Former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger pushes F1 to eliminate the American aspect, preserve its European culture

Gerhard Berger does not want America to dilute the European culture of Formula 1.

Former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger pushes F1 to eliminate the American aspect, preserve its European culture

Gerhard Berger & LL Cool J (Images via Autosport & F1)

Former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger is happy with F1’s growing popularity in America but does not want it to interfere with the “European culture” of the sport. The 2023 Formula 1 season holds three races in the U.S. The first round was on May 8th at the Miami International Autodrome, Florida. The second is scheduled for 23rd October at the iconic Circuit of the Americas, Austin. 

The much anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix will make its debut in November and is the penultimate round of the season. Though F1’s growth in America is good for the sport, former Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger does not want F1 to bend the European culture. For example, the Miami GP included a pre-race segment which was not the traditional way of doing things in F1. 

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Gerhard Berger stated, “Now with Liberty Media at the helm, we have finally managed to get America behind Formula 1. I say that Formula 1 basically has a European culture. You must not bend this culture. This pronounced show component of the Americans, which sometimes dilutes the whole thing a bit, I personally don’t like it that much – including the Netflix documentary.”

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The Miami GP had an American element to the show

Miami GP (Image via F1)
Miami GP (Image via F1)

The 2023 Miami GP was an example of the sport’s growing popularity in the States. It was a star-studded event which included a special segment for the fans. There was a pre-race show ahead of the Grand Prix. Rapper LL Cool J introduced the 20 drivers on the grid after his short speech. There was also an orchestral performance by the American rapper will.i.am. 

Formula 1 put on this show in Miami to entertain the fans. However, the drivers were dissatisfied with the pre-race event. Mercedes driver George Russell said it was distracting, and he was unhappy with it. McLaren star boy Lando Norris confessed that none of the drivers liked it. Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas agreed with the boys and said no other sport does this before the start of the event.

Along with the drivers and the die-hard F1 fans, Gerard Berger did not enjoy the inaugural presentation in Miami. He also expressed his dislike for the Netflix show. However, the Formula 1: Drive to Survive series contributed to F1’s success in the U.S.  

Berger analyzed the increase in the number of people who attend the races in the U.S. He said there were 30,000 spectators previously, and today there are 300,000 in Miami and 400,000 in Austin. While this is a good look for the sport, the F1 drivers will not want a repeat of events like the pre-race show, even if it is for publicity. 

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