“Let Checo’s dad wave the flag” – F1 fans debate the necessity of celebrities waving the Chequered Flag after Tim Cook’s instance at the US Grand Prix

Tim Cook waving the chequered flag at the F1 race in Austin

The Formula 1 paddock is a celebrity magnet, with the rich and famous always keen on spending a Sunday afternoon at an F1 team’s hospitality. Last weekend’s United States Grand Prix was no different, with a star-studded lineup of attendees. From Brad Pitt to Shaquille O’Neal all came to watch this spectacle.

The chequered flag is waved at the end of the last lap of a Grand Prix, signalling the end of the race itself. In the present day and age, with the evolution of technology, digital flags are also used in order to indicate the race finish to the drivers and fans alike. Thus making the waving of the actual flag, a ceremonial gesture which has allowed F1 to invite celebrities to this activity.

YouTube video — Tim Cook waving the Chequered flag

Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple Inc. was given the opportunity to bring out the chequered flag at the end of the 2022 United States Grand Prix, at the end of Lap 56, Making Max Verstappen the winner. However, Tim Cook’s style of waving the flag caught the eyes of many, as he waved the flag in a monotonous and uninspiring manner.

FS Video

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Fans despise Tim Cook’s actions and demand F1 bring change

The Chequered flag is a significant symbol of F1

The Formula 1 subreddit had a busy evening post the Grand Prix as fans argued the need of having celebrities waving the flag in the first place. Many calling for a switch back to the traditional procedure of race officials doing this activity. A major topic of discussion was the lack of interest of the celebrities in the sport, with users mentioning how little most celebrities care about the sport and yet get such a chance, with one user suggesting, “Picturing celebrities being grilled by the FIA on how much they care about F1 before being allowed to wave the flag.” While another user said, “Let Checo’s dad wave the flag.” as Sergio Perez‘s father is a fan favorite.

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Despite the public view, seeing the rise in popularity of F1 and the increased number of races, especially in the US. It seems likely that such events will continue to happen, hopefully with more training from next time.