Podium Moments from F1’s First 2023 Race Week & ESPN’s Updated F1 Coverage | Grid Walk March 9, 2023

Another week, another new episode of Grid Walk! Briana shares with Nicole that she bought tickets to the 2023 IndyCar Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. It is no surprise that the cost of IndyCar admission is nowhere near the price tag of a Formula 1 grand prix.

This past weekend the lights finally went out at the 2023 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix. Will Aston Martin F1 Team be able to keep the fire going? Is Red Bull Racing’s car even more powerful than what we’ve seen? Should Mercedes-AMG F1 Team just scrap the plans for the W14? Will the 2023 Formula 1 season have any positive moments for Mclaren F1 Team? How has Scuderia Ferrari ALREADY disappointed Charles Leclerc??? Esteban Ocon and the Alpine F1 Team tie one of the worst F1 records. Aston Martin F1 Team’s driver Lance Stroll gets real with his social media followers after posting a video sharing his recovery efforts from his biking accident.

Briana and Nicole share their “podium moments” from the last week in Formula 1 and the 2023 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Who was the wholesome star of the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team’s garage? On team radio, to Aston Martin F1 Team and the world, Fernando Alonso announces who his hero is. Drivers, like Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly, and Team Principals, really just Guenther Steiner, are photographed in flashy sequined blazers in promotion for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. What did Sergio “Checo'' Perez say at the Formula 1 Post-Race press conference? Which Formula 1 team had the worst technical failures of the 2023 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix?

Has American TV viewership of F1 reached its peak? How does the size of the younger demographic of Formula 1 fans compare to other motorsports like IndyCar and The NASCAR Cup Series? ESPN has extended their broadcasting partnership with Formula 1 until 2025 for a much higher price tag. This is a great opportunity for a new ESPN F1 Post-Race Show and sponsorship deals with big brands like, Mercedes Benz and Heineken Lager Beer.

Grid Walk is a weekly Formula 1 show that releases every Thursday. For daily F1 content follow @gridwalkshow on all social media platforms.

**Race Weekend Summary:**

* The Bahrain Grand Prix marked the start of the 2023 Formula One season.
* Aston Martin had an impressive performance, with Fernando Alonso securing a podium finish and Lance Stroll finishing in the top 10.
* Mercedes faced difficulties, with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finishing P5 and P7 respectively.
* Several drivers encountered issues, including Carlos Sainz's Ferrari experiencing battery problems and Esteban Ocon receiving multiple penalties.
* There were many notable moments and controversies throughout the race weekend, including Sergio Perez's comment about having three Red Bulls on the podium and Toto Wolff's statement about pushing Lewis Hamilton around the track to secure an eighth-place finish.

**American Interest in Formula One:**

* American viewership for Formula One has grown significantly in recent years.
* The 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix attracted 1.3 million viewers in the United States, with nearly half of them being under the age of 50.
* This growth in young viewership is a key factor in the increasing popularity of Formula One in the United States.

**Social Media and Team Dynamics:**

* Several teams had entertaining social media posts related to the race weekend, including Red Bull's cat and bear dance video and Mercedes' TikTok post featuring Toto Wolff's cat.
* There were also wholesome moments, such as Kevin Magnussen's daughter wearing a headset in the garage.

**Quotes and Insights:**

* Fernando Alonso praised Lance Stroll's efforts, calling him a "hero" for overcoming his recent challenges.
* Toto Wolff's quote about pushing Lewis Hamilton around the track to secure an eighth-place finish generated discussion and debate.
* Sergio Perez's comment about having three Red Bulls on the podium highlighted the team's dominance in the race.

- **ESPN's Investment and Broadcasting Rights:**
- ESPN has secured the broadcasting rights for Formula One in America, demonstrating their commitment to the sport and its growing audience.
- The investment reflects ESPN's recognition of F1's potential for expansion and mainstream appeal.


- **New Sponsorships and Partnerships:**
- Mercedes-Benz and Heineken have joined as prominent sponsors for ESPN's F1 coverage, indicating a shift towards more recognizable brands targeting a broader audience.
- These partnerships underscore the growing interest from major corporations in Formula One's expanding American fanbase.


- **Enhanced Content and Programming:**
- ESPN has introduced a post-race show, modeled after their popular SportsCenter format, providing comprehensive analysis and insights for American viewers.
- The show's familiar format and engaging content cater to the preferences of American sports fans, making F1 more accessible and relatable.


- **Social Media and Driver Engagement:**
- Lance Stroll's vulnerable video documenting his recovery journey resonated with fans, offering a rare glimpse into the personal struggles of a Formula One driver.
- The video highlights the value of social media in fostering a deeper connection between drivers and fans, humanizing the sport and driving empathy.


- **McLaren's Google Maps Partnership:**
- McLaren's innovative partnership with Google Maps allows fans to virtually explore the team's headquarters, providing an immersive experience that enhances fan engagement.
- Such initiatives demonstrate F1's embrace of technology and its potential to engage new audiences.


- **Positive Impact on Stock Prices:**
- Aston Martin's stock surge following their podium finish showcases the tangible impact of Formula One success on a team's financial standing.
- This correlation highlights the sport's growing influence and its ability to generate tangible benefits for participating teams.


- **Inclusion and Recognition:**
- Jamie Chadwick's inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list recognizes her achievements as a female driver and her contributions to the sport.
- Such recognition underscores Formula One's commitment to diversity and inclusion, promoting a more welcoming environment for aspiring drivers.

Formula One's presence in America is undergoing a significant transformation. ESPN's investment, new sponsorships, and enhanced content are contributing to the sport's growing popularity, while social media engagement and technological innovations are fostering deeper connections with fans. These developments signal a bright future for Formula One in America, with the potential to captivate a wider audience and solidify its position as a mainstream sport.