LEWIS HAMILTON has leapt to the defence of F1’s pre-race razzmatazz, saying it is good new things are being tried to attract fans. It was over-the-top and a few drivers complained about standing around in the heat for too long — and fans blasted the stunt as tacky. But if this is to be a new part of the show, then it needs to be applied to all races. Mitch Clemence had a memorable Miami Grand Prix — but do not worry if you have not heard of him. An ESPN camera crew quizzed six fans at the race how they thought the “rookie” would do. He is a rider who wants to win and, for me, he knows that if he comes here he can’t do it.

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