Reason behind Lewis Hamilton 'dispute' over British GP LEGO parade as Max Verstappen weighs in

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have both questioned Formula 1's decision to host a LEGO car display around Silverstone prior to this weekend's British Grand Prix - and the reason why has reportedly emerged.

The 22 F1 drivers will pilot LEGO minicars as part of a special track parade lap ahead of the main race on Sunday.

Each car is made from 28,000 real LEGO bricks and have been designed in each team's colours.

A similar parade was held at last year's Miami Grand Prix, with bigger LEGO-designed cars taking to the circuit.

Hamilton described that experience as 'the most fun drivers' parade we've ever had', and even joked about some 'dirty driving' from Alpine's Pierre Gasly after their two cars collided and sent LEGO pieces flying on to the circuit.

But this time around, Hamilton told reporters on Thursday that he didn't know "whether or not I'll be in the LEGO car this year", and said he would need to discuss the matter with the relevant parties. Although a Ferrari spokesperson has since confirmed that Hamilton will take part.

Verstappen, meanwhile, says he prefers 'to play with Lego at home, with the kids'.

"I prefer to stand on a truck, just with everyone together," he told Viaplay. "I think that's more fun and I think it also looks more professional."

What is causing British GP pre-race dispute

The main part of the dispute, according to Motorsport.com, relates to general driver concerns over the amount of 'extracurricular activities' that drivers are having to undertake in the modern era of Formula 1.

The number of activities has grown in recent years as F1 has attempted to break into new markets, with media appearances at a much smaller amount prior to Liberty Media's takeover of the sport from Bernie Ecclestone in 2016.

It is reported that Hamilton and other drivers, including Verstappen and Fernando Alonso, are keen to 'limit their marketing days' during the season.

From the FIA's side, meanwhile, Autosport report that they have been working to 'streamline driver commitments on a Grand Prix weekend as much as possible' while still taking into account broadcasting access requirements.

Most marketing or PR activities, minus official, F1-mandated press conference and fan forum appearances, are said to be linked to contract clauses relating to the number of days that each driver is available for.

In the case of such high-profile drivers such as Hamilton and Verstappen, they will of course be subject to more interest in terms of marketing and PR than others.

Verstappen in general, though, has previously spoken out against some of those activities, including when F1 hosted a pre-weekend introductory show involving all 20 drivers ahead of the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023.

He said he felt like a 'clown', adding: "Some people like the show a bit more. I don't like it at all.

"I grew up just looking at the performance side of things and that's how I see it [now] as well. So for me, I like to be in Vegas, but not so much for racing.

"We are not a stakeholder, so we just go with it. They decide what they do, right? I would do the same if I was the owner, I wouldn't listen to the drivers. It's my sport, I would do with it what I want, if that would be the case."