Formula 1 Driver Snubs Ronaldo, Names Messi Among His Most Inspiring Athletes

• Lionel Messi has been an inspiration to several athletes around the world
• The 2022 World Cup winner’s influence transcends a sport he champions
• A Formula 1 driver recently named the Argentine as one of his inspirations

Lionel Messi remains an inspiration to numerous athletes worldwide, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has joined the long list of athletes the Argentine maestro has inspired.

With Formula 1 currently on a midseason break, many drivers have had to occupy themselves with many activities and for the Australian driver, he had time to build his website.

At the launch of his website, Piastri took time to answer a few questions and was tasked with describing his perfect athlete.

The 22-year-old, who saw his McLaren McL60 witness a resurgence a few races before the 2023 summer break, revealed which stars he would use for his ultimate athlete.

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Piastri names Messi as inspiration

In the third episode of the series Getting to Know Piastri, the Australian racer said:

"...The ultimate athlete would possess Michael Jordan’s mindset, Rafael Nadal’s strength, Usain Bolt’s legs, Lionel Messi’s feet, and Steve Smith’s hands."

Piastri also pointed out Messi and Bolt as being the best in their respective sports, serving as leading figures and role models during his formative years.

Speaking about NBA legend, Jordan, the rookie driver said he admired his desire to win:

"People tried to figure out ways to stop him, so he just brought the whole team with him. I admire how he was tough on people in a respectful way, he was a real role model, and he pushed everyone around him to be better."

Piastri will now turn his attention to the second half of the 2023 Formula 1 season starting at Zaandvoorth, per reports from Sky Sports F1, as he hopes to secure the team’s first race win since Daniel Ricciardo in 2021.

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McLaren’s CEO discusses Verstappen’s dominance

In a previous article, Sports Brief reported on Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren discussing Red Bull's dominance of the sport through Max Verstappen.

The 55-year-old did not hold back his displeasure with the effectiveness of the Milton Keynes team but believes the other teams can still catch up.

Brown has seen his McLaren team rise through the ranks to become one of the teams to beat this season and wants to match the pace of the RB19.