Imagine a world where Broadway brilliance collides with the high-octane thrills of Formula 1 racing—now, that’s a spectacle worth tuning into! But here’s where it gets controversial: can drivers truly belt out tunes while strapped into a cockpit, or is this just harmless fun that’s secretly judging their off-track talents? Join us as we dive into the hilarious and unexpected crossover between stage star Cynthia Erivo and F1 legends at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The talented actress and singer-songwriter, best known for her mesmerizing role as Elphaba in the blockbuster Wicked film series, made a special guest appearance at the dazzling Las Vegas Grand Prix. Eager to showcase her expertise, the award-winning performer was treated to a series of video clips featuring both current and retired Formula 1 drivers attempting to serenade from the confines of their racing machines. With her keen ear for music, Erivo graciously took on the role of judge, ranking each driver’s vocal prowess on a scale of 10. It’s a lighthearted twist on F1 tradition, where usually, it’s all about speed and strategy—but this time, it’s the vocals under scrutiny. And this is the part most people miss: these impromptu performances reveal a fun, human side to athletes who spend their lives in precision machines, reminding us that even race car drivers have a playful, creative spark.
First up was McLaren’s enthusiastic young star, Lando Norris, crooning the lively Friday Dopamine Re-Edit. Cynthia chuckled, ‘Lando, I’m not quite catching the melody here. You’ve got the passion, but the tune’s a bit elusive. For that sheer effort alone, I’ll score you a 4 out of 10.’ It’s all about that go-getter spirit, isn’t it? But here’s where it gets controversial: should we praise effort over actual skill in such playful scenarios, or does that undermine the fun?
The next clip featured the seasoned two-time champion Fernando Alonso, delivering a spirited take on We Are the Champions. ‘Fernando, I could actually pick up the melody and recognize the song right away,’ Erivo praised. ‘That earns you a solid 5.5 out of 10.’ For beginners new to F1, Alonso’s a veteran who’s seen it all on the track—much like a rock star in his own right—so hearing him channel that anthem adds a layer of nostalgia and triumph.
Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel opted for the upbeat Who Let the Dogs Out, but his gentle approach didn’t quite hit the mark for the Wicked star. ‘Seb, if we’re going for that track, we need more energy and punch—it’s not a lullaby!’ she exclaimed. ‘I’m docking points for the softness, landing you at 3 out of 10. Bring on the oomph next time!’ This one’s ripe for debate: is Vettel’s laid-back style a sign of humility, or does it just highlight how different personalities shine—or fade—in the spotlight?
Then came a fan-favorite moment with Carlos Sainz, the charismatic Spaniard, tackling Smooth Operator—a tune that’s practically become his signature in the F1 world. ‘Carlos, I adore the song choice—it’s one of my absolute favorites—but honestly, it wasn’t as silky as the title suggests,’ Erivo admitted with a smile. ‘Still, for picking such a crowd-pleaser, you’re getting 6 out of 10.’ If you’re just getting into motorsport, Sainz is known for his smooth driving style on the circuit, so this video clip cleverly ties into his persona. But here’s where it gets controversial: are these ratings fair, or is it subjective taste at play?
Following that was a radio gem from former 2009 champion Jenson Button, now with Williams, belting out We Are the Champions with impressive range. ‘Actually, Jenson, I really enjoyed that! There’s real potential for vibrato, and you’re hitting those high notes beautifully,’ Erivo enthused. ‘It’s the most on-tune performance I’ve seen so far—7 out of 10 for you!’ For those unfamiliar, team radio is how drivers communicate strategy during races, so this spontaneous outburst adds an extra layer of authenticity and charm.
Finally, reigning champion Max Verstappen treated everyone to Viva Las Vegas, perfectly timed for the event’s location. ‘Max, you’ve genuinely impressed me!’ Erivo cheered. ‘Spot-on with the melody, great rhythm—totally fitting for Vegas. An 8 out of 10, well done!’ As a three-time world champion, Verstappen’s precision on the track translates here, showing how focus can extend beyond racing. And this is the part most people miss: choosing a location-specific song might be strategic, but does it make the performance more or less genuine?
Beyond the singing showdown, Cynthia got to experience the adrenaline rush firsthand. She joined Jenson Button for a thrilling hot lap around the Las Vegas Grand Prix street circuit—a quick, full-speed demo lap to feel the G-forces and turns (perfect for beginners to understand why F1 tracks are engineering marvels). She also toured the Williams garage, even slipping into the cockpit of Carlos Sainz’s car for a memorable photo op. It’s these hands-on moments that bridge the worlds of theater and motorsport, proving that celebrities and athletes can share more than just fame.
So, what do you think? Is Cynthia Erivo’s scoring system spot-on, or should we give these drivers a pass for performing under such unique pressure? Do you agree with the ratings, or would you rank them differently based on your favorites? And here’s a controversial twist: could this singing challenge distract from the serious business of racing, or is it a harmless way to humanize the sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear if you side with Cynthia or if you have a counterpoint! For instance, maybe some argue that drivers like Alonso deserve higher marks for their experience, while others think passion trumps perfection.
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- The Motorsport.com Team
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