Ralf Schumacher (right) with Sky presenter Peter Hardenacke (left) and Alpha Tauri boss Franz Tost. Bild: imago images / Hochzwei
Formula 1
Although Formula 1 has only been running the Grand Prix in Miami since last year, the race is already one of the most glamorous stops on the calendar.
In addition to lots of Hollywood stars and a paddock in the middle of a football stadium, one thing should not be missing in the USA: the show. The fact that the Formula 1 stars are not very enthusiastic about this was clearly shown last weekend.
In contrast to other races, after the announcement by rapper LL Cool J, the drivers entered the track individually through a wall of artificial fog.
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Max Verstappen said after his win on Sunday night that he didn’t think the show was necessary and hopes it doesn’t happen more often. At the same time, he showed understanding for the entertainment value that the racing series would like to increase, especially in the booming American market.
His teammate Sergio Pérez was a little clearer. “There has to be a bit of respect for the drivers too. We have to prepare for the race, that was a few minutes before the start.”
Formula 1: More US races in Austin and Las Vegas are coming up
TV expert Ralf Schumacher sees it similarly, for whom it is “too much here and there”, as he writes in his Sky column. Nevertheless, as a Formula 1 driver, you are used to adapting to the special processes at each location. “If the audience likes that, we should adapt.”
After all, it is crucial what the market wants. And since the USA is the largest growth market for Formula 1, everyone has to go along with it. Miami also only made the start for the USA races. This year there will also be races in Austin, Texas and Las Vegas.
According to Schumacher, while Austin will be “different again,” the show will “grow even more momentum when we’re in Las Vegas.”
But as long as it doesn’t get out of hand, that’s fine with him.
Formula 1: Schumacher criticizes the actions of the security
What still particularly bothers the former Formula 1 driver are the events after the actual race.
Schumacher moderated together with Peter Hardenacke, while they stood in the paddock in an area where the top 3 teams were to be brought to the award ceremony in small vehicles. Some security forces paved the way so that a wide path is then free for the cars. Apparently they weren’t exactly squeamish about it.
Schumacher said during the live broadcast: “They’re idiots, sorry, honestly.” And moderator Hardenacke also added: “They are more likely to create risk than eliminate it.”
Now the 47-year-old once again refers to the campaign in his Sky column and emphasizes that he still stands by his “idiot” comment.
“It was Formula 1 for the first time in over 20 years. We were pushed aside in this channel like a steamroller – and with great brutality.”
According to him, this procedure is not acceptable and Formula 1 will be contacted about this incident, which caused “scratches” for Schumacher. “I expect an apology,” he made clear. According to his statement, “at no time did we get in the way”.
He also adds: “The stewards are disproportionate in the USA. They don’t know their way around and don’t know how the interaction in Formula 1 works.”
