Let’s be honest, Formula 1’s TV coverage hasn’t been the same since Liberty Media started F1 TV and ousted NBC from the coverage throne. Since then, there has been a certain void left by the former NBC team (Leigh Diffey, David Hobbes and Steve Matchett) that F1 TV and Sky Sports F1 have struggled to fill, aside from the Will Buxton role, because he’s on F1 TV and we still have our footings on our grid. Regardless, the coverage is not the same. But what could be the most ridiculous F1 coverage you’ll ever see is just days away.
ESPN shared on Thursday that a new, alternative F1 coverage is coming to their own ESPN2 network starting with the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix and will be hosted by what could be the most unexpected duo: The Reserve Drivers of Red Bull, Daniel Ricciardo and actor Will Arnett, the best of course known for Development caught.
“The Grandstand with Daniel Ricciardo and Will Arnett” will have a limited run for the 2023 season, for the Canadian GP, the US GP in October and the Las Vegas GP on November 18, ESPN reports the chapter. This TV show is a partnership with Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, which, if any of you are a football fan, you may be familiar with his “ManningCasts” on Monday Night Football.
This whole thing feels like one more step added to the circus, it’s Liberty Media’s plan to try to capitalize on the growing interest among Americans so they can convince them that paying thousands of dollars for grandstand tickets at upcoming races in the United States is worth it. However, providing familiar faces that can make racing really exciting can actually be a really good move. And the couple is clearly excited about it. From the GAME:
“This is going to be a prank!” Ricciardo said. “As you would expect, Will and I will have some fun with the show, but we hope you will feel like you are watching F1 with your friends.
“We will have great guests, lots of laughter and a little bit of luck that will bring fans closer to the sport I love so much. Fasten your seat belts for America!”
Arnett added: “The more I learn about Formula 1, the more intrigued I am by it. Opportunity to work with Mika [Hakkinen, two-time F1 champion] on my podcast it’s amazing and I’m really looking forward to doing this show with Daniel. We will have fun, and so will the viewers.”
If you’re unsure about this unlikely combination, you’ll want to listen to Ricciardo’s appearance on the “Smartless” podcast in September 2021. The show, hosted by Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes, is an all-episode show of laughter, as expected with the participation of Ricciardo. The interview begins with Ricciardo smiling and within seconds, Hayes compliments Ricciardo on his smile. Of course, because they were both comedians, it quickly spiraled out of control.
