Amid pomp and ceremony within the build-up to the Miami GP, your entire grid was launched by American rapper LL Cool J in entrance of an orchestra, cheerleaders and dry ice.
F1 is planning to host related driver introduction occasions at between six and 7 races this yr – with them being individually tailor-made to the host location.
However regardless of the nice and cozy reception from followers on the day, many F1 drivers weren’t significantly gained over by the concept as they claimed it was too distracting happening so near the beginning of the race.
F1 drivers had already expressed some resistance to the concept through the GPDA assembly on Friday night time.
Nevertheless, it’s understood that there was broad settlement to attempt it for this weekend in Miami and see how the format could be tweaked.
F1 is conscious of the divided opinion over the matter and is able to communicate to drivers about how the format could be modified so it serves each them and followers higher.
Talks are more likely to happen with the GPDA on the forthcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix to work out how greatest to refine issues.
And whereas criticisms of the occasion gained traction after the Miami race, numerous drivers felt it was truly a superb step.
Lewis Hamilton mentioned: “I believe it’s cool that the game is constantly rising and evolving and never simply doing the identical stuff that they’ve performed prior to now. They’re attempting new issues; they’re attempting to enhance the present and I’m in full assist of it.
“I grew up listening to LL Cool J and he was there, that was cool, and then you definitely look over and also you’ve obtained Will.i.am. who’s an unbelievable artist. You’ve obtained Serena and Venus [Williams] standing there. I believed it was cool, no challenge from me.”
Miami GP managing accomplice Tom Garfinkel noticed no draw back to the pre-race present, as he made comparisons between it and the preliminary criticisms F1’s Netflix present attracted earlier than it was accepted as being a game-changing transfer.
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG, is introduced on the grid
Photograph by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
“In the end, this can be a present,” he mentioned when requested by Autosport in regards to the concept behind it. “I believe there have been lots of people inside F1 that most likely weren’t joyful in regards to the Netflix collection when it was first introduced that it was going to occur. And it actually had a Positive impact on your entire sport.
“After we talked about doing a race in Miami, there was some dialogue with F1 about them desirous to have extra leisure and extra pageantry and people sorts of issues. So that is what we’re attempting to ship.
“In the end, the competitors of the vehicles and the drivers on the circuit through the race is crucial factor, however what occurs earlier than that, if we will entertain folks and create some pageantry and a few pleasure, I believe that is a superb factor.”
F1 workforce bosses have been equally supportive of the efforts of Liberty Media to attempt one thing new and seize consideration of recent followers.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff mentioned: “I believe it wasn’t so unhealthy for them [the drivers]. I believe now we have obtained to attempt issues.
“All people tries to do the perfect and it was thrilling for the followers seeing the drivers come out one after the other. I believe it was not performed in a approach that it seemed like comedy.”
Crimson Bull workforce boss Christian Horner felt that key was discovering the proper stability between what suited drivers forward of the race, and what was greatest for the paying spectators.
“If it is good for the enterprise, superb for me, it is all in regards to the two hours from when the lights exit,” he mentioned.
“We’re clearly in a special market. You’ll be able to see the drivers maybe seemed somewhat awkward, or a few of them. But when it is embracing a brand new viewers, then that is all the way down to the promoter. I am extra focused on what occurs as quickly as the sunshine goes out.”
He added: “I believe there’s loads of experimenting happening. This can be a new market, and US sport is totally different. You are not going to see drivers operating on by means of dry ice at Silverstone.
“It is various things for various markets. And naturally, you possibly can perceive Liberty and the promoters exploring various things, as a result of they’re competing with different sports activities. However I believe it is discovering that stability that is proper and applicable.”
Further reporting by Mandy Curi and Adam Cooper