F1 Round up: Miami GP pre-race show sparks controversy among F1 drivers

Several Formula 1 drivers shared mixed opinions on the pre-Miami Grand Prix event that featured American rapper LL Cool J introducing each driver one by one.

As an orchestra conducted by Will.i.am performed, drivers walked onto the grid, and three of them—Logan Sargeant, Lewis Hamilton, and race winner Max Verstappen—addressed the audience.

While the new procedure added entertainment value, a number of drivers, including Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso, and Valtteri Bottas, criticized it for being distracting and unnecessary.

Norris noted that no driver enjoyed the added pressure, while Bottas said: "There’s no other sport where the athletes do so much stuff before the start of the race or event. "There needs to be a limit at some point."

On the other hand, Hamilton praised the sport's continuous growth and evolution, saying: "I think it’s cool that the sport is continuously growing and evolving. They’re not just doing the same stuff they’ve done in the past. They’re trying new things."

Verstappen acknowledged the entertainment value of the show, even though he didn't find it necessary.

Sir Jackie Stewart defies security for Brundle's Miami grid walk

In a light-hearted moment during Martin Brundle's pre-race grid walk in Miami, three-time World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart humorously bypassed security to help Brundle interview tennis legend Roger Federer.

As Brundle struggled to gain access to Federer, Stewart slipped under the security barriers and tried to bring Federer over for an interview.

Although security staff initially attempted to block Stewart's path, their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.

Federer joined Brundle for the final moments of the grid walk, much to the delight of onlookers.

Later, Stewart poked fun at the incident on Instagram, writing, "I haven’t had to sneak past security in a while, but anything for you @martinbrundlef1‼️"

The lighthearted moment added a touch of humor to the otherwise controversial pre-race show in Miami.

Mercedes drivers disagree on Miami pre-race celebration

Mercedes teammates George Russell and Lewis Hamilton had opposing views on the pre-race celebration at the Miami Grand Prix.

Russell, who found the event distracting, stated that it conflicted with his focus on racing: "I'm here to race, I'm not here for the show."

He argued that the sport should prioritize the drivers' preparation and mental state rather than pre-race entertainment.

In contrast, Hamilton embraced the novelty of the event, expressing admiration for the artists involved and lauding the sport's continuous evolution:

"I think it’s cool that the sport is continuously growing and evolving, and they’re not just doing the same thing they’ve done in the past."

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