Carlos Sainz Dominates the Netflix Cup's Debut Edition, Crushing Expectations
Carlos Sainz triumphs in the first-ever Netflix Cup for Ferrari, but his moment of glory turns into despair as he inadvertently drops the coveted trophy from his grasp
Ferrari Formula One driver Carlos Sainz suffered a heart-wrenching moment when he lost grip of the coveted "Netflix Cup." This unfortunate incident occurred after he and two-time PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas emerged victorious in Netflix's debut live sporting event at Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas on Tuesday. The dynamic duo triumphed over three other pairs consisting of PGA Tour and F1 drivers in an exciting golf tournament.
Sainz and Thomas outperformed Alpine driver Pierre Gasly and Tony Finau - who stepped in for the injured Collin Morikawa - in a suspenseful closest-to-the-pin contest on the final hole. This victory secured their position on the winners podium, where they were dressed in black-and-white, checkered flag-themed suits. However, their celebration was short-lived as disaster struck.
In one hand, Sainz held a bottle of champagne while engaging in conversation with the American. Unfortunately, the cup slipped from his grasp, leaving the driver dumbfounded with his hands on his head. Amidst laughter, Finau gathered the shattered segments of the trophy lying at their feet.
Sainz and Thomas hoist the still-intact trophy aloft.
Netflix showcased its two popular sporting docuseries, "Drive to Survive" and "Full Swing," at the event. Representing the former were Sainz, Gasly, Norris, and Albon, while the latter was proudly supported by Thomas, Finau, Fowler, and Homa.
PGA Tour star Joel Dahmen, along with comedian Bert Kreischer, sportscaster Kay Adams, and former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch, took on the hosting responsibilities at the event.
"But unlike us, these individuals don't indulge in playing golf – a sport at which we would be undeniably terrible, just as they would excel at driving. Our purpose here is simply to enjoy ourselves."
Homa plays a shot in front of the Las Vegas Sphere.
David Becker/Getty Images for Netflix
Ahead of the inaugural Las Vegas F1 Grand Prix on Sunday, the teams participated in a unique form of racing. Instead of focusing on strokes, the teams competed to finish each hole as quickly as possible. To reach their balls, the teams maneuvered golf carts around a specially designed fairway "race track."
At the fifth hole, there was an exciting incorporation of one of Netflix's popular shows, "Squid Game." The challenge was inspired by the South Korean children's game "Red Light, Green Light," which was brought to life in a thrilling way in the hit drama. Players had to wait for a giant animatronic doll to turn away before teeing off to avoid penalties. The PGA Tour offered a charitable donation of $4.56 million if a player achieved a hole-in-one, but unfortunately, no one accomplished this feat.
Lynch laughs with characters dressed in "Squid Game" outfits.
During the contest, the $2.3 billion Sphere venue in Las Vegas, located at the center of the Grand Prix track, was adorned with a captivating projection featuring the "Squid Game" doll.
Over 100,000 attendees are anticipated to be present at the event, which F1 has deemed as the "biggest special occasion ever held in Las Vegas." However, ticket prices have declined following Red Bulls' Max Verstappen securing his third consecutive drivers championship with six races remaining at the Qatar Grand Prix in October.
