Rapper LL Cool J introduced the drivers before the race. © APA / CHRIS GRAYTHEN

Strong criticism of the Formula 1 show in Miami

Max Verstappen left the jersey in the colors of the Miami Dolphins with his name and number 1 hanging in the winning locker room. The world champion was able to do without all the trappings of the Formula 1 spectacle in Miami in his demonstration of power. But not just him.

08 May 2023

From: dpa

He had already taken care of the big show on the route, even according to US tastes. “The 2023 Miami Grand Prix wiped away any questions about whether the Dutch superstar is in a class of his own in this sport above all others,” wrote the Miami Herald. “Verstappen, the Martian,” Italy wrote Gazzatta dello Sport after the 25-year-old Dutchman's “science fiction-like” comeback. “Max Verstappen made the whole ensemble ridiculous by impressively winning the race,” said France’s sports paper The Team. “You can’t stalk him,” the British woman allowed herself Sun a little play on words.

Because it also became clear in Miami: Ferrari is once again fighting with itself and, after fifth and seventh places for Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, is showing frustration before the home race in Imola. Mercedes left the Miami Dolpins' Hard Rock Stadium with a small mood boost thanks to fourth place from George Russell and sixth place from Lewis Hamilton, but nothing more. And Aston Martin, more precisely Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin, is the second strongest force behind the Red Bull duo.

The criticism from the drivers

It remains to be seen how much will change at the upcoming European opener in Imola. All teams will compete with updates for their cars. A week later there is the classic in Monaco, and a week later there is the race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Most drivers are happy that the show character of the European three-pack will not be quite as pronounced as in the USA, where it continues in Austin in October and the crowning spectacle is in Las Vegas in November. The presentation before the Miami race by rappers LL Cool J and will.i.am wasn't particularly well received.

The drivers' presentation in Miami:

“I’m open to new things, but I don’t need that,” said Mercedes driver George Russell. “None of the drivers like it,” even claimed McLaren driver Lando Norris. “Some people like to be in the spotlight, others don’t. Personally, I don't like doing it. For me, what they did today wasn’t necessary,” said Verstappen. “If we do it, it will be everywhere. “I don’t think the fans in Miami are better than in Imola, in Spain, in Mexico or Japan,” countered Alonso, who is generally not a fan of the big show either. Unless on the track. But this year, Max Verstappen in particular is delivering it.