Craig Slater’s Viral Swim in the Fake Marina at the Miami Grand Prix Sparks Controversy
Sky Sports F1 reporter Craig Slater recently opened up about the unexpected fallout from his lighthearted swim in a fake marina during the 2022 Miami Grand Prix. The incident, which took place during the race’s inaugural year, quickly became a viral sensation, drawing both laughter and ire from fans and organizers alike.
When the F1 circus rolled into Miami, excitement buzzed around the artificial marinas strategically placed around the circuit. Initially thought to be filled with real water, it was later revealed that the shimmering lagoons were merely a clever illusion. In a moment of spontaneity during a live broadcast, Slater decided to take a dip, turning heads and raising eyebrows in equal measure.
In a candid Reddit AMA, Slater reflected on the incident, admitting, “I got in a lot of trouble for that—I have to say.” He explained that he hadn’t planned to jump into the water but was inspired by seeing others indulge in playful photoshoots. “I thought, I wonder if I could do a bit of a backstroke on the fake plastic lagoon,” he recounted, noting that it turned into an amusing spectacle.
However, the lighthearted moment led to “crisis meetings” with the Miami Dolphins management, who weren’t thrilled about the incident. Despite the initial backlash, Slater was relieved to find that the Dolphins eventually took it in stride when he met them later.
“I felt really sorry for the people marketing the event,” he said, emphasizing that his intent was purely innocent fun, not a jab at the prestigious event. “It’s genuinely one of the most polished events on the calendar now. If you ever get the chance to go, don’t miss it!”
Despite some skepticism leading up to its debut, the Miami Grand Prix has become a fan-favorite, signing a 10-year extension to remain on the F1 calendar until at least 2041. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised the event, saying, “In just three years, the Miami Grand Prix has established itself as one of the most important and spectacular events on our calendar.”
As teams prepare to return to the Miami circuit next season, F1 fans won’t have to wait long for more racing action. The championship continues as it heads to the Circuit of the Americas in Texas next weekend, promising to deliver another exciting round of competition.
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