Among the pomp and ceremony in the run-up to the Miami Grand Prix, American rapper LL Cool J introduced the entire grid in front of an orchestra, cheerleaders and dry ice.

F1 plans to hold similar driver introductions at six or seven races this year – which will be tailored to where they are held.

But despite the enthusiastic reception it received from fans that day, many F1 drivers were not particularly impressed by the idea because they claims it’s too distracting Happened very close to the start of the game.

At the GPDA meeting on Friday night, F1 drivers had expressed some resistance to the idea.

However, it is understood that there is general agreement to try it out in Miami this weekend to see how the format can be adjusted.

F1 is aware of the divided views on the matter and is ready to discuss with the drivers how the format can be revised to better serve them and the fans.

The GPDA will likely hold talks with them at the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix to find out how best to improve things.

While criticism of the event grew after the Miami race, many drivers felt it was actually a good step.

lewis hamilton Said: “I think it’s cool that the sport is growing and evolving and not just doing what they’ve done in the past. They’re trying new things; they’re trying to improve the show and I’m all for it.

“I grew up listening to LL Cool J, he was there, that was cool, and then you look over and you have Will.i.am. Who is an amazing artist. You have Serena and Vivian Nass (williams) stood there. I think it’s cool, I’m fine. “

Miami Grand Prix managing partner Tom Garfunkel sees no downside to the pre-race show as he compares it to the initial criticism F1’s Netflix show drew before it was accepted as a game-changing move.

Mercedes-AMG’s Lewis Hamilton announces grid start

Photography: Mark Sutton/ motorsport pictures

“Ultimately, it’s a show,” he said when asked by Autosport about the thinking behind it. “I think a lot of people in F1 probably weren’t happy with it when it was first announced that the Netflix series was coming. It definitely had a positive effect on the sport as a whole.

“There were some discussions with F1 when we talked about having a race in Miami, they wanted more entertainment and more gala and stuff like that. That’s what we’re going to deliver.

“Ultimately, the car and the competition of the drivers on the track is the most important thing, but what happens before that, if we can entertain people and create some spectacle and excitement, I think that’s a good thing.”

F1 team bosses also backed Liberty Media’s efforts to try new things and capture the attention of new fans.

mercedes benz Boss Toto Wolff said: “I don’t think it’s that bad for them (the drivers). I think we have to try something.

“Everyone is trying to do their best and it’s been a lot of excitement for the fans to see the drivers come out on top one by one. I don’t think it’s done in a way that looks like a comedy.”

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes the key will be finding the right balance between what’s right for the drivers ahead of the race and what’s best for paying spectators.

“If it’s good for business, it’s good for me, it’s from about two hours after lights out,” he said.

“We’re obviously in a different market. You can see drivers who might look a bit awkward, or some of them. But if it’s going to attract a new audience, it’s up to the promoters. I’m more interested in the lights What happens when it goes out.”

He added: “I think there’s a lot of experimentation going on. It’s a new market, it’s not like American sport. At Silverstone you don’t see drivers running in dry ice.

“It’s different things for different markets. Of course, you can understand Liberty and promoters exploring different things because they’re competing with other movements. But I think it’s finding the right and proper balance.”

Additional reporting by Mandy Curi and Adam Cooper