Drivers enthusiastic about F1 75 event: 'Good for the sport'
F1 News
George Russell, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly look back on the F1 75 event in London earlier this month Although the drivers do think there are some areas for improvement here and there, they would like to see a repeat of the livery reveal evening. However, the Alpine driver would skip London, albeit for an entirely different reason, since he would like the event to take place in a place that's been gaining traction in the F1 world as of late: Paris.
Ocon said at the press conference in Bahrain:"I think the energy was was insane honestly when we’re on the middle of the stage there and unveiling the car and you know, the people shouting, it’s something that, you know, will forever stick in my mind. It’s quite crazy."
The Frenchman then went on to make a comparison between the UFC and the Mexico GP. "I watch the UFC and when they’re in the middle of the stadium, it’s quite similar, but we don’t really get to experience that, apart from Mexico driver’s parade, but we are not actually really in the middle. It’s outside and it’s very different, but yeah, that was quite special, so, yeah, it was quite incredible."
Gasly, while supportive of the evening, still believes improvement need to be made. "I think it was a great event, so I’m sure the way it was perceived from the fans and the exposure was enormous for our sports teams and sponsors, as Lance said. I’m sure that a couple of tweaks here and there we can do to improve the show and improve the whole organization and just get more out of it in the future if they want to do it again."
Nevertheless, like Ocon, he highlighted the feeling from being in the spotlight. "But it was definitely something special, which we don’t - in terms of going on stage with such a crowded stadium - it’s not something you get to experience as an F1 driver. So yeah it was definitely a quite unique feeling," said the Frenchman.
Gasly would rather do Paris
During the show, Russell got roasted by host Jack Whitehall. "No, I thought it was great, to be honest, I think Jack Whitehall was really great and added a lot to the evening. You too, Lawrence (Barreto, F1TV Presenter, ed.), you were great as well," he quickly added.
The Briton feels like F1 is on the right track with their approach to building the series' value. "But I think it was really good for the sport. Everything F1 is doing at the moment it feels like it adds a lot to the sport as a whole. I really enjoyed it, they did a great job and I’d be happy to see it again - next year or whenever they plan to do it again." Gasly added: "In Paris!"
This article was written in collaboration with Kimberley Hoefnagel.
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