Off Court News
Rafael Nadal waves chequered flag at Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix
Miami Grand Prix held at same venue as Miami Open presented by Itau
May 04, 2026
Peter Fox/Getty Images
Golfer Jon Rahm, Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz and ATP No. 1 Club member Rafael Nadal on Sunday ahead of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.
By ATP Staff
Rafael Nadal competed in the Mutua Madrid Open final seven times after it became a clay-court event. But Sunday, less than two years on from his retirement, the Spanish legend was on another type of big stage while Jannik Sinner faced Alexander Zverev for the Madrid title.
Nadal was in Miami for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, where he waved the chequered flag to recognise the end of the race, which was held at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Open presented by Itau.
“Hello everyone, it’s Rafa here. I am here in the Miami Grand Prix, very excited after a long time without being [at a] race,” Nadal said in an Instagram Story for Formula 1. “Looking for an amazing race here, maybe it can rain so that’s going to make [it] even more spectacular. But I want to wish the best of luck to every driver, especially Carlos and Fernando.”
Nadal spoke with drivers competing in the race, including Spaniards Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso. On Saturday, the 92-time tour-level titlist also spent time with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
While meeting with golf star Jon Rahm and Sainz, Nadal even checked out a steering wheel, to look at the tool the best drivers in the world use.
Rafael Nadal pose for a photo before the start of the Miami Grand Prix.” style=”width:100%;” src=”https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2026/05/03/16/01/rahm-sainz-nadal-f1-miami-2026.jpg?w=100%25″>
Photo: Peter Fox/Getty Images
Although Nadal did not compete in the Miami Open presented by Itau since it moved to Hard Rock Stadium, he earned a 40-12 record at Crandon Park, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. The Spaniard made the Miami final five times.