F1: one of the most followed sports in the world. How many times have we heard this phrase? Over last yearsprecisely since when Liberty Medium organize the F1 activity, many have come news. Among these, the presentation show in Miami of the pilots, half an hour before the race. Here are the words of those directly involved, as reported by Motorsport.com...
Twenty men show in F1: the words of George Russell
Following the presentation-show of the pilots al Grand Prix of Miami, yes debating between those who are in favor of it and who retained it inadequate to the Formula 1. Also between pilots There are opinions diametrically opposites.
"I'm here to race, I'm not here for the show.” He began George Russell. "I'm here to lead and to try to win. We have to get to the grid half an hour early and stay there in the sun. I don't think there is another sport in which 30 minutes before starting you have to be in the sun with the cameras pointed to do a show.” And then he added: “We talked about it at the drivers' briefing on Friday evening. Each of us has his own personality. As for me, I don't like it, but that's just my opinion. I guess we have to accept it and be open to changes, ma I wouldn't want it to be like this every race weekend. "
In fact, every pilot, in addition to his own ideas about what happened, has gods very personal rituals first to climb into driving feel. As for the pre-competition activities taxes from Liberty Medium, veins one that George Russell appreciates"The thing I love a lot about pre-competition is the national anthem. Somehow it loads you and it is, obviously, a tribute to Country where we are running. But if we talk about the Miami show, I have mixed feelings."
The words of another well-known F1 driver…
THEopinion of the compatriot Lewis Hamilton, it is exactly contrary"I find it very nice that our sport is constantly growing and evolving. We did not sit on the past, but there is an effort to try new things and I personally support this view. I grew up listening to LL Cool J” an american rapper “and seeing him on the grid was fantastic. Seeing Will.i.am as well as Serena and Venus." Williams. “standing there, well, I thought it was cool. The sun and concentration? I love the sun, and was focused from the previous Sunday! No problem from me."
The world of F1 is aware of thistherefore Liberty Media will address this issue with the GPDA – the association of F1 drivers – during the weekend in Imola. to date theobiettivo is to carry it out same show in other 6/7 Grands Prix, in line with the requests from host countries. All with a format that is also appreciated by pilots. The approach of Liberty Media and some of the Grand Prix promoters is clear. The race remains the pivot of Sunday's day, but anticipated by as many entertainments as possible, also given the soaring ticket prices. Also here you could open a debate: what if someone Want to see only the race and no show?
F1: a history of changes…
In front of the changes, F1 often reacts conservatively, but in different areas and for several reasons. In fact, another insider recalled that: “It was the same for the Halo. Everyone turned up their noses at the start, but after two races no one paid any more attention.” In that circumstance, But, Not it was neither of pre-competition rituals nor of tradition. But of an evolution in terms safety and he saved the lives of several pilots several times. For example, a Ericsson since 2019, Grosjean since 2020, Verstappen e a Hamilton since 2021 and Zhou since 2022. IS quite different from the presence on the track of Netflix, which is a contemporary form of promotion of F1: “The arrival of Netflix was initially not appreciated by all. But then, after the success of the series, the importance it had and continues to have was understood. "
The words of the team principals
Toto wolff said: "I find it correct to want to try new things. Personally I think the show was not bad for the pilots, while for the fans was an exciting moment see them come out and celebrate one at a time. She was one sports presentation, frankly it didn't seem like a comedy to me."
More neutralInstead, it was Christian Horner:If it's good for Formula 1, it's good for me too. I understand that some riders may be more comfortable than others, But in the end we are trying to capture a new audience. So I am promoter choices. For my part I'm more interested in what happens when the traffic lights go out, but we're trying to also meet the demands of the country that hosts us. I do struggle to imagine such a show at Silverstone: every market is different and I understand that Liberty and the promoters explore different areas. I believe that it's all about finding the right balance."
What Horner said is shared by many: it's a matter of balance. It's okay to change, but without distorting the F1 in its essence. Fortunately, for once, the comparison is still open.
Source: Motorsport.com
