Miami GP: Formula 1: The second edition of Miami GP was a sheer display of glitz and grandeur both on and off the track. The event was expectedly star-studded with men and women of highest accomplishment bracing the show. From sporting legends to TV personalities, from singers to world-renowned actors, the Formula 1 paddock had it all. The race result was another 1-2 finish for Red Bull with Max Verstappen taking to the chequered flag ahead of teammate Perez. Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / Follow Formula 1 Updates with InsideSport.IN.
However, the on-track shenanigans were not the only news-maker last weekend. Drivers and Team bosses had mixed reactions about the pre-race ceremonies, and the discussions are not anywhere close to a conclusion. To give the background, there was a high-octane ceremony preceding the main race ceremony. As F1 organizers are trying to widen their reach amongst American audiences, they tried to put up a show for the fans. It was big, grand, and glitzy, much like the sport itself.
FIA directive summoned drivers almost 30 minutes prior to the main race for a walk-in introduction ceremony. It was after the drivers’ parade. Legendary American rapper LL Cool J presented each driver to the fans in his own unique glamorous style. Moreover, Rapper and producers will.i.am supplemented it by conducting an orchestra of violin players who set the stage for the introductions. However, though received with love by the fans, it has been getting mixed reactions from within the paddock.
Lewis Hamilton shows complete support to pre-race ceremony at Miami
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has a hot take on the whole incident. While his teammate GPDA director George Russell seemed baffled by the “distracting” ceremony, Hamilton had quite a positive outlook towards it. “I think it is cool that the sport is continuously growing and evolving and not just doing the same stuff that they’ve done in the past. They are trying new things; they are trying to improve the show and I am in full support of it,” remarked Hamilton.
Managing partner of Miami GP, Tom Garfinkel also gave his two cents on the situation. He opined that as the sport is growing in terms of raw popularity, organizers are constantly trying new things which will help take the sport to greater heights and audiences. Garfinkel even cited Netflix series “Drive to Survive” and its success as an example.
“Ultimately, this is a show. When we talked about doing a race in Miami, there was some discussion with F1 about them wanting to have more entertainment and more pageantry and those types of things. So that’s what we’re trying to deliver,” said Garfinkel.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was visibly exasperated by the timing of the ceremony but boss Christian Horner had a more pragmatic take on the whole situation. “You can see the drivers perhaps looked a little awkward, or some of them. But if it’s embracing a new audience, then that’s down to the promoter. I’m more interested in what happens as soon as the light goes out. But I think it’s finding that balance that’s right and appropriate.” said Horner.\
Tell us what is your take on the entire situation. Should organizers consult drivers before deciding on ceremonies? Drop your opinion in the comments down below.
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