The day... Pelé forgot to wave the checkered flag at the Brazilian GP

Triple world football champion with Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970), considered the greatest player of all time, Edson Arantes do Nascimento known as Pelé died at the age of 82 on Thursday December 29.

Legend of the most popular sport on the planet, “O Rei” (“The King” in Portuguese) used to make a detour to the heights of São Paulo to attend the Brazilian Grand Prix in Formula 1.

During the 2002 edition, Pelé found himself at the heart of one of those anecdotes which are the spice of sport.

Designated as attendant of the checkered flag, the Brazilian was supposed to salute the victory of Michael Schumacher (Ferrari), emerged victorious from an intense duel with his brother Ralf.

Except that when the Red Baron crossed the finish line with his fist raised just in front of his rival's BMW, the checkerboard was not floating on the Interlagos track.

Instead of welcoming the winner of the day, Pelé stood with his back to the track and in conversation with a third party. By the time he turned around, the Schumacher brothers had passed.

The Kaiser later admitted to having had a moment of doubt when he did not see the flag waved. The regulations require that the driver who receives the checkerboard is declared the winner.

Now Pelé did wave the flag in question but well after the Schumachers had passed. Common sense prevailed: Michael and Ralf were able to take their place on the podium, ahead of David Coulthard, 3rd for McLaren.

The incident did not prevent Pelé from returning to Interlagos, notably in 2006 where he presented an honorary trophy to Michael Schumacher who was then retiring for the first time.

But for a genius who had scored more than 1 goals in his career, there was something comical, almost tasty, in seeing him miss a seemingly easy target.

As eternal as he was, King Pelé nonetheless remained a man.

Stefano Domenicali:

Very sad to hear the news that Pele, one of greatest footballers ever has passed away. He was a shining light for Brazil and millions around the world. His skill, smile and brilliance will live on forever. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time pic.twitter.com/p4BlOgSonu

- F1 Media (@ F1Media) December 29, 2022

« I am very sad to learn of the passing of Pelé, one of the greatest footballers of all time, reacted Stefano Domenicali, boss of F1. It was a beacon for Brazil and millions of people around the world. His talent, his smile, and his genius will live on for eternity. Our thoughts are with his family during this painful time. ».