Pioneering F1 legend is unshaken, even when crypto markets crash
Ace F1 driver from Australia, Daniel Ricciardo, candidly admits it took time for him to warm up to the idea of cryptocurrencies, particularly in the backdrop of the plummeting FTX market. Clearly, Ricciardo and his Olympic snowboarder friend, Scotty James, are thoughtful endorsers, who consider the possible risks linked to signal boosting something potentially hazardous.
When OKX, a leading crypto exchange platform roped in Ricciardo and James as their brand ambassadors, the duo knew they were stepping into an uncertain territory, braving a potential backlash. Crypto has always had a controversial reputation, exacerbated by undulating markets and questionable endorsement deals. Nevertheless, Ricciardo, who enjoys a massive global fan following, held his ground firmly.
In his own words, Ricciardo recognized the predicaments, but asserted his trust in his team while navigating through potential problem areas; he stayed clear of discussing FTX and stuck to his planned schedule dutifully.
Despite the FTX debacle, OKX’s strategy to emerge as the “first crypto lifestyle brand,” masterminded by Chief Marketing Officer Haider Rafique, stayed on track. The exchange cleverly signed megabucks sponsorship deals with high-profile sports franchises, like the F1 McLaren team and UK’s Premier League team, Manchester City.
While Ricciardo was not immediately convinced, Rafique’s unabated endeavor to build a personal rapport helped. Ricciardo later acknowledged that Rafique’s efforts paid off by educating and informing them personally before they got involved with OKX.
Simultaneously, four-time Olympian Scotty James, drawn by the possibility of NFTs, also associated with OKX. Although initially skeptical, James gradually built trust through the platform’s efforts to simplify and educate users about crypto and trading.
Despite fluctuating fortunes and dubious reputations in the world of cryptocurrencies, both Ricciardo and James stood their ground, highlighting the appeal of crypto, particularly to a youthful demographic keen on decentralization.