Formula 1 presents itself primarily as a spectacle at the Miami Grand Prix. There was also criticism from the drivers’ camp, but the USA remains the market of the future.
The international motorsport press had a big topic on Monday morning (May 8th, 2023) after the Grand Prix in Miami: the dominance of Max Verstappen. The world champion had achieved the next impressive success in Florida. From number ninth on the grid, Verstappen had really rolled up the field from behind and inflicted the next humiliating defeat on the competition, including his stable rival at Red Bull Sergio Perez.
“Verstappen devours its rivals like candy”, wrote the Italian Corriere dello Sport. “La Repubblica” was a little more serious, but in terms of content it was on the same line : “Formula 1 is now a Formula Red Bull. Verstappen knows no rivals.”
“Sun”: “Boredom in Miami at the next Red Bull procession”
“Can’t step him”said the pun-loving “Sun” and also provided a suitable summary of the entire race weekend: “The star-studded Miami audience is bored at the next Red Bull procession.”
Vin Diesel, Roger Federer, LL Cool J – big star line-up in Miami
The sporting aspects of the race were indeed somewhat out of focus in the reporting, given the crowd of stars at the race track. From the Hollywood faction, Vin Diesel and Tom Cruise gave the honor, Cruise is said to have canceled the trip to the British coronation of King Charles. Roger Federer and the Williams sisters represented the sport’s superstar guard in Miami. The pop and show world was also well represented in other respects, across all target groups and generations: with Shakira, Ludacris, The Jonas Brothers and the reggaeton stars Wisin y Yandel.
In addition, will.i.am presented the new Formula 1 anthem with its own orchestra. Hip-hop legend LL Cool J introduced the pilots individually in an extra ceremony.
Criticism of the drivers: “Half an hour in the blazing sun”
This part of the show in particular was subsequently criticized by some of the drivers. “We stand there for half an hour in the glaring sun“, complained Mercedes driver George Russell. “I’m open to new things, but I don’t need to.”
Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso criticized the lack of respect for the drivers. “We have to prepare for the race, which was a few minutes before the start.“The large-scale performance disturbed the preparation and the coordination with the engineers, said Alonso. McLaren driver Lando Norris gave a general picture of the mood: “None of the drivers like it.”
The winner Verstappen also showed little understanding after the race: “I hope they don’t do that every race now. Some people like to be in the spotlight. Personally, I don’t like it. It wasn’t necessary for me.”Verstappen said – which didn’t stop him from posing for a joint photo op with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Verstappen held his number 1 football jersey for the camera.
Three races in the USA – also thanks to the Netflix boom
Lewis Hamilton was one of the few to be impressed by the colorful party in Miami. “It’s great to see the sport grow and change.“The USA, which has long been considered a problem area, is the most important future market for Formula 1. This year three races will be held in the USA.
The boom was also fueled by the Netflix series “Drive to survive”, which is extremely successful, especially in the USA. At the spectacle in Miami, some drivers may have gotten the feeling that the US expansion of Formula 1 could be less about their sport. It’s more like actors in a giant marketing show.
The boundaries between film and reality seem to have long since become blurred, especially in the glittering metropolis of Miami, which has always provided a beautiful backdrop for a series. For example, in one scene from the Netflix series, Valtteri Bottas is having breakfast with his girlfriend, cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, in a fancy Miami hotel. According to the Netflix showrunners, they didn’t script the couple and just let the camera roll while the two chatted about coffee and the upcoming race.
Scenery magic in Miami – contract with Formula 1 runs for ten years
The Grand Prix track, which was built around the NFL stadium in Miami, also fits in with the typically American backdrop magic. The area looks less like a racetrack and more like a theme park. The newspaper USA Today listed what else the organizers are offering in terms of new attractions compared to last year: A total of eleven pedestrian bridges over the route, with wider viewing platforms. Two swimming pools in the nearby marina. And above all, an even larger hospitality area for business guests and the numerous VIPs.
The “economic effect” for the South Florida region, one of those popular but also difficult to verify success figures from sports marketers, was estimated at around 350 million dollars at the premiere last year. The contract between the race organizers and Formula 1 runs for ten years. “It’s about showcasing the Miami brand in Formula 1 culture‘ Miami race organizer Tyler Epp told USA Today.
Europe alienated with “American Formula 1 experience”
In Europe, the traditional home of Formula 1, it still takes some getting used to, but the Daily Telegraph has already pointed the way. “The American Formula 1 experience in all its ‘splendour’, as shown in Miami, will remain. Whether the purists like it or notcommented the conservative British newspaper. This sounded like a piqued landlord when his wealthy cousin comes to visit from America, in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, and blows up the garden party.