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My Take: The Debut of The Grandstand with Daniel Ricciardo & Will Arnett

  • Writer: Stephanie
    Stephanie
  • Jun 22, 2023
  • 7 min read

Did you hear the news? The Canadian Grand Prix was the first of three races this year that we will be graced with an alternative coverage with Red Bull Racing's Reserve Driver, Daniel "Honey Badger" Ricciardo and Canadian actor, Will Arnett. If you weren't aware or didn't have the chance to catch the coverage, have no fear ... I watched [ TWICE ;-) } and give you an inside look on the show. Here is my take on the debut of The Grandstand with Daniel Ricciardo & Will Arnett.

Fit for F1: What to Wear to the F1 Canadian GP Race Weekend

THE BACKSTORY

It seems as though some have missed the memo on The Grandstand with Daniel Ricciardo & Will Arnett. I've heard murmurs of confusion throughout social media as to the 5W's and the How of The Grandstand. So before we get into too much detail about the broadcast, let's take a quick journey back in time.


The Grandstand was produced by Omaha Productions. Sound familiar? If you are a fan of American Football bells and whistles should be ringing and visions Peyton Manning should be filling you head. Taking over the production of Peyton's Place in 2019, Omaha Productions was born and has been "creating content that uplifts and unifies" ever since.


In partnership with ESPN, Omaha Productions made an announcement about the alternative production just two weeks prior to the first airing of the new show. On the schedule for a total of three shows, The Grandstand with Daniel Ricciardo & Will Arnett will grace our television screens just two more times during the 2023 Formula 1 season during the U.S. Grand Prix on October 22 and the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 18.


THE HOSTS

Could there be any more perfect of a pairing than Daniel Ricciardo and Will Arnett for this show? Some critics believe so. But before you start believing them, lets get a bit of history on the hosts.


Daniel Ricciardo

As third driver for the Formula 1 Red Bull Racing team and darling of motorsports, Daniel Ricciardo has a long time history of entertaining the world both on and off the track. Needless to say, as an eight-time Grand Prix winner knows a thing or two about the sport. Not only does the camera love him but so do the millions of devoted Danny Ric fans. Known for his quick wit, physical humor, and being one of the most genuine guys to ever hit the grid, Daniel is nothing but his authentic himself.


Will Arnett

The names Will Arnett and Formula 1 don't seem to make a whole lot of sense in the same sentence, but don't go judging either book by its cover. The Canadian-American actor admittedly got "into the drama"of F1 not long after a high recommendation of the hit Netflix show, Drive to Survive from Justin Bateman. As Arnett's passion grew, so did his desire to chat about the high class, fast-paced international sport, which lead to the development of Fast & Loose: F1® produced by America podcast network Wondery. With the co-host and F1 legend Mika Häkkinen and a rotation of co-hosts Michelle Beadle, Katie Osbourne, and The Kid Mero, the 14 episode took a hilarious and shockingly insightful look into race day highlighting all the drama of the day. Though the podcast's final episode went live in November of 2022 you can still enjoy each episode on Apple and Spotify.

Watch Omaha Productions Best of The Grandstand w/ Daniel Ricciardo & Will Arnett

WHAT IS MY TAKE ON THE GRANDSTAND WITH DANIEL & WILL?

My take on The Grandstand with Daniel Ricciardo & Will Arnett was ... it was absolutely everything I expected it to be. Being an American and lover of the NFL, I am no stranger to the content Omaha Productions produces. And it not being my first rodeo with them, I believe it was a brilliant idea to create this 3 episode alternative broadcast hosted by Daniel and Will.


The Show kicks off with Daniel and Will pictured side-by-side, with coverage of the pre-race stats just as you would see on the regular coverage: track details, tires for the weekend, etc. Though Daniel came to us live from the Canadian Grand Prix Circuit Gilles Villeneuve sadly, Will was not sitting in-person, side-by-side with his co-host, admitting later in the broadcast that he was set up in Brooklyn. In my eyes this was the only "fail" of the broadcast. If I had it my way, these two would be kicked back in flanking recliners sharing in live commentary, race day snacks and good laughs.


The co-host were paired with the one and only Virtual Statman, Sean Kelly who provided live, on-air commentary and all the Formula 1 stats to support Daniel and Will throughout the broadcast. And let's not forget about the 3 special guests to add to the coverage.

  • First guest on the show, the one and only Patrick Dempsey. Probably best known internationally for his role as McDreamy in Grey's Anatomy, but did you know about his passion for racing? Dempsey mentioned getting into professional racing after receiving a gift certificate to the Skip Barber School from his wife. From there he took to the track himself joining as a Porsche motorsport family His story in and passion for motorsport goes on and on, which you can feel free to continue to read about on his website, but it is needless to say that Patrick Dempsey has more than earned the honor of the inaugural guest on the show.

  • Next up, Marshawn Lynch American former professional football player for the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills. Marshawn admitted he had never attended a Formula 1 race but is looking forward to the first race in Las Vegas later this season. A friend of Arnett, Lynch might not have experience with F1 he is no stranger to hitting the track. Footage was shared of Marshawn's game day joy ride in the injury cart back in his University of California, Berkley days as well as a day on the track with Dream Racing trying his hand at figure eights and donuts. Beast Mode's time on the show wrapped up with a conversation of podium ritual by Daniel's shoey podium ritual,

  • Saving the best for last, Josh Allen made a surprise appearance on the show resulting in the most genuine reaction from Daniel -- I see your true colors shine through Honey Badger. A Bromance for the ages, Josh and Daniel were love at first site after meeting at the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix by way of Allen's genuine interest Formula 1. Josh joined the broadcast from the U.S. Open on Father's Day but unfortunately had a less than satisfactory internet connection, which resulted in a brief appearance.

Before I get into some of my favorite moments from the show, I want to share that I watched both the Sky Sports race coverage after the race was over as well as The Grandstand, twice, on ESPN app on Apple TV. Admittedly, though I thoroughly enjoyed the show, I will always choose to watch the Sky Sports coverage of the race first and before The Grandstand. Nothing against sweet, sweet Danny and Will, but there is just too much information that I learn during the Sky Sports coverage that I will never get from Danny and Will. And honestly, I don't know think they would take offense to my take.


Danny admitted to being a bit overwhelmed by the act of hosting the show, feeling a bit outside of his comfort zone. Sharing with Will that he is not great at multi-tasking and gets distracted easily. Will also admitted that he might be a little undeserving of the role, but I still believe they nailed it. Danny and Will gave honest, real-time reactions to the race. Watching Daniel's reaction to penalties, overtakes, and great racing was a breath of fresh air. And Will's clear interest in the sport as a novice provided learning opportunities for fellow novice fans.


Now let's get to it, my favorite moments of the show might not have a whole lot to do with the race itself but I am saving my favorite Canada GP moments for another blog. So here we go.


MY TOP 5 FAVORITE MOMENTS

  1. Daniel pretending to feed Will a few chips from his basket of Poutine and Will comparing the experience to a FaceTime call with his son.

  2. A sip of Canada's best Maple syrup resulted in Will's nomination for Daniel to be the future Prime Minister of Canada.

  3. Josh Allen's surprise guest appearance on the show with the most priceless reaction from Daniel.

  4. Marshawn wrapping Danny with a fictitious "Precious Cargo -- Fragile" sticker as a result of his make-believe career as a future NFL punter.

  5. Learning of McDreamy's "saving of the day" in Monaco 2016 after a tough loss for Daniel. Dempsey ran into Daniel and his family at an post-race meal, which resulted in an introduction to Daniel's mother a fan of Patrick Dempsey, at a dinner

THE WRAP-UP

If I had any sway in who would be approached for the role of special guest for the next two episodes of the The Grandstand with Daniel Ricciardo & Will Arnett my votes would be:

  • American actor, Motorsport junky, friend of Daniel Ricciardo, and host of Eff Won by DRS podcast, Dax Shepard

  • Longtime motorsport fan, Influencer and the face of She Loves F1, Mikaela Kostaras

  • American actor who is responsible for turning Will Arnett onto Formula 1, Justin Bateman

  • Australian snowboarder, four-time Olympian, brother-in-law to Lance Stroll and friend of Daniel Ricciardo, Scotty James

  • Scottish motorsports racing driver and Managing Director of the F1 Academy, Susie Wolff

  • YouTuber, Comedian and Impersonator, Conor Moore

Well I guess in the end I am simply saying that I liked the coverage, thought it was completely on brand for Omaha Productions, loved Daniel and Will as the hosts, enjoyed the special guests and believe that it did add a special touch to the 2023 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix weekend. I know that this style of coverage is not for everyone, but if going into it with the understanding of what to expect, you might find yourself enjoying it much more than you originally thought you would.


Resources & Credit:


Omaha Productions



ESPN | Daniel Ricciardo and Will Arnett to host alternate F1 telecasts on ESPN


Red Bull Racing | Daniel Ricciardo


F1 | ‘It's a new approach to sports reporting’ – How Will Arnett is bringing comedy to F1 with his ‘Fast and Loose’ radio show on Amp




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