Griddy to Glory: Oscar Piastri--the NFL x F1 Crossover
Oscar Piastri is quietly becoming the biggest thing in Formula 1 in 2025. With four wins in the opening six races of the season, he's not just leading the Drivers' Championship — he's redefining it. His dominance has helped smash open the Constructors' race for McLaren, signaling that the team in Papaya is no longer just playing catch-up.
Oscar Piastri and Justin Jefferson grab a selfie during a hot lap around Miami International Autodrome with McLaren.
Piastri isn't just the future of F1 — he's the now.
But it wasn't just his battle with Max Verstappen or his victory at the Miami Grand Prix that made headlines. As he stepped out of his McLaren, Piastri chose to celebrate not with a traditional fist pump or a jump into a crew member's arms but with a playful attempt at "the Griddy." This viral dance was made famous by Minnesota Vikings wide receiver and LSU alum Justin Jefferson, Who Piastri shared some time with earlier in the Miami weekend. The clip quickly went viral across social media platforms, picked up by both F1 and NFL accounts, and was soon featured by sports media outlets worldwide. Jefferson commented, "You did just fine 😂 we're going to work on the dance moves another time. Just keep winning, brother!! 🔥🔥
The Miami Grand Prix was ideally suited for this kind of crossover moment. Set in the heart of NFL territory at Hard Rock Stadium, the race emphasizes spectacle over tradition. Celebrities line the grid, and NFL stars mingle in the pit lane. This year, the boundaries between different sports fandoms have blurred even further. F1 drivers are evolving into global entertainers, not just elite athletes. From Lewis Hamilton, who owns part of the Denver Broncos, to Patrick Mahomes, who has a stake in Alpine, and Daniel Ricciardo, who shares a connection with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, the crossover has been simmering. But with Piastri's Griddy celebration, it has reached a boiling point. In that instant, Piastri transformed from just another F1 driver into a cultural crossover icon.
