(Motorsports news) The Miami opening ceremony the previous year was extravagant, with American rapper LL Cool J introducing drivers to the audience one by one, accompanied by Miami Dolphins cheerleaders. Will.i.am led an orchestra in the performance of a song he and Lil Wayne had co-produced especially for the race.

Fans, particularly the mostly European TV audience, had varied feelings about the ceremony, and some drivers expressed concerns about having to stand in the Miami heat for a long time while wearing their race overalls.

The driver introductions from 2023 will not be held on Sunday afternoon during the race’s third running, according to a simplified run plan that F1 and the promoters have implemented.

A massive LED screen above the start/finish gantry will be utilized to announce the drivers and show other custom content prior to the race’s 4 p.m. local start time.

The American national anthem will be performed by six-time Grammy winner Marc Anthony, while Kaskade will serve as the grid DJ.

F1 has been changing its pre-race build-ups since last year to focus more on music and on-the-grid entertainment to uplift the mood before the start, even if the change is not directly based on driver feedback.

Guenther Steiner, the official race ambassador and former manager of the Haas team, thinks drivers should try more to embrace the new methods American events are attempting to engage fans. Steiner is in Miami for the race.

“I think the drivers need to understand that they’re in a unique spot,” he stated.

“It’s simpler to be negative than optimistic when something is new. Put your all into it, even if you’re not enjoying it, as it brings great joy to many.

“Obviously, the main focus must be racing, but there are plenty of other entertainment options available to the public.

Maybe twenty years ago, all we wanted to do was go watch a race, but these days, youngsters want the whole experience, and Miami has, in my opinion, pushed it to the agenda.

“Promoters saw that this works because you attract people to the sport, which is what we want.”

The following performers will be on the track this weekend: Ed Sheeran, Steve Aoki, John Summit, and Kaytranada.

Also read: Imola’s safety car driver would be haunted by nightmares over Senna for years to come