Over-the-Top Driver Intros at F1 Miami Grand Prix Divide Drivers

• F1 Miami Grand Prix organizers added a new level of glitz and showbiz to its driver introductions on Sunday.

• Some drivers thought it was cool to have celebrities such as LL Cool J and will.i.am participate in the pregame show.

• Other drivers thought the added time taken for driver introductions distracted from their preparations.

There was a glitzy grid ceremony during the build-up to Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix – and a lot of the drivers weren’t exactly enamored by the procedure.

New regulations were recently implemented, extending the grid procedure by 10 minutes, in order to allow for a driver presentation at selected Grands Prix. The first of those came in Miami, with a temporary gantry erected on the grid, through which drivers were introduced in reverse championship order by LL Cool J.

The drivers were flanked by cheerleaders as well as an orchestra—conducted by will.i.am —playing ‘The Formula’, a new song produced by him and Lil Wayne in conjunction with Formula 1.

Due to the revised format, drivers had to be in position 23 minutes prior to the start, rather than the previous 16 minutes, before assembling as usual for the national anthem after their respective introductions.

Formula 1 previously trialled such an introduction, when legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer MC’ed the build-up to the 2017 US Grand Prix at Austin, but Miami was the first such razzamatazz introduction ceremony since that day.

“I guess it's the American way of doing things, doing sport,” said Mercedes’ George Russell, who is a Director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association body that represents all current Formula 1 racers.

“Personally, it’s probably not for me. But you know, that's just my personal opinion.

“It is distracting because, you know, we were on the grid for half an hour in of our overalls in the sun. I don't think there's any other sports in the world that 30 minutes before you go out to do your business that you're out there in the sun, all the cameras on you, and making a bit of a show of it. I can appreciate that in the entertainment world, but as I said, we only want the best for the sport.”