Formula 1 drivers criticize show in Miami: Only one driver praises the interlude

At the weekend, Formula 1 made a guest appearance in Miami. The pre-race show drew criticism in the paddock - but one driver saw it differently.

Miami - After the Formula 1 spectacle of Miami, drivers have criticized the show to introduce drivers. "I'm open to new things, but I don't need that," said Mercedes driver George Russell. All this was just a distraction. "We're standing there in the bright sun for half an hour," complained the Briton.

Previously, the pilots had been presented individually and with much fanfare by US rapper LL Cool J. To this end, musician will.i.am presented the new Formula 1 anthem with an orchestra. "None of the drivers like it," claimed McLaren driver Lando Norris.

Verstappen doesn't like to be in the spotlight

"Some people like to be in the spotlight, others don't. Personally, I don't like to do it. For me, what they did today was not necessary," said race winner Max Verstappen. He had put on the big show on Sunday from ninth place on the track - just the way he liked it.

But he also understands the entertainment value, said the 25-year-old Dutchman from Red Bull. "As long as that doesn't happen too often, it's okay," said Verstappen's teammate, Sergio Pérez. The Mexican had finished second.

Lewis Hamilton enjoyed the show ahead of the Miami GP.

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Alonso thinks 'all or nothing'

He is also not a fan of such big things, emphasized the third-placed Fernando Alonso. The 41-year-old two-time world champion also pointed out that it falls in the middle of the preparation phase of the drivers. Then they should omit the drivers' parade for this, for example, Alonso suggested.

However, the Spaniard is against selected races where the drivers are presented in this way. "If we do it, we do it everywhere. I don't think the fans in Miami are better than they are in Imola, in Spain, in Mexico or in Japan," he said.

All German Formula 1 Grand Prix winners

All German Formula 1 Grand Prix winners

Lewis Hamilton likes the show

Record world champion Lewis Hamilton defended the interlude before the race: "It's great to see how the sport is growing and changing." They would do things like that to improve the show. "I fully support it," said the seven-time champion and teammate of Russell.

In Miami, Red Bull once again dominated the action. Third-placed Alonso finished third, 20 seconds behind second-placed Perez. Record world champion Hamilton finished in sixth place. The only German in the field, Nico Hulkenberg, found himself in 15th place in the rear midfield. (jari)

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