This weekend, Formula 1 disputes the first Miami Grand Prix in history, and the drivers have wanted to take advantage of that special appointment to debut helmet designs, with colors and models that generally refer to the country they visit.
Now that they are once again free to use as many designs as they want (from 2015 to 2019 only one change was allowed), the drivers do not miss an opportunity to show off curious tones and drawings and, incidentally, wink at the venue that hosts each race.
In this sense, and how could it be otherwise, a visit to Miami evokes the beach (despite the fact that a false marina has to be invented), palm trees, sun… and well-known sports in America.
The photos of the special helmets of the F1 drivers at the Miami GP
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Fernando Alonso
Photo by: Fernando Alonso
Foto de: Zhou Guanyu
Foto de: Zhou Guanyu
Foto de: Zhou Guanyu
Foto de: Zhou Guanyu
Photo by: Lando Norris
Photo by: Lando Norris
Photo by: Fernando Alonso
Photo by: Fernando Alonso
Photo By: Andy Hone/Motorsport Images
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Max Verstappen added red palm trees, the sea and the word ‘Miami’ on a navy blue helmet that fans really liked. For his part, Guanyu Zhou used more striking colors in his helmet with an urban style: a light blue combined with yellow, pink and purple, and with many basketball details.
Without going any further, in the upper plane (seen from above it can be seen well) the Alfa Romeo driver has a basketball court, and many references to the sport of the orange ball.
“The background of the helmet is the same as the main color of the Miami track,” Zhou commented on his Instagram profile explaining the helmet. “The basketball on the left has my Chinese name; the story of the movie ‘Slam Dunk in the Air’ (from anime) takes place in Miami, and the #24 jersey Bugs Bunny wears in Space Jam is also the number on my car. There are many other basketball-related elements, like the ‘MVP’ on the side or the basketball court painted on the top of the helmet. The capital ‘Z’ is the first letter of my name.”
It should be noted, although you can see it in the images, that the Bugs Bunny that Zhou has used is peculiar, with a somewhat angry and evil appearance.
But if Zhou’s helmet draws attention for its references to basketball, Lando Norris’s has been the most praised and applauded by fans, since it simulates an NBA ball. A design that has left everyone with their mouths open.
Additionally Fernando Alonso, alongside Alpine sponsor BWT , will wear a predominantly pink Bell helmet, with the water treatment company’s motto, and palm trees along the front, while the rear is yellow.
This series of special designs could not be left out by Daniel Ricciardo, who seeks, as always, to add humor and include a photo of his face next to a parrot in a kind of “Pet Detective” in an environment full of flowers.
