Lewis Hamilton ignores F1 grids ‘drivers intro is a distraction’ claim, applauds Miami GP for trying to put on a show

Lewis Hamilton disregards his fellow drivers’ viewpoints on the new introductory procedures at the Miami GP

Lewis Hamilton ignores F1 grids ‘drivers intro is a distraction’ claim, applauds Miami GP for trying to put on a show

Lewis Hamilton being introduced by LL Cool at Miami (Credits: Sky Sports F1)

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One World Champion, has expressed his support for the new introductory procedures at the Miami Grand Prix, which took place recently. In contrast to the other drivers, Hamilton was ready to give the pre-race ceremony a chance, despite the icy response of his peers. He believes the sport should continue evolving and trying new things rather than doing the same old routine.

Lewis Hamilton stated that he loved the sunshine and appreciated the efforts of the organizers to improve the show. The Mercedes driver said, “I think it was great. I love the sun! I think it is cool that the sport is continuously growing and evolving and not just doing the same stuff that they’ve done in the past.”

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He was particularly thrilled to see LL Cool J, a musician he grew up listening to, and Will.i.am, a highly acclaimed artist, at the ceremony. Furthermore, he was amazed to see his friends, tennis champions, Serena and Venus Williams, standing next to him. “They are trying new things; they are trying to improve the show and I am in full support of it,” the Briton said. He further added, “I thought it was cool, no issue from me.”

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The F1 paddock disagrees with Lewis Hamilton in the drivers’ introduction

Max Verstappen being introduced at Miami
Max Verstappen being introduced at Miami (Credits: SkySports F1)

While Hamilton claimed to have been focused and in the zone since the previous Sunday, several drivers found the ceremony distracting and disrupted their pre-race preparations. Many pilots outright denied the new procedure since it focused too much attention on the drivers. His 2007 teammate cum rival, Fernando Alonso, stated that it should not be exclusive to Miami. 

Despite Hamilton’s positive response, the majority of drivers appeared to be indifferent towards the new introduction procedure. Their icy response suggests that they see the pre-race ceremony as a distraction that doesn’t contribute to the race. They believe that the focus should be on the race itself, not on the pre-race entertainment.

The Miami Grand Prix’s pre-race ceremony featured several A-list celebrities, including the musicians mentioned by Hamilton, alongside local dignitaries. The event occurred on a newly constructed stage near the start/finish line, where drivers and teams assembled before the race.

The ceremony included music, dancing, and speeches, and it aimed to provide an entertaining and engaging experience for fans. Hamilton finished sixth in the race, starting way back in 13th, and is now standing fourth behind Fernando Alonso in the standings.

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