“Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo rates F1 drivers’ singing ahead of the Las Vegas GP

The first driver to face Erivo’s assessment was McLaren’s dynamic young talent, Lando Norris. Known for his effervescent personality both on and off the track, Norris has quickly become a fan favorite since his Formula 1 debut in 2019. The British driver, a consistent points scorer and multiple podium finisher for the McLaren F1 Team, was presented in a clip enthusiastically singing "Friday Dopamine Re-Edit." Despite his clear enthusiasm, Erivo offered a candid critique. "Lando, I don’t know what the tune is. The effort is there, but I can’t hear the tune. So I’m going to give you 4/10, for the effort," she stated. Norris’s performance, while perhaps lacking in melodic precision, perfectly encapsulated his energetic and often playful persona, which has endeared him to a global audience. McLaren, one of Formula 1’s most historically successful teams, has seen Norris develop into a formidable competitor, often challenging for podiums and demonstrating remarkable consistency, even as the team navigates the fiercely competitive midfield and aims for championship contention in future seasons. His off-track endeavors, including his popular streaming presence and engaging social media content, further highlight the modern F1 driver’s role as both athlete and entertainer, resonating with a younger demographic drawn to the sport’s burgeoning digital presence.

Next in the vocal lineup was two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso. The Spanish veteran, celebrated for his aggressive racing style, strategic brilliance, and remarkable longevity in the sport, has enjoyed a storied career marked by two world titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006. Currently competing with Aston Martin, Alonso continues to defy expectations, demonstrating incredible pace and race craft well into his forties. His chosen anthem for Erivo’s review was the iconic Queen hit, "We Are the Champions." Erivo acknowledged his recognizable rendition, commenting, "You know what, Fernando, I could hear the tunes. I understood what you were singing, and I recognised it immediately. I’m going to give you 5.5/10." Alonso’s performance, while not flawless, showcased a clear grasp of the melody, reflecting perhaps the disciplined approach he applies to his racing. His career, spanning over two decades, has seen him drive for multiple top teams including Ferrari and McLaren, solidifying his status as one of F1’s all-time greats. His consistent performance, even in less competitive machinery, is a testament to his unwavering commitment and raw talent, attributes that arguably translate into a more ‘tuneful’ singing effort compared to some of his peers. The Las Vegas Grand Prix represents a demanding street circuit, a challenge that Alonso, with his vast experience, is uniquely equipped to tackle.

Following Alonso was four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel. The German driver, a dominant force with Red Bull Racing from 2010 to 2013, secured four consecutive Drivers’ Championships, etching his name into the annals of Formula 1 history. Renowned for his meticulous approach, technical feedback, and often witty remarks, Vettel recently retired from the sport in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of intense competition and a growing advocacy for environmental and social causes. For his vocal contribution, Vettel opted for a rendition of "Who Let the Dogs Out." Erivo, however, felt the performance lacked the necessary vigor for the song. "Now, Seb, if we’re going to do that song, we need a little bit more like, oomph! It was very, very gentle. I’m going to have to take a few points away for the gentility there. It’s not a gentle song. We’re going to give you a 3/10. I need more effort." Vettel’s ‘gentle’ approach to a boisterous track offered a humorous contrast to his fierce competitive spirit on the track. His career saw him amass 53 Grand Prix victories, placing him third on the all-time list, and he remains a highly respected figure in the F1 community, often praised for his sportsmanship and intelligence. His presence, even virtually, adds a layer of nostalgia and championship pedigree to the vocal evaluations.

The assessment continued with a classic clip featuring Carlos Sainz, whose "Smooth Operator" rendition has become an inseparable part of his public persona and a beloved meme within the Formula 1 community. The Spanish driver, currently a key component of the Ferrari team, is recognized for his consistent performances, strategic acumen, and charming demeanor. Since joining Ferrari in 2021, Sainz has secured multiple podiums and his maiden Grand Prix victory at the 2022 British Grand Prix, solidifying his position as a top-tier driver. Erivo appreciated the song choice, a nod to Sainz’s self-proclaimed nickname, but noted some vocal discrepancies. "You know what, Carlos? I love the song, but the song was not smooth. However, I do like the song choice. It’s one of my favourites. So I’m going to give you 6/10. I know it’s a crowd favourite." Sainz’s 6/10 score reflected a blend of popular appeal and vocal reality, highlighting the driver’s strong connection with fans through his distinctive branding. Ferrari, F1’s most iconic and successful team, places immense pressure on its drivers, and Sainz has consistently delivered, proving his worth as a competitive force in the constructors’ championship battles. His ability to connect with fans through his "Smooth Operator" persona exemplifies the modern F1 driver’s blend of athletic prowess and marketable personality.

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Next up was the 2009 World Champion, Jenson Button. The British driver, celebrated for his smooth driving style, exceptional wet-weather prowess, and calm demeanor, clinched his world title with Brawn GP in a fairy-tale season. Since retiring from full-time F1 racing, Button has remained deeply involved in motorsport, including roles as a pundit and competitor in other racing series. The clip shown to Erivo captured Button screaming "We Are The Champions" over his team radio, a raw and uninhibited display of emotion. Erivo was surprisingly impressed by the unpolished performance. "You know what, actually, I liked it! I liked it because I can hear the potential for a vibrato in there. And it’s high up in the register. You’re singing it up there. Jenson, you know what, you get a 7/10. That’s the most tuneful I’ve heard so far." Button’s 7/10 score, the highest at that point, suggested that raw emotion and potential, even in a shouted delivery, could resonate with a professional vocalist. His career, marked by 15 Grand Prix wins and 50 podiums, exemplified consistency and strategic brilliance, particularly under challenging conditions. His continued involvement in F1 broadcasts keeps him connected to the sport’s pulse and its evolving cultural landscape.

The final driver to be judged was the reigning World Champion, Max Verstappen. The Dutch sensation, driving for Red Bull Racing, has revolutionized Formula 1 with his aggressive driving, unwavering confidence, and record-breaking performances, securing multiple consecutive World Championships. Verstappen’s competitive spirit and relentless pursuit of victory have made him a dominant figure in the sport’s modern era. His song choice, "Viva Las Vegas," was perfectly thematic for the occasion, aligning with the electrifying atmosphere of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, a circuit designed to be a spectacle. Erivo was distinctly impressed by his vocal effort. "Max! I’m impressed! You get an 8/10 for that. It’s, you know, appropriate for where we are. It’s right on the tune there. Rhythm is great. Good job, well done." Verstappen’s 8/10 rating placed him at the top of Erivo’s leaderboard, suggesting that his precision and powerful delivery extend beyond the racetrack. Red Bull Racing, under his leadership, has achieved unparalleled success in recent seasons, setting new benchmarks for performance and championship dominance. The Las Vegas GP, with its unique blend of speed and entertainment, provided an ideal backdrop for Verstappen’s on-theme musical tribute, further solidifying his image as a showman both on and off the track.

Beyond her role as a vocal critic, Cynthia Erivo enjoyed a comprehensive and immersive experience at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. She had the thrilling opportunity to undertake a high-speed "hot lap" around the illuminated Las Vegas street circuit, driven by none other than the aforementioned 2009 World Champion, Jenson Button. These hot laps offer celebrities and VIPs a taste of the extreme G-forces and incredible speeds that Formula 1 drivers experience, providing a visceral connection to the sport’s intensity. Erivo’s engagement continued with an exclusive visit to the Williams Racing garage, one of F1’s most historic and revered teams. During her visit, she took a moment to sit in the cockpit of Carlos Sainz’s car, offering a unique perspective on the tight, technologically advanced environment where drivers operate. This hands-on interaction further highlighted the fusion of glamour and grit that defines modern Formula 1, particularly at events like the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which aims to blend sporting excellence with unparalleled entertainment. The Las Vegas Grand Prix itself represents a significant strategic move by Formula 1 to expand its presence and appeal in the United States, transforming a bustling city street into a high-speed arena, complete with a lavish spectacle designed to captivate a new generation of fans and celebrities alike. The event successfully merged the worlds of top-tier racing and global entertainment, with Erivo’s participation being a prime example of this dynamic synergy. The visual spectacle of the event, captured in numerous photographs featuring prominent figures and the dazzling city backdrop, further cemented its status as a major cultural moment.

The interaction between Cynthia Erivo and the Formula 1 drivers exemplified the growing trend of crossover appeal in major sports. As Formula 1 continues its global expansion, especially into the North American market, events like the Las Vegas Grand Prix increasingly leverage celebrity involvement to enhance engagement and broaden its audience. The playful vocal challenge, judged by a figure of Erivo’s artistic stature, provided a memorable and unique segment that highlighted the human element of these elite athletes, showcasing their personalities beyond the intense pressures of championship racing. This blend of sport and entertainment reinforces F1’s position not just as a racing series, but as a global cultural phenomenon, adept at merging high-stakes competition with mainstream appeal.

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Jonas Leo

Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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