A picture of a meeting between Formula One driver Mick Schumacher and Robert Irwin at Australia Zoo has captivated the nation.
The two men, both from iconic families, met up on Monday ahead of Mr Schumacher’s first Melbourne Grand Prix.
The 23-year-old stopped off to watch Mr Irwin in a crocodile show before going inside the enclosure for a personal session with the wildlife warrior.
The rising star described the adventure as “a crazy experience”.
“Crikey! What an experience,” he wrote.
“Growing up watching Steve Irwin on his wild adventures, visiting Australia Zoo was really amazing – seeing how his family carry on his legacy is truly inspiring, thank you so much Robert!”
xjmtzywMr Schumacher was in his early teens when his father suffered brain injuries in an accident on a family skiing trip in 2013.
The seven-time F1 world champion has not been seen in public since, with reports alleging he is unable to speak.
In a 2021 documentary, the German racing driver said he wished he had the opportunity to talk with his father about his recent success on the track.
“I think dad and me, we would understand each other in a different way now, simply because we speak a similar language – the language of motorsport,” he said.
“That’s where my head is most of the time. Thinking that would be so cool. That would be it. I would give up everything just for that.”
Mr Irwin was a toddler when his father Steve died from a stingray injury in 2006.
The 18-year-old paid tribute to the famous crocodile warrior, who would’ve turned 60 in February this year.
“My earliest memories are my fondest, thanks to you. Hanging on tight to the handlebars of the motorbike, when you’d take Bindi and I on your morning lap of the zoo – before going to get ice cream for breakfast,” he wrote.
“Every minute spent with you was a blessing. I’m gonna ride that lap on your old motorbike this afternoon.”
