In a bid to inject further excitement into the forthcoming United States Grand Prix - other than the fact that Lewis Hamilton could secure his fourth title or Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari could stage the mother of all comebacks - Formula One has opted to use the services of another sport... boxing.

For Hall of Fame Sports and Entertainment Announcer, Michael Buffer (no, us neither), who has introduced some of the biggest boxing matches in history with his "Let's get ready to rumble!" catchphrase, is to introduce each driver before the start of the Austin race.

"We are delighted to welcome Michael Buffer as part of our ongoing commitment to our fans to build the entertainment factor in Formula 1," said Sean Bratches, Managing Director, Commercial Operations at Formula 1.

"We know that the United States Grand Prix is the best place for a globally-recognised star like Michael to take the spectacle to the next level," he continued. "This is an amazing opportunity, I've known Michael for over 30 years and there is no one better: he will elevate the driver brands and shine a light on Formula 1."

"I've been involved in some of the biggest sporting events around the world and have introduced most of the greatest boxers of the modern era, and now is my time to introduce the world's finest racing drivers," said Buffer. "They are the stars of the show and I want to introduce them with the energy and adrenalin they deserve before they fire up their engines and get ready to race."

In order that the introductions can be given the prominence they deserve, the FIA has been asked to allow an exemption to the Sporting Regulations in order that the race start procedure can begin 15 minutes earlier than usual. This comes in the wake of the move which sees the previous day's qualifying session delayed by two hours in order that the end of the session coincides with the start of a concert which will include Justin Timberlake among its various stars.

"Having received a request from Formula 1, we have made some changes to the current Sporting Regulations for this race only, which will allow more time on the grid with the cars and drivers," said the Charlie Whiting. "The period leading up to the start of a Formula 1 Grand Prix is always very spectacular and we are pleased to be able to make it even more exciting for the general public watching both at and away from the track."

While the likes of Lewis Hamilton will surely rise to the occasion, one can only guess at how Kimi will handle it.

Fans of a certain age will remember those legendary fights of the 60s and 70s, graced by some of Hollywood's finest, there to see the fight rather than be seen. Sadly, Formula One still doesn't fully appreciate the pulling power of its own stars and instead resorts to gimmicks and publicity seekers to raise its profile.

Looking at the example of boxing over the years, one shudders to think what the grid girls might be porting come race day.

Perhaps the sport might one day follow the example of the Oscars, and merely opt to have a Hollywood legend of the day open an envelope on the grid while proclaiming, 'and the winner is…'

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Mad Matt, 10/10/2017 12:30

"Living abroad and speaking to people from other countries the general opinion is the same as yours... that this is cringe worthy nonsense which does F1 no favours.

I think most people want to see genuine close racing and close battles amongst their "heroes", no matter where they come from. Some will accept a level of artificiality to generate the close racing but no-one's getting excited about cars that can't drive with 100m of each other....

"

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2. Posted by Greybeard, 10/10/2017 11:13

"The responses here accord much with my own - we British are not much good at artificial hype and less good at enjoying it. The phrase 'toe curling' applies to me in this context.

However, as TokyoAussie points out, there is a difference in the needs of the TV spectator and the fans who actually attend the race. Being in the crowd is a very different experience from watching the crowd on TV. And the circuit owners need the crowd - ask the BRDC.

And does anybody know the reactions of the fans in other countries? Are we alone in finding a perma-tanned announcer (known for a cringe-worthy catch phrase) who is world famous all over America a bit of a turn-off?
I'd be interested to know.

We (British) must also remember that our reticence sometimes appears slightly rude and ungrateful. Many many years ago I was slightly centre stage at some work related event in the USA. I was asked, very politely, not to be 'Too British' about it. 'People really want to see you enjoying the moment', I was told. 'They may think they've failed if you don't'. Funnily enough, something very similar happened at the end of a project I was responsible for in Hong Kong.

F1 is a world wide event. What does the rest of the world think?

does anybody know how the fans in other countries are reacting to this kind of approach? "

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3. Posted by Editor, 10/10/2017 10:55 (moderated by an Adminstrator, 10/10/2017 10:57)

"@ Chris Roper

"Race fixing to Keep the Bookies happy will be next on the agenda."

Funny enough, I was suggesting just such a scenario yesterday to a friend.

The championship – not particularly this season – being decided with four or five races to go is certainly not in Liberty's interests.

How long before manipulation creeps in?"

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4. Posted by Spindoctor, 10/10/2017 10:51 (moderated by an Adminstrator, 10/10/2017 10:57)

" 'This is an amazing opportunity, I've known Michael for over 30 years and there is no one better: he will elevate the driver brands and shine a light on Formula 1.'

This kind of ridiculous nonsense is why anyone who loves F1 must be very fearful for its future.
He's known the guy for 30 years - so "Michael" is no spring chicken, and unlikely to connect to the supposedly desirable "Yoof" market.

More worryingly WTF is "elevate the driver brands" all about. Hamilton & Vettel's Accountants may think of them in this way, but Joe Public?
Again, no mention of anything as banal as "racing"
"

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5. Posted by Chris Roper, 10/10/2017 10:47 (moderated by an Adminstrator, 10/10/2017 10:57)

"I don't watch boxing/wrestling because they are bloodsports that have no relevance in modern society. They are also blatantly rigged and over marketed that it comes across as cheep and stage managed.

Now we have this -"We know that the United States Grand Prix is the best place for a globally-recognised star like Michael to take the spectacle to the next level," - Why do we want to give the impression that F1 is being reduced to that level.

Race fixing to Keep the Bookies happy will be next on the agenda.

"

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6. Posted by Hobgoblin, 10/10/2017 10:09 (moderated by an Adminstrator, 10/10/2017 10:57)

""..globally-recognised star.." Who?
are all the drivers going to have a theme tune too?"

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7. Posted by TokyoAussie, 10/10/2017 3:48

"Just some old buffer reading out names, loudly. I'll give it a miss.
Just like the podium interviews, which are so cringe-worthy that I never watch them either.

Mind you, I see those 2 things as intended mainly for the supporters at the track. Better that than nothing, but only barely."

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8. Posted by stackvideo, 09/10/2017 22:29

"Shades of NASCAR"

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9. Posted by Mark, 09/10/2017 20:47

"More unnecessary and bloated excess for the casual fan piled on the the already over the top Texas show. I'll be there from Chicago but I'm NOT happy about this. It's a great circuit and a great race. That's enough for me."

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10. Posted by Ro, 09/10/2017 19:40

"One more reason to not watch all the c**p before the race....typical american, what next ? "

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11. Posted by FormerF1Fan, 09/10/2017 18:17 (moderated by an Adminstrator, 10/10/2017 10:57)

"globally-recognised star like Michael - it's the first time I've ever heard his name
take the spectacle to the next level - yes indeed. The next level down.
shine a light on Formula 1 - I think "shine darkness" would be closer to the mark
introduce them with the energy and adrenalin they deserve - cringe, cower, shrink, wince, flinch, blanch, shudder...
even more exciting for the general public - only getting rid of electronics, electrics and gimmics will do this

"

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12. Posted by Burton, 09/10/2017 18:03

"I don't even watch the formation lap nowadays, this move will surely bring a disillusioned fan like me back...NOT!"

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13. Posted by ryanhellyer, 09/10/2017 17:32

"This seems weird. Lets see how it turns out."

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