F1 News: Fernando Alonso Wants To See Huge Controversial Change In Race Weekend

Fernando Alonso proposes eliminating the drivers' parade in Formula 1 to allow for pre-race shows.

Fernando Alonso, in a controversial statement, has suggested getting rid of the drivers' parade to make room for pre-race shows like the one at the Miami Grand Prix. He believes that if these shows are introduced, they should be consistent at all race locations to ensure fairness.

Alonso, a seasoned veteran F1 driver, has suggested that the sport should consider eliminating the traditional drivers' parade before a Grand Prix if it wishes to introduce pre-race shows similar to the one at the Miami Grand Prix. The recent ceremony, featuring rapper LL Cool J introducing drivers and the musician will.i.am conducting an orchestra, faced criticism from both fans and drivers, including George Russell, who found it distracting.

Alonso believes that if Formula 1 wants to incorporate pre-race spectacles, certain elements of the race day schedule may need to be reconsidered. He specifically mentions the drivers' parade, which traditionally allows spectators to see all 20 competitors on a lap around the track before the race. According to Alonso, removing the parade lap could make room for pre-race shows.

“I understand the point of view of everybody but I’m not a big fan of those kinds of things just before the race,” he told the press.

“If we have to do it, I think we need to remove some of the other stuff we are doing like the parade lap or something like that.

“It [the parade lap] is really in the middle of the preparation with the engineers and the strategy meeting.”

In the past, Formula 1 has experimented with pre-race shows, including the 2017 US Grand Prix, where announcer Michael Buffer introduced the drivers during their walkouts. However, Alonso believes that if pre-race shows become a regular feature, they should be a standard part of every race, ensuring fairness and an equal level of entertainment for fans around the world.

The discussion surrounding pre-race shows and the potential elimination of the drivers' parade highlights the ongoing efforts by Formula 1 to enhance the race day experience for both spectators and participants. The Miami GP introduction received much criticism, but it's no secret that Liberty Media is trying to add more conventional entertainment to the racing weekend.