Kamala Harris Goes Viral After Discussing Formula 1 on Howard Stern Show
A clip from Vice President Kamala Harris’ interview with Howard Stern has taken the internet by storm, especially among sports fans, after Stern questioned her about her love for Formula 1. The viral moment, which has been viewed over 5.7 million times on TikTok, features Stern asking Harris if her passion for the racing sport is genuine or just part of her campaign strategy. Harris’ enthusiastic response that she and her family are true fans of Formula 1 struck a chord with viewers, generating widespread attention and conversation online.
Harris appeared on The Howard Stern Show on Sirius XM on Tuesday, October 8, as part of her media blitz ahead of the upcoming election. Although the interview took place over a week ago, a short video of Stern’s question about Formula 1 was posted on MSNBC’s TikTok account on October 14, where it quickly went viral. The segment, which was more lighthearted compared to some of the other serious topics discussed during the interview, resonated with Formula 1 fans, particularly in the United States, where the sport has been growing in popularity.
Howard Stern’s Question: Real F1 Fan or Election Strategy?
In the viral clip, Stern cuts to the chase, asking Harris: “And just answer this quickly. Why do you like Formula 1? These guys drive around the cars, over and over again in a circle.” Harris, beaming with excitement, responded, “Oh, it’s so good!” She insisted that her enthusiasm for the sport is genuine and not part of any election campaign strategy, noting that her family shares her love for Formula 1.
She added that while she has been an avid fan of Formula 1, her ability to watch races has been limited recently due to her busy campaign schedule. She also pointed out that many of the races are held overseas, making it difficult to catch them live due to the time difference. This earnest response seemed to further solidify her authenticity among fans, as she acknowledged the challenges of balancing her passion for the sport with the demands of her political career.
TikTok Reacts: A Campaign Gimmick or Genuine Passion?
Social media users quickly flooded the comments section of the TikTok post, many expressing their surprise and amusement that Harris is such a dedicated fan of Formula 1. One of the top comments on the video, which has garnered over 14,100 likes, reads: “If it’s a campaign thing, she would claim NASCAR, not Formula 1.” This comment underscores the sentiment that, if Harris were pandering to American voters, she would be more likely to reference NASCAR, which is far more popular in the United States compared to Formula 1, often seen as a more “foreign” sport.
The fact that Harris mentioned Formula 1 rather than NASCAR lent credibility to her claim of being a true fan. Formula 1, while still growing in popularity in the U.S., doesn’t hold the same cultural significance as NASCAR, which dominates motorsport fandom in many parts of the country. As one commenter pointed out, “There’s only one American team in Formula 1, and it’s owned by Gene Haas, who’s better known for his NASCAR team.” Indeed, Haas F1 Team, the lone American presence in Formula 1, is led by Gene Haas, whose name is synonymous with NASCAR.
The “Drive to Survive” Effect: Formula 1’s Growing Popularity in the U.S.
Formula 1 has experienced a massive surge in popularity in recent years, largely thanks to the Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the sport, focusing on the drivers and teams. The show has been compared to reality TV, with British satirist Marina Hyde dubbing it “Keeping up with the Car-crashians.” The series’ success has brought in a new generation of fans, particularly in the U.S., where interest in Formula 1 had historically been limited.
According to a report from The Athletic, 53 percent of U.S. Formula 1 fans started following the sport because of Drive to Survive. The show has not only introduced Formula 1 to new viewers but also enhanced the storytelling and drama behind each race, making the sport more accessible and compelling for a wider audience. Harris’ mention of Formula 1 aligns with this trend, as the sport continues to grow in prominence within the U.S. sports landscape.
Harris’ Favorite Driver: Lewis Hamilton
During the interview, Harris was asked about her favorite Formula 1 driver. Without hesitation, she answered: “Lewis Hamilton, of course.” Hamilton, a seven-time world champion from England, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time. At 39 years old, Hamilton is tied for the most World Drivers’ Championships in history and holds the record for the most race wins and podium finishes.
Harris’ admiration for Hamilton further solidified her status as a knowledgeable fan. As one of the most successful and influential figures in motorsport, Hamilton has not only dominated the track but also used his platform to advocate for social justice and diversity, which may resonate with Harris’ own values and background. The fact that Harris could instantly identify Hamilton as her favorite driver indicated her genuine interest in the sport and familiarity with its major figures.
Interestingly, Harris mentioned that Hamilton had just ended his 10-year stint with Mercedes and would be driving for Ferrari next season. This comment, however, was incorrect, as Hamilton remains with Mercedes. The slip-up sparked further debate among fans, with some defending her as a casual fan who may not follow every bit of news, while others pointed out that such details might not be critical in proving her overall fandom.
From Formula 1 to Politics: A Shift in Tone
While the discussion of Formula 1 provided a lighthearted moment in the interview, the conversation eventually shifted to more serious topics. Stern pressed Harris on her thoughts about the upcoming election, her record as a prosecutor, and the potential consequences of a Trump victory in November.
Harris reflected on her career in law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of her work as a prosecutor: “I put a lot of people in jail,” she said, acknowledging the criticism she has faced over her tough-on-crime approach. She defended her record, explaining that she believes her work made a significant difference in communities and helped uphold justice. “Some of the most important work that anyone can do is ensuring the safety and well-being of the people,” Harris told Stern.
The vice president also spoke candidly about the toll the election campaign has taken on her personally. She admitted that she has been losing sleep over the stakes of the 2024 election, expressing deep concern for the future of American democracy, national security, and the welfare of the country’s citizens. Harris’ comments highlighted the intensity and pressure of the political landscape as the election draws nearer.
So: A Viral Moment with Impact
Kamala Harris’ viral clip on The Howard Stern Show provided a rare glimpse into her personal interests and passions outside of politics, showcasing her as a genuine fan of Formula 1. The lighthearted exchange captured the attention of millions, further fueled by her candid and enthusiastic responses. In an election season often filled with tension and high stakes, this moment of levity allowed viewers to see a different side of the vice president, one that many could relate to on a personal level.
However, the interview also touched on critical issues facing the country, reminding viewers of the gravity of the upcoming election and the challenges Harris faces as both a leader and a candidate. Whether discussing Formula 1 or her concerns for democracy, Harris’ appearance on Howard Stern showcased the multifaceted nature of her personality and the complexity of the political world she navigates every day.
