George Russell stated he’s not in Formula One for the present after taking intention on the pre-race razzmatazz placed on by the game’s bosses for the Miami Grand Prix.
In a break from conference, the grid’s 20 drivers had been individually launched to the group by American rapper LL Cool J as will.i.am carried out an orchestra.
It is known the pre-race present seen in Miami will solely happen at sure occasions, probably eight this season.
But Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, stated: “It is distracting. I’m here to race, I’m not here for the show, I’m here to drive and I’m here to win.
“We’re on the grid for half an hour in all of our overalls in the sun. I don’t think there’s any other sport in the world that 30 minutes before you go out to do your do your business, that you’re out there in the sun, with all the cameras on you, making a show of it.
“I appreciate that we are in the entertainment world and we only want the best for the sport. We’re open to changes. I guess we have to roll with it.”
Russell drove properly to complete fourth as Max Verstappen gained from ninth on the grid to increase his lead within the championship to 14 factors over Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez.
Russell’s Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton began thirteenth, however a late comeback noticed him take the chequered flag in sixth.
Mercedes are as a result of carry an improve to the following spherical in Imola on May 21 which the staff hopes will propel them ahead.
However, Hamilton stated: “It is not like I have a second upgrade coming, which is what I need.
“But it’s something and it’s a step in the right direction for us to really be able to progress.”