It's fair to say that for the most part fan reaction to Formulas One's new theme tune (not that there was an old one) has not been positive.

Speaking at today's official press conference, Lewis Hamilton admitted that he too was not exactly impressed.

"It reminded me of Gladiators," he said with a grin, and he wasn't referring to the 2000 epic starring Russel Crowe but rather the TV series that started on ITV the same year.

"Anyone remember Gladiators?" he asked of the assembled media and fellow drivers (Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo) who all looked equally blank-faced.

"I used to watch it on Saturday night," he added, and as Ricciardo revealed the show was also seen in Australia, Hamilton asked; "are we the new gladiators?"

Asked his opinion of how the sport is changing under its new ownership, he said: "I think there's been a lot of good progress over the last year in terms of how we engage with the fans, the openness, but I think it's still part of a long process of learning where to go. I don't think anyone in this room knows exactly what the key is to moving forward and succeeding.

"It's a very difficult question to answer," he admitted, "but they're doing the best they can and we're trying to support them the best way we can."

"I agree," added Ricciardo. "There's been some good initiatives, especially within the paddock, like at the European races.

"There's generally a lot of guests, fans and VIPS in the paddock, but they're a bit secluded," he continued, "and they've tried to create like a bar, a bit of a common area with some music going which creates more of an atmosphere.

"The on-track stuff, for us, the drivers, that doesn't change," he said, "but at least for the fans it's a good deal."

"There certainly more things to do around the track," added Vettel. "But I'm a traditionalist, I like to hold on to certain things, so probably there's a lot of things that I'm not a specialist in and I need to understand, so I'm a bit confused why the races are later and no more grid girls... but having said that, there are not many changes. I think we need to wait."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Trixi, 23/03/2018 14:04

"Hamilton would probably be happy with some idiot rap song. "

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2. Posted by mammamia, 22/03/2018 22:48

"PaulJacob

Truly great reminder"

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3. Posted by PaulJacob, 22/03/2018 21:22

"For those of us in the UK, and possibly elsewhere in the world, Formula 1's anthem will always be 'The Chain' by Fleetwood Mac, and with commentary by Murray Walker."

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4. Posted by Arkinger, 22/03/2018 15:10

"Gladiators indeed.
Lewis is spot on in equating Formula 1 drivers to ancient Roman gladiators.
Just the technology has changed, and many fewer people end up dead.
Now to the music. It has a basic broad bombastic style with plenty of drums and horns. There is a lower key passage with strings. This music is appropriate background music when showing cars on track, increasing volume and tension as a pass is consummated. Wow. How commercial. Everybody likes sex, and this music adds that extra dimension to the on-track experience.
Do we want our sport transformed in ways that seem to take away from the grit? The glamor has already been removed from the starting grid.
If this music is heard at all, I would see it as a walk-on accompaniment for the drivers to the podium ceremony. But only at a moderate level. Not so loud that you can’t speak with the person next to you.
In the end however, money rules, and them that has, got the say. Sadly, we will be treated to this cacophony on many occasions. Thankfully, there is fast forward or mute.
"

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5. Posted by vins0n, 22/03/2018 13:43

"Also you now have to refer to the drivers as "hashtag awesome speed dudes" and then say "join the conversation on twitter." "

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6. Posted by markscottuk, 22/03/2018 13:19

"Gladiators started in 2000? Try 1992....."

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7. Posted by imejl99, 22/03/2018 12:22

"Lewis is correct. As like theme was composed for NFL. Nothing against Brian Tyler, but Thor, Marvel, Avengers, TMNT and F1 are quite different. Maybe David Guetta would do better :)

Regarding NFL, Liberty should take a look at John Malkovich AFC Championship intro... done properly for specific sport / event."

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8. Posted by Hobgoblin, 22/03/2018 9:22

"Very uninspiring theme tune. Still think they should have used the Benny Hill tune."

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It's like Gladiators, says Hamilton of F1 'anthem'

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