Czech President Petr Pavel held a meeting today with the renowned racing driver Jackie Ickx, who is celebrated for his accomplishments in various motorsport disciplines, including Formula 1. During their encounter, Pavel expressed his admiration for Ickx’s humility and respect for the rules of the sport, describing these qualities as models for all motorists. This meeting served not only as an acknowledgment of Ickx’s illustrious career but also as a reminder of the values that govern safe and responsible driving.

In his social media post on X, President Pavel recounted enjoying breakfast with Ickx, whom he referred to as a 'legend of legends' in motorsport. He highlighted Ickx's achievements, such as his participation in 116 Formula 1 Grands Prix and winning eight of them, along with notable victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Paris-Dakar Rally. Pavel's reflection on Ickx’s career illustrates the respect the President has for sports figures who carry themselves with dignity and serve as role models beyond just their competitive achievements.

The meeting between Pavel and Ickx comes at a time when Pavel is facing criticism from the Motorists' Party for not appointing their candidate, Filip Turk, to the role of Minister of the Environment. By highlighting Ickx's inspiring qualities, Pavel seems to be reinforcing his message about road safety and responsible driving while navigating political disputes. This engagement also aligns with Pavel's broader efforts to engage with public figures who embody the values he wishes to promote in Czech society, particularly among the driving community.