Sophie Cunningham waves checkered flag at United States Grand Prix event
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 27, 2026, 6:33 AM
Last updated Oct 27, 2026
Sophie Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever, waved the checkered flag at the United States Grand Prix in Austin on October 27, 2026, as Kimi Antonelli won the race. Cunningham's appearance drew mixed reactions from fans; some criticized her selection due to her public views, while others supported the crossover between sports. Despite the controversy, she embraced the moment, wearing a Texas-inspired cowgirl outfit and sharing her enjoyment of the experience. The use of celebrity guests in F1 continues to spark debate on the impact of public personas in sports events.
- •Cunningham waved the checkered flag as Antonelli crossed the finish line.
- •Her appearance attracted diverse reactions on social media.
- •Cunningham expressed excitement about being part of the F1 event.
- •The event took place on October 27, 2026, in Austin.
- •F1 continues to utilize celebrity appearances for fan engagement.
- 6:33 AMYahoo Sports — F1 Fans Are FURIOUS About Sophie Cunningham Waving the Checkered Flag, But Did Formula 1 Get This Wrong?
- 6:32 AMYahoo Sports — Sophie Cunningham Just Took Over F1: Honestly, NASCAR Fans Might Love This More Than Anyone
"Formula 1 had a huge weekend in Austin. Kimi Antonelli won the United States Grand Prix, the celebrity paddock was packed, and the cameras caught plenty of star power. But one appearance stole a different kind of spotlight. Sophie Cunningham, the Indiana Fever guard who has become one of the WNBA’s most polarizing personalities, was…
"Sophie Cunningham traded the basketball court for the Formula 1 paddock this weekend, and she made sure Austin noticed. The Indiana Fever guard showed up at the United States Grand Prix in a Texas-inspired cowgirl outfit before getting the honor of waving the checkered flag as Kimi Antonelli crossed the finish line. And let’s be…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 27, 2026, 6:33 AMF1 Fans Are FURIOUS About Sophie Cunningham Waving the Checkered Flag, But Did Formula 1 Get This Wrong?
Formula 1 had a huge weekend in Austin. Kimi Antonelli won the United States Grand Prix, the celebrity paddock was packed, and the cameras caught plenty of star power. But one appearance stole a different kind of spotlight. Sophie Cunningham, the Indiana Fever guard who has become one of the WNBA’s most polarizing personalities, was…
- Yahoo SportsOct 27, 2026, 6:32 AMSophie Cunningham Just Took Over F1: Honestly, NASCAR Fans Might Love This More Than Anyone
Sophie Cunningham traded the basketball court for the Formula 1 paddock this weekend, and she made sure Austin noticed. The Indiana Fever guard showed up at the United States Grand Prix in a Texas-inspired cowgirl outfit before getting the honor of waving the checkered flag as Kimi Antonelli crossed the finish line. And let’s be…
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