Formula One and the gambling industry are more connected than you think. It’s been a while since F1 drivers have graced the Las Vegas Strip, but the 1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix is still fondly remembered by racing fans. In 2023, Formula One returned to America in a big way, with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Miami Grand Prix, and United States Grand Prix all scheduled for the same season.
Last November, the Red Bull team gave fans a taste of what to expect with an unforgettable stunt ahead of the F1 launch party. For one night only, the Wynn Las Vegas Casino became an impromptu race course when a Red Bull RB10 tore through the lobby. While Red Bull Racing didn’t confirm who was driving, eagle-eyed spectators claimed to spot Sergio Perez behind the wheel. It’s little wonder there were so many suspects, with plenty of F1 drivers declaring their love for casinos and gambling. Below are just a few F1 favourites you’re just as likely to see at the poker table as the pit.
Jenson Button
Even within F1 circles, Jenson Button is considered something of a playboy. In 2000, he made his debut with Williams, but quickly departed for Benetton, before making the jump to BAR for the 2003 season. While racing success eluded him during his early career, BAR’s rebrand to Honda was a good omen for Button. He took his first major win at the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix, after competing in more than 100 races.
His move to the Super GT Series after his F1 retirement might seem like a trade-down, but Button has amassed a personal fortune that many would kill for. His estimated net worth is £123 million, while he counts a multi-million-pound yacht among his belongings. It’s not just F1 prize money keeping this retired driver in the black. He’s been about his passion for poker and regularly spends thousands on a single bet. He’s even appeared at the World Series of Poker. Looking to live like Jenson? While you probably won’t be taking home the jackpot in Monte Carlo anytime soon, you can play online casino games for real money whenever you want.
Juan Pablo Montoya
Colombian-born Juan Pablo Montoya made a name for himself on the kart racing circuit, before making the jump to car racing in his teenage years. He later amassed a respectable haul of championship titles, taking the top spot at the International Formula 3000 in 1998 and the CART FedEx Championship Series the following year. By 2001, he was ready for his first foray into Formula One, joining the Williams lineup as a replacement for Jenson Button. Despite developing a reputation as one of F1’s most accident-prone drivers, he proved to be a valuable asset for Williams. He jumped ship to McLaren in 2005, staying with the team until the end of the 2006 season when he retired from F1 altogether.
After pulling away from the politics of Formula One, Montoya kept himself busy by entering the world of stock car racing. He made another gear change in 2014, becoming an open-wheel racer in the IndyCar Series. Thankfully, Montoya does enjoy some downtime away from the track. He’s another motorhead who’s keen on casinos, counting table games like poker and blackjack among his favourites.
Lewis Hamilton
He’s one of the most decorated Formula One drivers of all time, but Lewis Hamilton also likes to get his thrills elsewhere when he’s not stuck behind the wheel. The British pro has been snapped by paparazzi at some of the most iconic casinos on the planet. However, it wasn’t a poker session in Monaco or Las Vegas that would attract unwanted press coverage. During a 2016 visit to New Zealand, Hamilton took to social media to complain about the treatment he’d received at Auckland’s SkyCity Casino. While casino management quickly issued an apology to avoid a PR disaster, the true story behind the clash remains a mystery.
Kimi Raikkonen
He might not have secured an impressive trophy collection, but Kimi Raikkonen is still one of the most popular F1 drivers of recent years. He’s the most successful Formula One driver to come out of Finland, with a respectable racing record that puts more decorated drivers to shame. He’s also one of the longest-serving drivers in F1 history, driving for teams like McLaren, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo during a 20-year career.
Since retiring from F1 in 2021, Raikkonen has been able to indulge some of his other loves. As with many of his contemporaries, this famous Finn can’t say no to a hand of poker. He’s even made an appearance on the celebrity poker circuit. According to some rumours, he’s a high roller who’s more than comfortable betting significant sums on a single round. With an estimated net worth of more than £106 million, he can definitely afford it.
Leave a Reply