Formula 1 is continuing to increase the entertainment factor with the introduction of ‘grid gigs’, a pre-race show akin to the F1 75 season opener.
In the past couple of years, F1 has faced backlash over their push towards entertainment over racing, with the increase in Sprint Races and American venues coming under fire.
For the United States Grand Prix, there are plans to have a blend between ‘music and motorsport’ which FOM have said has been inspired by the 75th anniversary season opener.
Formula One Management said the ‘F1 Grid Gigs’ concept will offer “a unique blend of music and motorsport.
The new feature was inspired by the celebrated F1 75 Live season opener at the O2. Watched by an incredible 7.5 million viewers across F1’s social channels.”
For the Circuit of the Americas, the ‘grid gigs’ will consist of Drake Milligan performing on the grid as the teams leave their garages and make their way around on their sighting laps.
According to FOM, a similar event is planned for the Vegas GP. While referring to the entertainment as ‘grid gigs’ is new. The concept itself is far from it.
Las Vegas hosted a massive show as part of its inaugural race in 2023. Mel C, the former Spice Girl, performed a DJ set on the grid in Singapore.
Entertainment before racing?
Entertainment alongside motorsport has grown, but rarely intrudes on the sport itself.
However, the sport has faced criticism for focusing on the spectacle and the entertainment rather than on track action and racing.
It came to a head in Singapore. The official F1 broadcast missed out on many overtakes and on-track moments in favour of showing drivers’ girlfriends and celebrities’ reactions.
Carlos Sainz spoke out about this shift to El Partidazo, where he complained: “It’s becoming a bit of a trend.
“Which must have worked for them at one time. When people found it interesting to see our girlfriends, to see famous people on television, the reactions.
“I understand that if there is an overtake. A very tense moment in the race.
“It is understandable that the production team might want to show a reaction shot if they have seen that this has worked in the past.
“But,” he added, “only if the competition is respected and you are always showing the important moments of the race.”
Similarly, this comes in the wake of Stefano Domenicali, the F1 CEO, discussing the possibility of shorter races and potential reverse grids for Sprint Races.
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