador for the Miami Grand Prix.
Steiner spoke to Embiid about the NBA player’s love for Formula 1 after the game
Former Haas boss Steiner smiles while sitting on the field in his black sweater from the Miami GP
The former Haas boss will be the face of the race next month and explained 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 are skeptical and they have to prove themselves…Miami has done it.” They showed that it is a different approach.
‘It’s not just about the car racing, but also about the entertainment factor. It’s the perfect place. Miami is a city of parties, food, fashion, it has it all. It was doubtful, it was a new concept, having a race behind the stadium.
‘The first year is always difficult because you have to learn a lot. But everything that was wrong was fixed for the second year and they continue to do so. The Miami GP is now just part of F1, no one doubts it anymore: we are going to Miami. Looks like he’s been here for 10 years.’