Novak Djokovic banned from entering Barcelona GP before waving chequered flag | Tennis | Sport
There’s a lot that Novak Djokovic and Lewis Hamilton have in common. Both are the record champions in their respective field, with Djokovic boasting 24 Grand Slam titles and Hamilton seven World Championship wins, alongside fellow legendary driver Michael Schumacher.
The pair are both in the twilight of their career, with Hamilton and Djokovic just on either side of their 40th birthdays. But they’re still going and have shown incredible longevity to stay at the top for so long.
It’s why there was a poignant nature to seeing Djokovic wave the chequered flag as Lewis Hamilton secured his 106th race win as a Formula One driver. But what the cameras didn’t see in that moment was how Djokovic was almost denied the chance of waving the flag after a hectic day in Barcelona.
It’s claimed by photographer Kym Illman that the tennis legend forgot his entry pass ahead of Sunday’s race. Illman remarked: “Novak Djokovic arrived early for race day this morning. However, the tennis great had forgotten his pass, leaving him temporarily stranded outside the gates. In the end, one member of his entourage lent Novak their credential to gain entry, before making the trip back to the car to collect his pass to use themselves.”
Thankfully, it didn’t cost Djokovic the chance to get involved in the festivities, with the Serb able to cheer Hamilton home after a masterclass from Ferrari. What’s more, it was a reminder that even one of the most recognisable figures in the world of sport is still subject to strict security measures.
It’s a historic win for Hamilton, as it marks his first in Ferrari red. Speaking afterwards, he said: “First I have to start and say a huge ‘grazie’ to everyone here, everyone back at the factory, and to Fred [Vasseur] for believing in me and bringing me to this team. I started out a dream last year which seemed almost impossible during my time last year. I nearly gave up hope, but the team continued to lift me up. We made so many changes and improvements and, on top of that, we have just the greatest fanbase a sportsman could ever ask for. So thank you, thank you to everybody.
“They’re all special in their own way, but this one is something else. I watched Ferrari have all their success when I was younger, watched it on the TV, and then when I’ve been racing here I’ve watched the screens and wondered what it would be like to win in that car. And now it’s come. Everyone worked so hard for it and truly deserves it, I’m forever grateful to them. This is just the first, I hope of many.
“Great pit stops today, great strategy. The car felt fantastic. Forza Ferrari!”
