Formula One Drivers and Their Love of Horses
Soon, it will be time for the horse racing season to begin in earnest. For many fans, it starts in Louisville at the Kentucky Derby. Many of horse racing’s biggest fans come from another speed industry: Formula One racing.
It’s a common sight to see celebrities packing the stands at major horse racing events. The Kentucky Derby is a powerful example, attracting people from the NFL, the NBA, politics, and more.
If you’re interested in learning more about Kentucky Derby favorites this year and handicapping tips, visit TwinSpires.
Let’s focus on a very specific demographic: racers who like to watch racing. Many of horse racing’s biggest fans come from another speed industry – Formula One.
Formula One Drivers Aren’t the Only Ones to Love Horse Racing
Before we get into the specifics of F1 drivers, it’s worth pointing out that they aren’t the only racers who love horse racing. NASCAR drivers also have a noted interest in the sport. Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Ben Kennedy, Taylor Earnhardt Putnam, the daughter of Dale Earnhardt, and others have all shown a passion for racing on four hooves as well as four wheels.
Horse racing tends to have a magnetic effect on athletes from many different walks of life. Even outside of motorsports, stars like Luka Dončić, the noted joker of the Denver Nuggets, are famous for stopping at as many tracks as they can while on the road. He’ll even seek out local jockeys to converse with, with many reporting that he is always more in awe of what they do than they are of him.
It’s a genuine passion for athletes all over the world, fueled by a simple appreciation for excellence in any form it takes.
F1 Racers With Equine Interests
Some of the drivers featured below are noted for supporting horse racing in every form it takes. Others have a very particular passion for the beauty, grace, and elegance of equines. All of them are passionate about horses.
Lando Norris
Lando Norris is an English racer who began his career in competitive kart racing at eight years old. Interestingly, in his earliest years, he was primarily focused on horse riding.
He eventually gave up his equestrian pursuits as his focus shifted toward motor racing—a choice that clearly worked out well for him. Nevertheless, his interest in horses has never waned. He continues to support the sport and remains passionate about horses as animals in general.
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton is an English Formula One driver with 105 wins, making him one of the most successful F1 drivers of all time. Currently driving for Ferrari, he’s as successful and famous as an F1 driver could be.
He’s also a bit of an unlikely horse enthusiast, having suffered from fur allergies his entire life. Nevertheless, he’s developed a keen interest in professional racing, going so far as to heavily integrate equestrian imagery into his personal brand. He’s frequently in attendance at major races and plans to start riding at some point. Recently, he was seen with his mom horse riding ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton in recent video: “How does it suit me?”😎
“This is a much smaller horse than Austin, not as wide but we’re in these beautiful Tibetan mountains, the Chinese mountains. Stunning, very peaceful.” pic.twitter.com/mjyxqICSTn
— deni (@fiagirly) March 11, 2026
Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo, now retired, was known as “the Honey Badger” throughout his 14 seasons. During that time, he won eight Grand Prix races.
Born in Perth, Ricciardo developed a love for racing early at the go-kart tracks, which set the stage for his successful career as a racer.
Like many successful athletes, his wealth and stardom put him in a position to experience and enjoy horses, an opportunity he took full advantage of. He’s known for loving racing in general and once rode a horse into an F1 paddock. He now owns a stable full of them at his Australian estate and is known as an ‘honorary Texan’.
Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc, born in 1997, races for Ferrari and has won Grand Prix races in all eight of his seasons.
He’s also noted for his love of equines. He follows horse racing closely as a sport and even owns a horse himself.
Gina Maria Schumacher
Gina Maria Schumacher is not exactly a Formula One driver, but she is racing royalty. Her father is Michael Schumacher, an F1 legend noted for a long and successful career.
Gina Maria also needs speed. It’s just that her preferred mode of transportation has four hooves. She’s a noted horse enthusiast and competes in equestrian competitions all over the world.
Conclusion: Why F1 Drivers Love Horses
There may be an appreciation for all things that move fast. It’s probably also the byproduct of time, wealth, and fame. Certain sports, such as tennis, golf, and yes, horse racing, become more accessible once you have the resources to pursue them seriously.
Equestrian arts are for everyone, of course, but it’s certainly easier to love horses when you can afford a stable full of them. At this year’s Kentucky Derby, don’t be surprised to see a few F1 drivers in the stands.