Bubba Wallace, the 23XI Racing driver, expressed admiration for Bad Bunny’s halftime performance at Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. The National Football League featured the Puerto Rican rapper and singer during the event, sparking widespread attention for his presence as a Spanish-language artist on such a prominent stage.
Bad Bunny, known primarily for his Spanish songs, drew mixed reactions from fans and critics alike before the show, as some questioned why the NFL chose not to feature an American artist for the halftime segment. Despite this division, the Puerto Rican star energized the crowd with hits like “Titi Me Pregunto,” “Yo Perreo Sola,” and “Solita,” highlighting his influence in the music industry.
Bubba Wallace took to X to share his thoughts on the performance, saying,
“What a proud moment it must be for the Puerto Rican community!! I enjoyed that!”
His supportive reaction underscored the cultural significance of Bad Bunny’s role at the event.
Special Guest Performers Join the Halftime Show
Following Bad Bunny’s set, guests Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin also took the stage. Lady Gaga performed her well-known track, Die With a Smile, while Ricky Martin delivered a rendition of Lo Que Le Paso a Hawaii. These appearances added layers of diversity and star power to the halftime experience.
However, not all responses were positive. Former President Donald Trump openly criticized the choice of Bad Bunny for the halftime show, posting on social media that the performance was an insult to the country. He stated,
“This ‘Show’ is just a ‘slap in the face’ to our country, which is setting new standards and records every single day. … There is nothing inspirational about this mess of a Halftime Show, and watch, it will get great reviews from the Fake News Media, because they haven’t got a clue of what’s going on in the REAL WORLD.”
The disagreement reflected the divide in public opinion surrounding the event.
Bubba Wallace Features in Toyota’s Super Bowl Advertisement
In addition to his comments on the halftime show, Bubba Wallace starred in a 30-second Toyota commercial aired during Super Bowl LX. The advertisement, themed Where Dreams Began, also showcased athletes Puka Nacua and Oksana Masters. The commercial celebrated the realization of aspirations and community spirit, linking Wallace’s racing career with a broader narrative of ambition and perseverance.
23XI Racing Secures Big Sponsorship Ahead of Daytona 500
As the 2026 Daytona 500 approached, 23XI Racing announced a key sponsorship deal for their drivers Bubba Wallace and Corey Heim. This development followed the team’s resolution of an antitrust lawsuit with NASCAR, securing their racing charters for the upcoming season. The reinforcement of resources signals strong support for their campaign in the Cup Series.
Wallace is set to pilot the #23 Toyota Camry XSE, backed by Xfinity, in the 200-lap Great American Race on February 15, 2026. His teammates include Corey Heim in the Robinhood-sponsored car, Tyler Reddick in the Chuma Casino Camry, and Riley Herbst driving the Monster Energy livery Toyota.
Robinhood Markets’ Chief Brokerage Officer Steve Quirk commented on the renewed partnership, saying,
“Building on the momentum of last year, this renewed partnership reflects the strong foundation we’ve created together,”
“We’re proud to support Bubba Wallace, Corey Heim, and the entire 23XI team as they compete this season and bring the Robinhood brand to life on track.”
Wallace first competed in the Daytona 500 with Richard Petty Motorsports in 2018, before joining 23XI Racing in 2021. He earned a second-place finish in his second season with the team but experienced a disappointing 29th place last year in the same event.
Impact and Future Expectations for Bubba Wallace and 23XI Racing
The spotlight on Bubba Wallace during Super Bowl weekend, both for his reaction to the halftime show and his role in Toyota’s advertisement, highlights his growing prominence beyond motorsports. The major sponsorship reaffirmation for 23XI Racing offers a promising outlook for the team’s performance at the upcoming Daytona 500 and the rest of the NASCAR season.
With his vocal support for culturally significant events and his active presence in high-profile media, Wallace continues to build his influence. The convergence of sports, music, and community identities around this moment may inspire increased diversity and representation within the racing industry moving forward.
What a proud moment it must be for the Puerto Rican community!! I enjoyed that!
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) February 9, 2026
