Photo credit: www.motorsport.com
F1 Hangover: Jeddah Insights and Celebrity Connections
Welcome to this mini edition of F1 Hangover, where we delve into the behind-the-scenes events that unfold during race weekends. Although I wasn’t present in Saudi Arabia, I’ll be back in action for the Miami Grand Prix next month, so be sure to keep an eye out for updates.
Reflecting on the recent week in Jeddah, it’s evident that Saudi Arabia is investing significantly to draw global sports and entertainment icons to the region. Among the notable performances at the MDLBEAST music festival linked to the race were those by Jennifer Lopez, Usher, and Major Lazer. Interestingly, these stars were spotted taking photos with both the race promoters and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. One can only imagine the discussions that transpired between music producers and F1 executives.
Jennifer Lopez made a statement by attending the qualifying rounds in a striking hot pink catsuit, a choice that surely had her feeling the heat of the desert sun. She even took time to snap some photos with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. Usher was later seen entering the Ferrari garage alongside Hamilton just before the main event.
While Ferrari has always enjoyed a level of celebrity appeal, the influence of Hamilton seems to have tipped the scales, drawing A-list stars who might have previously gravitated towards Mercedes. The saying goes that everyone loves Ferrari, and with Hamilton’s involvement, it’s clear that the allure of racing red is stronger than ever.
In a notable off-track moment, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel made an inspiring return to motorsport, not through racing but by supporting gender equality initiatives in the sport. He hosted a Race4Women event, highlighting his dedication to promoting female empowerment in motorsport. “Generally Saudi Arabia is opening up, and it’s invigorating to witness the new generation of girls and women expressing their dreams and pursuing opportunities that their mothers might not have had,” Vettel remarked in an interview.
The weekend also featured the F1 Academy, where a shift in the atmosphere was palpable as several prominent F1 drivers and team principals showed up to support the young women in the series. Notable figures like Yuki Tsunoda, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri took time to engage with their junior counterparts. The rest of the F1 community will get another chance to back the Academy drivers when the series makes its way to Miami for the next round, and we’re excited to see the continued evolution of women in motorsport.
As we wrap up this edition, the convergence of culture, celebrity, and sportsmanship in Jeddah reflects a thrilling chapter in Formula 1, and we look forward to the developments that the Miami Grand Prix will bring.
Source
www.motorsport.com