The partnership between ESPN and Omaha Productions has brought together Australian Formula One driver, Daniel Ricciardo, and Toronto-born comedian Will Arnett. The duo will provide alternate commentary during select races this season on ESPN2 alongside regular live coverage from ABC.
IT'S OFFICIAL 🏁
— ESPN (@espn) June 8, 2023
Daniel Ricciardo and Will Arnett are teaming up to produce an alternate F1 telecast at three races this year on ESPN 👏@ESPNF1 | @OmahaProd pic.twitter.com/G19f8RiPS0
With his popularity skyrocketing thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive series, it is no surprise that ESPN believes he will appeal greatly to American audiences. Peyton Manning's production company is helping with producing these alternative broadcasts which are similar in concept to ManningCast for Monday Night Football games.
“The more I learn about F1, the more I’m intrigued by it,” shared Arnett who seems excited enough about this venture. He brought former two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen on his podcast earlier last year before getting involved with Jake Humphrey and Tom Clarkson as part of Formula 1's official digital channels broadcasting team.
This collaboration provides a new way for fans (especially novice ones) who are unfamiliar with F1 racing or not yet fully invested in watching all three practice sessions or qualifying but still want insight into what goes on within the paddock environment – one where expert opinion can be provided while being entertaining too!
Taking place at parallel timings during select races - currently planned only throughout Canada (Montreal), United States (Austin) & Las Vegas - we can expect plenty of laughs and anecdotes surrounding its drivers' personalities instead of just lap times alone; giving us something extra exciting beyond usual race coverage.
Ricciardo hopes that through "The Grandstand" broadcast, they could bring together fellow fans closer than ever before.
“This is going to be a hoot!” said Riccardo “As you’d expect Will and I are going to have some fun with the show, but we’re hoping it just feels like you’re watching F1 with your mates. We will have some amazing guests, plenty of laughs and with some luck, bring fans another step closer to the sport I love so much. Buckle up America!”
Apart from being one of Formula 1’s most popular drivers on social media platforms like Instagram (@danielricciardo) due to his charismatic personality and unique celebration (the shoey), Riccardo has been a formidable talent in the field for over ten years now - an incomparable feat given that he's barely into his thirties.
This exposure would prove beneficial not only for ESPN as it could attract an even larger audience base than before but also provide further attention towards Daniel Ricciardo; who prior had already won hearts globally through sheer personality! Will Arnett's wit shall hopefully provide more comedic relief alongside the Australian driver's enthusiasm.
The alternate broadcast will start at 1:55 PM ET on race day in Montreal, when F1 heads back across Atlantic waters after taking part in multiple races around Europe initially.
