Fabio Quartararo reveals why Lewis Hamilton and Cristiano Ronaldo inspire him. Fabio Quartararo explains why Lewis Hamilton and Cristiano Ronaldo are his sporting role models.

Outside the world of motorcycle racing, the French rider has found inspiration in two outstanding sporting role models, both of whom he has had the opportunity to meet in person.

During the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend in Barcelona, Fabio Quartararo spent some time in the paddock, interacting with top drivers and taking a close look at the cars. It is a very different world compared to MotoGP, but one that he finds deeply fascinating. Among the athletes he looks up to is Lewis Hamilton. Outside of motorcycle racing, the British driver is a major source of inspiration for Quartararo, just as Cristiano Ronaldo is in the world of football.

“You can see that Hamilton still has a huge desire to race”

Speaking on the MigBabol podcast, Quartararo said: “I really like Formula 1, and cars in general. It’s great to have the chance to get to know the drivers, to see how they think, how they are different from us, because we don’t have the same lifestyle. It’s interesting to see, for example, the mentality that Lewis has. He has won so much, but you can see that he still has a huge desire to race, a bit like Vale (Rossi) had. He was the only rider who really tried beyond the age of 40. Seeing this kind of motivation from athletes like that is an example.”

On the next page, Quartararo also shared his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo…

On another occasion, Quartararo had the opportunity to visit Juventus’ training centre, where he was able to meet Cristiano Ronaldo. About him, he said: “He is always the first to arrive at training and the last to leave. Even when you see him in person, he makes an impact. He’s a beast, with an incredible physique. Now that he has won everything, he keeps pushing all the time. He always wants more. The mentality of an athlete like him really impressed me. He has incredible discipline, and it’s not easy.”

Quartararo’s difficulties with sticking to a diet

Quartararo is well aware of his own challenges: “I really enjoy training, but diet is the thing I struggle with the most. When I’m out to dinner with someone and maybe I see them ordering pizza or carbonara, while I’m eating chicken, rice and broccoli, it’s not easy.”

That is precisely why he has found a healthy balance: “I follow the diet, but I also allow myself some free moments. Not so much because of weight, but to feel better mentally. So that it doesn’t feel too much like a constraint.”