NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. added a new experience to his storied motorsport journey by attending his first-ever Formula 1 race at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. The American racing legend, known for his success and legacy in NASCAR, took in the electric atmosphere from the Hard Rock hospitality suite at Turn 11 of the Miami International Autodrome.
Sharing his excitement with fans on social media, Earnhardt Jr. posted a photo of his view from the grandstand and captioned it: “Our first @F1 event. Thanks @HardRockBet @redbullracing.” The post quickly went viral, capturing the attention of motorsport enthusiasts from both NASCAR and F1 communities.
The appearance marks an exciting crossover moment between two of the world’s most popular racing disciplines. While Earnhardt Jr. retired from full-time NASCAR competition in 2017, his presence in motorsports media and brand partnerships has remained strong. His visit to Miami comes just weeks after he announced his role as a brand ambassador for Hard Rock Digital, representing both the Hard Rock Bet brand and Hard Rock Games’ social casino ventures.
His connection to Formula 1 on this occasion was facilitated by Hard Rock’s growing involvement in the global motorsport scene. Hard Rock International has expanded its partnership with Red Bull Racing, the championship-winning team based in Milton Keynes. This collaboration helped bring together two worlds of racing—stock car and single-seater—and gave Earnhardt Jr. the opportunity to see firsthand what F1 fans have long described as one of the most spectacular live sporting events in the world.
Speaking ahead of the race, Earnhardt Jr. shared his anticipation: “I’ve never been to an F1 race. We got an invitation from the Red Bull folks and Hard Rock to come out there, so I think me and Amy are definitely going to do it. Never seen it before, so I know that’s a big deal.”
He admitted that many had warned him to prepare for an overwhelming experience. “People tell me I’m not prepared for what I’m going to witness in terms of what a spectacle it is,” he said with a laugh. “So we’re excited.”
The timing of Earnhardt Jr.’s visit couldn’t have been better. The 2025 Miami Grand Prix featured a competitive grid, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen starting from pole position and McLaren’s Lando Norris lining up beside him on the front row. The Miami GP, one of three U.S.-based races on the F1 calendar, has become a key stop for celebrities, business leaders, and sports figures eager to soak in the glitz, glamour, and high-speed action of Formula 1.
For Dale Earnhardt Jr., the experience represents not just a personal milestone, but also a moment of motorsport unity—where legends from different racing cultures come together to celebrate the passion they share. Whether his presence hints at future collaborations or appearances remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his F1 debut was a hit with fans across the globe.