Did the Lego mini race ahead of the British GP hit the mark with fans - or was it a crass PR stunt.

The Drivers’ Parade Lap for the British GP took on the form of a mini race in Lego go-karts, but fans were left divided.

 Lewis Hamilton had already raised question marks about the PR stunt with F1’s sponsors by declaring on Thursday that he would not be taking part. Max Verstappen objected too through a fear it made F1 drivers look like “clowns”.

Both drivers’ criticism was justified. Hamilton has a right to protect his business interests and him endorsing products, such as Lego, have substantial commercial value. 

Verstappen’s criticism was equally valid as these drivers risk life and limb racing at speeds of 200mph, so to degrade them to karts traveling at walking pace was a touch ridiculous.

Not quite as much though as the FIA President inserting himself in the whole event by getting his own kart in time for the PR activation.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a decorated driver in his own right, has been so desperate to establish himself as one of the boys among F1’s elite, that this was painful to watch as he trundled around Silverstone, dressed in a suit, waving to fans. That was until he beached his kart in the gravel and needed help pulling free.

There were laughs in the press room, which incidentally has largely become a tame working environment with many living in fear that speaking out about the uncontested leader of F1’s governing body will result in the confiscation of their media credentials.

However, most felt it was good fun and something different, rather than sticking the drivers on the back of a flatbed truck.

As for the race itself, won by Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso - a rare highlight for the Spaniard who has been plagued by a succession of wretched F1 cars, his fans taking to social media to celebrate his ‘victory’.

But other opinions were mixed on the stunt. One fan wrote on X: “I don't think we'll be seeing this format of Lego cars again. Not F1 standard of entertainment.”

Another said: “It's the British Grand Prix so why drive around in Danish Lego cars?”

Others questioned Ben Sulayem’s involvement in the Lego race asking why he was there, while one sage pointed out that if they were interested in safety, then the drivers would have been wearing crash helmets.