WNBA free agent Sophie Cunningham appeared at Formula 1’s 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, as the chequered flag-waver.

Cunningham has been surging in popularity over the last few months, gaining visibility as Caitlin Clark’s teammate on the Indiana Fever before her staunch political views on trans athletes in the WNBA made her a national figure.

After appearing at NASCAR races throughout the season, Cunningham made her first appearance at a Formula 1 event to continue building on her off-court passion for motorsports.

Sophie Cunningham’s appearance at F1 draws mixed reactions

Cunningham was seen on the broadcast waving the chequered flag at the end of the race as the winner, Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes, came through first.

F1 and WNBA fans were not expecting to see Cunningham on the broadcast in that role, and had mixed reactions to the same.

“Sophie Cunningham waving the flag in Formula 1? What has happened to my beautiful sport?” said one disappointed fan.

“Go Sophie!” said one fan who was excited to see the 30-year-old WNBA player at the race.

“Sophie Cunningham waved the flag? W– are we doing? She’s not even a relevant basketball player. The shock about F1 isn’t that they are right-wing but my God, when they go low, it’s always in the sleaziest, cheapest way,” said one very angry fan.

“Sophie Cunningham waved the chequered flag this afternoon at the F1 race in Austin. How cool is that? Antonelli is close to being World Champion at 20yo. What a talent!” said another fan who was excited to see Sophie’s appearance.

“Of all the people to wave the chequered flag?!! F1 asked Sophie Cunningham?! When Paige Bueckers is right there?” said one Texas-based fan who was upset Sophie was asked instead of Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers.

“F1 race organisers are so gross for selecting Sophie Cunningham to wave the chequered flag. Why is everything in America about politics and gaining political points? So unnecessary,” were the harsh thoughts of another fan.

Cunningham averaged 7.9 points in the WNBA last season. She is currently a free agent and is expected to decide on her next WNBA destination in a few months.