Sophie cunningham f1 usgp checkered flag

On 24 October 2026, WNBA star Sophie Cunningham made a high-profile appearance at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, during the 2026 United States Grand Prix weekend. Known for her avid interest in motorsports, the Phoenix Mercury guard was captured on the grid and in the paddock, engaging with various teams and drivers ahead of the main event. The highlight of her visit occurred when she was granted the honor of waving the checkered flag to conclude one of the support series races, a moment that drew significant attention from fans and media alike. Cunningham’s presence at the event underscored the growing intersection between professional basketball and Formula 1, as athletes from different disciplines continue to cross-promote their respective leagues. Her enthusiastic participation and social media coverage of the race weekend provided a unique perspective on the atmosphere of the USGP, further cementing her status as a prominent celebrity ambassador for the sport during the high-stakes racing weekend in Texas.