Drivers have criticized the driver introduction show after the Formula 1 spectacle in Miami. “I’m open to new things, but I don’t need to,” said Mercedes driver George Russell. It was all just a distraction. “We’re standing there in the blazing sun for half an hour,” complained the Brit after the pilots had been introduced individually and with a lot of fanfare by US rapper LL Cool J.
Musician will.i.am presented the new Formula 1 anthem with an orchestra. “None of the drivers like it,” McLaren driver Lando Norris claimed.
“Some people like to be in the spotlight, some don’t. I personally don’t like doing it. What they did today was not necessary for me,” said race winner Max Verstappen. From ninth place on the track on Sunday, he put on the big show – just as he liked. But he also understands the entertainment value, said the 25-year-old Dutchman from Red Bull. “As long as it doesn’t happen too often, it’s okay,” said Verstappen’s team-mate, Sergio Pérez. The Mexican had finished second.
Third-place finisher Fernando Alonso stressed that he’s also not a fan of big things like that. The 41-year-old two-time world champion also pointed out that it was in the middle of the drivers’ preparation phase. Then they should omit the drivers’ parade, for example, suggested Alonso. However, the Spaniard is against selected races where the drivers are presented in this way. “If we do it, then everywhere. I don’t think the fans in Miami are any better than in Imola, in Spain, in Mexico or in Japan,” he said.
Record world champion Lewis Hamilton defended the deposit before the race: “It’s great to see how the sport grows and changes.” They would do things like that to improve the show. “I fully support it,” said the seven-time champion and Russell teammate.
In general, the weekend saw a large celebrity crowd. Ex-tennis pro Roger Federer, Tesla founder Elon Musk, Amazon boss Jeff Bezos and actors Vin Diesel and Tom Cruise were among those on the route.