The 2023 Miami Grand Prix lived up to its reputation as being a lively occasion with the rich and famous descending on Florida for the weekend.
A host of famous faces were visible throughout the paddock, including Amazon Chairman Jeff Bezos, Twitter boss Elon Musk and Fast & the Furious stars Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez.
Sports stars also got in on the action, with Alpine partnering up with the Miami Dolphins, who are based at the Hard Rock Stadium in the centre of the racetrack.
Musicians also got in on the action, adding to the celebrity fever throughout the city, putting on a star-studded performance on the grid ahead of the race.
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LL Cool J even introduced the drivers, as they walked out flanked by cheerleaders and to the sound of will.i.am’s new song, written specifically for F1.
While some enjoyed the added entertainment, especially given the race failed to deliver a host of memorable moments, it received a mixed response from drivers.
“None of the drivers like it, but it’s not for us at the end of the day,” McLaren’s Lando Norris said post-race, while Williams driver Alex Albon claimed it shows Formula 1 has turned into “show business now.”
Mercedes driver George Russell was even more cutting, raising concerns about how long drivers were forced to stand around in the hot temperatures.
“It is distracting because, you know, we were on the grid for half an hour in all of our overalls in the sun.
“I don’t think there’s any other sports in the world that 30 minutes before you go out to do your business that you’re out there in the sun, all the cameras on you, and making a bit of a show of it.”
Max Verstappen, who enjoyed a successful weekend despite a poor qualifying performance, argued the situation was more nuance, with it only being natural to have some like the format and others oppose it.
“I think this is a personality thing, right? Some people like to be more in the spotlight, some people don’t,” Verstappen said.
“I personally don’t so for me I think that naturally what they did today was not necessary, I prefer to just walk to my car, talk to my engineers, put the helmet on and drive. But of course I have to accept the entertainment value.”
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Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg was on the other side of the debate though, believing that it adds to the excitement for fans and drivers alike, building up the suspense ahead of the race.
“It was quite nice when you stand there and then you see other drivers walk out, the crowd go bananas,” he said.
“I had some goosebumps actually. I quite liked that part.”