Mermaids, Podium Helmets & More – Bizarre Moments From the Unusual Fever Dream of F1’s Miami GP Weekend

The inaugural Miami GP was certainly building up to be a snooze-fest for the F1 fans amid a lack of on-track battles. Max Verstappen was pulling away from Charles Leclerc and so was Carlos Sainz from Sergio Perez.

Hence, with barely any drivers finding themselves within DRS range, it almost looked like Miami would deliver one of the dullest races of a rather electrifying 2022 season. However, one tiny blunder from Pierre Gasly turned things around as the fans consequently ended up witnessing one of the most dramatic ends to a race.

So, from an on-track point of view, Miami certainly lived up to everyone’s soaring expectations. But off the track? Well, it’s quite debatable. Yes, the glitz and glam of Miami did awe several F1 audiences who, until that point had only traveled through rather straightforward race weekends.

However, did F1 overdo the celebrations with major changes to F1’s long-standing culture? Let’s have a look!

Bizarre moments from the Miami GP

One of the most impractical parts of the Miami GP was certainly the ‘Fake Marina’ with yachts parked over a ‘blue’ painted deck. However, the organizers eventually affirmed their intentions behind the ‘Yacht Park’, wanting to make Miami GP a place of festivity like Disney Land, which soothed some of the raging fans.

But, just when we thought Miami could not get any peculiar, it surprisingly did. Women dressed as mermaids showed up to the race weekend, as F1 presenter, Ted Kravitz, even went on to interview them on live TV. Of course, a rather chuckle-worthy moment, but was that really necessary? Maybe not!

In the list of unnecessary content, we’d also like to add late-night show host, James Corden’s cameo with McLaren drivers sporting weird crop-tops. And this was only until Friday!

Nonetheless, let’s continue with the next set of bizarre moments that the main race managed to offer for the fans.

From rude celebrities to podium ‘helmets’

The entire grid, for the first time, looked very much overwhelming with celebrities all around as the drivers and their cars remained in the shadow at least until the start of the formation lap. During this celebrity convention-like afternoon at Miami International Autodrome, it was Martin Brundle yet again who had the hardest time, having to cope with rejections and harsh treatment from the faces of Hollywood.

Remember the controversial incident from the 2021 US GP featuring Megan Thee Stallion’s bodyguard? There were signs of things getting out of hand here in Miami, but, Brundle, as always had the smile glued to his face and continued to hunt for stars to talk to.

Then followed the police escort for Verstappen after the race. Two police bikes had their siren on as they rode through the tunnel around the edge of the Hard Rock Stadium, which led to the massive podium structure. Not to forget the post-race interview where the interviewer had rather stale questions for the podium-sitters.

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And finally, the head-wear during the podium ceremony. Instead of wearing the usual Pirelli caps, Miami GP came up with a rather unique alternative – helmets from NFL. Many would’ve even wondered, ‘what’s the point of doing this?’

Well, we aren’t quite sure either. But, these moments clearly prove that Miami is yet to consider F1 as a sport and instead a weekend of entertainment. Overall, it certainly felt like The Magic City overdid the celebrations surrounding the Miami GP. But, let’s hear it from you. Was the 2022 Miami GP too overwhelming?