“For certain, no for the hot lap”: Jimmy Butler refuses to partake in Miami GP hot lap after shenanigans in a previous incident
In the past, Jimmy Butler had the opportunity to be part of the hot lap in an F1 race. Following his terrifying experience the first time around, the Miami Heat star made it clear it's soemthing he won't be doing again.
This weekend, F1 made it's way back to Miami for a race at the Miami International Autodrome. Butler was among the celebrities in attendance, and decided to do a short interview for social media. When asked about doing the hot lap again, the All-Star forward was quick to shoot the idea down.
"Hot lap," Butler said. "No for the hot lap. For certain no for the hot lap."
The hot lap in F1 is what the cars do after they're done warming up their vehicles for a race. It is a timed lap once the engines and tires are fully warmed up. When Butler sat passenger for this in the past, he was unable to hide his nervousness.
Given his current phsyical state, it is probably best that Butler is opting to sit out the hot lap this time around. He is still recovering from a knee injury he suffered against the Philadelphia 76ers in the play-in tournament.
Butler was injured after a collision with Kelly Oubre Jr. under the rim. Because of this, he was unavailable for the Heat in their first-round series with the Boston Celtics.
How did Jimmy Butler react the first time he did a hot lap?
The first time Jimmy Butler did a hot lap was three years ago. He rode passenger in a McLaren with professional driver Lando Norris at the wheel. Before the two even hit the track, it was apparent that Butler wasn't going to enjoy the experience.
This short trip around the track provided a lot of comedic content from the NBA star. As Butler is getting settling in the car, he pleased with Norris to not drive that fast. The racer agrees in the moment, but obviously does not mean it.
The whole time Jimmy Butler is making his way around the track, he is gripping the bottom of his seat with both hands. He lets out a few yells, mainly when they are hitting the turns.
Upon getting out of the car, Butler lets out a major sigh of relief. The Heat forward also gave a warning to the next person getting in, stating that Norris' driving in crazy. In an attempt to save face, Butler also procalimed to the group that he wasn't scared at all.