Last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix was attended by several celebrities and global sporting stars, most of whom were spotted on the grid ahead of the seventh race of the 2023 Formula 1 season.
One of the sporting stars in attendance was Bayern Munich footballer Serge Gnabry, who had previously been at the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix.
Gnabry revealed what got him into the sport and how he’s “watched the documentary”, presumably meaning he’s binged Netflix docuseries ‘Drive to Survive’.
“I was in Monaco last year, it was my first race, since then I’ve watched the documentary and it’s just fun to see it live,” Gnabry told Sky Deutschland.
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When a celebrity is interviewed ahead of a race, they are typically asked who they are supporting, a question Gnabry was quickly asked.
“I’m a Lewis Hamilton fan,” Gnabry stated.
It appears that it’s not just the footballer who is a fan of the pinnacle of motorsport, with his father having reportedly been a huge fan of three-time World Champion Ayrton Senna.
Gnabry’s father was such a big fan in fact, that he wanted to name the footballer after the legendary Brazilian, something the 27-year-old couldn’t believe reporter Peter Hardenacke had discovered.
“I just received a note that your dad is allegedly a big Ayrton Senna fan,” said Hardenacke.
“How do you guys know that?” replied Gnabry in clear shock.
“We know everything. He apparently wanted to name you Ayrton back then,” said Hardenacke.
“Yes, that’s true, actually,” smiled the German player.
Despite it being true, he’s now keen on people now referring to him as “Ayrton Gnabry”.
“Absolutely not, Serge is good,” joked the footballer.
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Gnabry remained in disbelief how Sky had discovered what was seemingly a family secret, with the broadcaster having certainly done their research.
Gnabry’s Bayern Munich team-mate Joshua Kimmich revealed the fact whilst on the club’s podcast last year, with his German counterpart being to blame for sharing the secret.
Despite this, Gnabry watched on as Lewis Hamilton finished second behind race winner Max Verstappen, who extended their lead in the Drivers’ Championship to 53 points over Sergio Perez.