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While the Grand Prix Explorer 2 is taking place on the Le Mans circuit, tens of thousands of people have gathered to see internet personalities, and the actual races are generating much less enthusiasm.
You've probably already guessed from my brief introduction that I won't be watching the Explorer Grand Prix live. Instead, I'll be focusing on the Rugby World Cup and Moto GP, and I'm aware that these few lines won't help me defend my case. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm surrounding the Explorer GP genuinely pains me.
First of all, let's give credit where credit is due: Squeezie had the idea, the resources, and the time to carry out this project, and there is nothing to criticize about that. What bothers me, however, is the fact that 50,000 spectators gathered in the cathedral of French motorsports just to watch him.
Some will say that “it promotes the sport,” and it's true that it gives this discipline a little more visibility. But if the goal is really to increase visibility, wouldn't it make more sense to showcase real drivers rather than internet personalities? A few participants know a little about motor racing, but none of them are professional drivers. Meanwhile, French talents in single-seaters, GTs, and other categories, who work tirelessly, are hardly ever promoted. The stands at real races are almost empty, even for sponsors. The GP Explorer cars feature the logos of well-known brands, and yes, these brands are interested because they see a return on their investment. That's understandable, but they could achieve much more by supporting promising young drivers. I'm not trying to stir up the recent controversy over Bernard Arnault's donation to Restos du Cœur; it's a good thing that brands are investing. However, a larger investment would help emerging drivers build their careers and, ultimately, compete at the European or world level. We shouldn't kid ourselves into thinking that this event is a real boost for the sport that brings us together so many Sundays. In reality, many spectators are undoubtedly there for the spectacle and the atmosphere, but the majority of them are there to see Vilebrequin, Mister V, Amixem, and other web personalities. If we really want to give motorsport a boost, we need higher attendance, not only in Formula 1, but also in French racing in general.
