Court Affairs
Rafael Nadal raises his flag at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix
The Miami Grand Prix held at the same venue as the Miami Open presented by Iau
May 04, 2026
Peter Fox/Getty Images
Golfer Jon Rahm, Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz and ATP No. 1 Club Rafael Nadal on Sunday ahead of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.
By ATP staff
Rafael Nadal has competed in the finals of the Mutua Madrid Open seven times since the clay court event. But on Sunday, less than two years after his retirement, the Spanish legend was on another kind of big stage when Jannik Sinner faced Alexander Zverev for the title in Madrid.
Nadal was in Miami for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, where he raised the red flag to see the end of the race, which was held at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Open presented by Itau.
“Hello everyone, it’s Rafa here. I’m here at the Miami Grand Prix, I’m very happy after a long time away. [at a] race,” said Nadal on Formula 1’s Instagram story. “We want an amazing race here, maybe it might rain to make that happen. [it] even more amazing. But I want to wish all the drivers the best of luck, especially Carlos and Fernando.”
Nadal spoke to drivers competing in this race, including Spaniards Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso. On Saturday, the 92-time Tour leader also spent time with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
While meeting golf star Jon Rahm and Sainz, Nadal even tested a driving wheel, to look at the tool used by the world’s best drivers.
Rafael Nadal poses for a photo before the start of the Miami Grand Prix.” style=”width:100%;” src=”https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2026/05/03/16/01/rahm-sainz-nadal-f1-miami-2026″>1026.jpg?
Photo: Peter Fox/Getty Images
Although Nadal has not competed in the Miami Open presented by Ita since it moved to Hard Rock Stadium, he has a 40-12 record at Crandon Park, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. The Spaniard has made the Miami final five times.
