AlphaTauri’s Gasly – who won the 2020 Italian Grand Prix – enjoyed a three-hour dinner with former NBA star Jordan, who won six championships with the Chicago Bulls during his stellar 15-year professional career. Along with his sporting success, Jordan became a cultural icon and this was fuelled by the success of Nike’s Air Jordan range of sneakers.
One of Gasly’s personal sponsors, who is a friend of Jordan’s, organised their meeting on Wednesday, ahead of the inaugural Miami Grand Prix at the Hard Rock Stadium this weekend.
“It was by far the best experience of my life,” said Gasly on Thursday. “The most inspiring dinner I’ve ever had. Since a kid I’ve always been inspired by this guy, his mentality and the success he’s had in these years.
“Everyone says you should never meet your idol, because you can only be disappointed, but this was the complete opposite. The guy is just a genius, in another league, the way he is thinking intellectually. I was very, very impressed.
“I didn’t know he was a massive F1 fan. He almost knows the sport better than I do! It was very impressive, and great to discuss it with such a legend. It was a great dinner, I’ll remember it all my life.”
Gasly gave Jordan one of his crash helmets, and in exchange got the legend to sign his Air Jordans.
“I gave him one of my helmets, he signed one of my Jordans – so that’s going in my safe at home, my trophy cabinet!” laughed Gasly. “Exchanging with such a champion, you always learn so much about these guys and how they approach sports, success and failures.
“It’s all about how you maintain this level of performances, I don’t think there was anyone else in the world that I’d like to have met more than him.”
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing
Photo by: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images
Jordan entered the world of NASCAR team ownership last year, starting 23XI Racing along with Cup star Denny Hamlin. His…
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