F1 Live London - a bit short notice?

jiminwatford · Post by **jiminwatford** » Wed Jul 12, 2017 7:57 pm

I'm glad the drivers disobeyed the apparent order not to do doughnuts

That was brilliant to see in the middle of London with so many people around

The slightly awkward Jake / Rochelle parts weren't too bad either

wire2004 · Post by **wire2004** » Wed Jul 12, 2017 7:58 pm

I think this should be rectified for future events. Was it like a hour where they actually ran and less than 10 mins of actual car action.

Jenson's Understeer · Post by **Jenson's Understeer** » Wed Jul 12, 2017 8:04 pm

I'm amazed there wasn't more than like, 24 hours notice for this. Working on the production side of the events industry, putting something together like that would've taken weeks of planning and preparation. To actually announce it at such short notice is pretty poor. I, unfortunately, would not have been able to attend regardless as I had a prior commitment, but there are people who have missed out because of the lack of notice. A shame, really.

Also, Lewis not being there so he can be off on holiday is a joke. Bad for him and bad for F1 in general.

veffy · Post by **veffy** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 2:47 am

Is it possible this was organised last minute by Liberty Media as a response to the doubts around the Silverstone GP going forward? They may not have had all the permits approved until the last minute if so.

Either way I think this kind of thing is great for F1 and really impressed with what Liberty are doing this year so far

Multi69 · Post by **Multi69** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 3:42 am

Lewis is on holidays

Too busy for his fans

Edit: it feels to me like he pays more attention to fans in the US, I wonder why...

speedy_bob · Post by **speedy_bob** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 5:49 am

Well, I watched it from home and thoroughly enjoyed it all!
It felt pretty natural, as if the drivers really wanted to be part of it all and even seemed a bit surprised at how good the atmosphere was.
Arrivebene stopping every 5m to have a selfie taken, not smiling in the least, was fun to see.

Making the drivers walk in stead of being on a flatbed truck was genius.

I've never been to Le Mans, but I'm guessing the driver parades there served as an example for LM.

The YT live feed was good, it all felt summer-and-relax..and it was free so you couldn't feel "milked".
Well done LM!

If people can't appreciate this event, then F1 just isn't for you.
Seeing VAN in the McLaren in this beautiful background, excellent!

wire2004 · Post by **wire2004** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 10:43 am

From what martin brundle was insinuating. David coulthard had a hand in putting it all together. Seemed like a a wisper film production.
It felt to me like the red button forum on the bbc when they did the forum a few years ago from the stage behind the pits.

DOLOMITE · Post by **DOLOMITE** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 10:43 am

how/when exactly was it promoted?

Was it always planned to be a "pop up" event so intentionally not promoted?

Seems like maybe a nice idea poorly executed.

mds · Post by **mds** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 11:04 am

Multi69 wrote:Lewis is on holidays Too busy for his fans

Edit: it feels to me like he pays more attention to fans in the US, I wonder why...

Looking around on social media he is getting a lot of flack for it, even among his fans. He was the only one not attending. All due respect of course for him wanting some private time, but in this case it doesn't seem particularly well timed. I mean, this is London, Vettel got huge cheers and when Hamilton was mentioned it got booed.

Black_Flag_11 · Post by **Black_Flag_11** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 11:24 am

Story in the Daily Mail (according to Sky, I won't click on DM) that Hamilton didn't attend because he fell out with Mercedes.

Apparently due to Wolff's less than damning response to Baku and his attendance at Vettel's birthday party before the FIA hearing, supposedly indicating that Mercedes are courting Vettel for a drive in the future.

I will point out that this is the Daily Mail and therefore probably doesn't even remotely resemble the truth... but Hamilton's absence does seem a little odd when they managed to get every other driver there.

Option or Prime · Post by **Option or Prime** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 11:36 am

Black_Flag_11 wrote: Apparently due to Wolff's less than damning response to Baku and his attendance at Vettel's birthday party before the FIA hearing, supposedly indicating that Mercedes are courting Vettel for a drive in the future.

I will point out that this is the Daily Mail and therefore probably doesn't even remotely resemble the truth... but Hamilton's absence does seem a little odd when they managed to get every other driver there.

I reckon I'd be a bit aggrieved as well to be honest...was Rosberg attending before or after Hamilton pulled out I wonder. It's not good that Hamilton didn't attend. So is there a swap on the cards I wonder? German driver in a German car...Hamilton gets a chance at a third team to win the WDC with.

mikeyg123 · Post by **mikeyg123** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 11:40 am

Black_Flag_11 wrote:Story in the Daily Mail (according to Sky, I won't click on DM) that Hamilton didn't attend because he fell out with Mercedes.

Apparently due to Wolff's less than damning response to Baku and his attendance at Vettel's birthday party before the FIA hearing, supposedly indicating that Mercedes are courting Vettel for a drive in the future.

I will point out that this is the Daily Mail and therefore probably doesn't even remotely resemble the truth... but Hamilton's absence does seem a little odd when they managed to get every other driver there.

It's probably not true although if it is true Toto went to Vettel's birthday party it's a bit disloyal.

It was poor form for Hamilton not to be there but I suspect it's got a lot more to do with him hating that sort of thing rather than any fall out.

- Just thinking about it... Wasn't it reported Hamilton only talked to Lowe at Merc anyway by the end of last season. I've no trouble believing his relationship with the Merc higher up is not great but I doubt its got anything to do with his lac of attendance yesterday. I mean it's not like he would be going just to please Toto is it.

mikeyg123 · Post by **mikeyg123** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 11:41 am

Option or Prime wrote:
Black_Flag_11 wrote: Apparently due to Wolff's less than damning response to Baku and his attendance at Vettel's birthday party before the FIA hearing, supposedly indicating that Mercedes are courting Vettel for a drive in the future.

I will point out that this is the Daily Mail and therefore probably doesn't even remotely resemble the truth... but Hamilton's absence does seem a little odd when they managed to get every other driver there.
I reckon I'd be a bit aggrieved as well to be honest...was Rosberg attending before or after Hamilton pulled out I wonder. It's not good that Hamilton didn't attend. So is there a swap on the cards I wonder? German driver in a German car...Hamilton gets a chance at a third team to win the WDC with.

I could see it suiting Hamilton. I think he'd love to end his career with a championship in a Ferrari. Don't see what's in it for Vettel though.

Black_Flag_11 · Post by **Black_Flag_11** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 11:42 am

Option or Prime wrote:
Black_Flag_11 wrote: Apparently due to Wolff's less than damning response to Baku and his attendance at Vettel's birthday party before the FIA hearing, supposedly indicating that Mercedes are courting Vettel for a drive in the future.

I will point out that this is the Daily Mail and therefore probably doesn't even remotely resemble the truth... but Hamilton's absence does seem a little odd when they managed to get every other driver there.
I reckon I'd be a bit aggrieved as well to be honest...was Rosberg attending before or after Hamilton pulled out I wonder. It's not good that Hamilton didn't attend. So is there a swap on the cards I wonder? German driver in a German car...Hamilton gets a chance at a third team to win the WDC with.

Is the incentive there for Vettel to swap though? I'd stay at Ferrari if I were him and he's supposedly always dreamed of driving for them. I personally can't see Vettel leaving Ferrari for a long time.

I know one multiple world champion who would be open to a seat swap though!

Zoue · Post by **Zoue** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 11:45 am

Option or Prime wrote:
Black_Flag_11 wrote: Apparently due to Wolff's less than damning response to Baku and his attendance at Vettel's birthday party before the FIA hearing, supposedly indicating that Mercedes are courting Vettel for a drive in the future.

I will point out that this is the Daily Mail and therefore probably doesn't even remotely resemble the truth... but Hamilton's absence does seem a little odd when they managed to get every other driver there.
I reckon I'd be a bit aggrieved as well to be honest...was Rosberg attending before or after Hamilton pulled out I wonder. It's not good that Hamilton didn't attend. So is there a swap on the cards I wonder? German driver in a German car...Hamilton gets a chance at a third team to win the WDC with.

Presumably Wolff accepted the invite well before the Baku race, given how tied up these guys' agendas invariably are. So it would have looked mightily petty to pull out at the last minute after a racing clash. I'd hope they can be grown up enough about it not to mix professional wit personal.

I don't really get the rumours linking Vettel to Mercedes, tbh. He's on a pretty good thing at Ferrari - why would he want to leave at this point?

Does seem odd that Lewis was the only driver not to attend, so I suspect there's probably more to it than the claim he was on his holidays. Doubt we'll ever know, though!

pokerman · Post by **pokerman** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 11:46 am

Jenson's Understeer wrote:I'm amazed there wasn't more than like, 24 hours notice for this. Working on the production side of the events industry, putting something together like that would've taken weeks of planning and preparation. To actually announce it at such short notice is pretty poor. I, unfortunately, would not have been able to attend regardless as I had a prior commitment, but there are people who have missed out because of the lack of notice. A shame, really.

Also, Lewis not being there so he can be off on holiday is a joke. Bad for him and bad for F1 in general.

Yes it's not good and perhaps shows that his head is not in a good place at the moment?

Zoue · Post by **Zoue** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 11:47 am

Black_Flag_11 wrote:
Option or Prime wrote:
Black_Flag_11 wrote: Apparently due to Wolff's less than damning response to Baku and his attendance at Vettel's birthday party before the FIA hearing, supposedly indicating that Mercedes are courting Vettel for a drive in the future.

I will point out that this is the Daily Mail and therefore probably doesn't even remotely resemble the truth... but Hamilton's absence does seem a little odd when they managed to get every other driver there.
I reckon I'd be a bit aggrieved as well to be honest...was Rosberg attending before or after Hamilton pulled out I wonder. It's not good that Hamilton didn't attend. So is there a swap on the cards I wonder? German driver in a German car...Hamilton gets a chance at a third team to win the WDC with.
Is the incentive there for Vettel to swap though? I'd stay at Ferrari if I were him and he's supposedly always dreamed of driving for them. I personally can't see Vettel leaving Ferrari for a long time.

I know one multiple world champion who would be open to a seat swap though!

I wrote mine about the same time as yours and I'd agree that there doesn't appear to be much reason for Vettel to want to leave Ferrari at this moment. He's onto a good thing there and there's no reason to believe Mercedes will be better than them next season

pokerman · Post by **pokerman** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 11:48 am

Black_Flag_11 wrote:Story in the Daily Mail (according to Sky, I won't click on DM) that Hamilton didn't attend because he fell out with Mercedes.

Apparently due to Wolff's less than damning response to Baku and his attendance at Vettel's birthday party before the FIA hearing, supposedly indicating that Mercedes are courting Vettel for a drive in the future.

I will point out that this is the Daily Mail and therefore probably doesn't even remotely resemble the truth... but Hamilton's absence does seem a little odd when they managed to get every other driver there.

I think that has some legs as I've already read that a few days ago.

pokerman · Post by **pokerman** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 11:50 am

Option or Prime wrote:
Black_Flag_11 wrote: Apparently due to Wolff's less than damning response to Baku and his attendance at Vettel's birthday party before the FIA hearing, supposedly indicating that Mercedes are courting Vettel for a drive in the future.

I will point out that this is the Daily Mail and therefore probably doesn't even remotely resemble the truth... but Hamilton's absence does seem a little odd when they managed to get every other driver there.
I reckon I'd be a bit aggrieved as well to be honest...was Rosberg attending before or after Hamilton pulled out I wonder. It's not good that Hamilton didn't attend. So is there a swap on the cards I wonder? German driver in a German car...Hamilton gets a chance at a third team to win the WDC with.

Hamilton can leave Mercedes after this year, he has that clause in his contract I believe.

Akai · Post by **Akai** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 12:31 pm

Vettel is smart, he wants to keep his options open, if Ferrari stay strong as they are right now in the 2nd half of the season then he will renew the contract in my opinion, if not, then I can see Vettel jumping ship.

DOLOMITE · Post by **DOLOMITE** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 1:38 pm

Multi69 wrote: Lewis is on holidays Too busy for his fans

Edit: it feels to me like he pays more attention to fans in the US, I wonder why...

He loves the US, loves "the show", loves to race wheel to wheel, loves the glamour, would like to be closer to the fans...

Hamilton to Indycar once he's got a 4th title?...

mds · Post by **mds** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 1:49 pm

DOLOMITE wrote:
Multi69 wrote: Lewis is on holidays Too busy for his fans

Edit: it feels to me like he pays more attention to fans in the US, I wonder why...
He loves the US, loves "the show", loves to race wheel to wheel, loves the glamour, would like to be closer to the fans...

With regards to the topic at hand, that's a bit funny

Fiki · Post by **Fiki** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 1:57 pm

DOLOMITE wrote:
Multi69 wrote: Lewis is on holidays Too busy for his fans

Edit: it feels to me like he pays more attention to fans in the US, I wonder why...
He loves the US, loves "the show", loves to race wheel to wheel, loves the glamour, would like to be closer to the fans...

Hamilton to Indycar once he's got a 4th title?...

According to an article on Autosport, he only loves F1. So, no, normally not.

Fiki · Post by **Fiki** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 2:00 pm

Zoue wrote:professional wit

Professional wit... I like that!

Jenson's Understeer · Post by **Jenson's Understeer** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 2:32 pm

I know it was in the DM, so I'm taking it with a ridiculously large pinch of salt, but if Toto Wolff did attend Seb's birthday party, that seems... peculiar. Do they have any history in terms of a working relationship? I can't imagine their paths have crossed in a professional sense, what with Seb being under the Red Bull wing and Toto being at Williams then Merc. I've also never heard anything about them having a huge friendship away from the track. So for Toto to be at Seb's birthday party - who just so happens to be in a direct battle with Toto's two actual drivers - would be very strange indeed.

Zoue · Post by **Zoue** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 5:24 pm

Fiki wrote:
Zoue wrote:professional wit
Professional wit... I like that!

oops

pokerman · Post by **pokerman** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 6:06 pm

Jenson's Understeer wrote:I know it was in the DM, so I'm taking it with a ridiculously large pinch of salt, but if Toto Wolff did attend Seb's birthday party, that seems... peculiar. Do they have any history in terms of a working relationship? I can't imagine their paths have crossed in a professional sense, what with Seb being under the Red Bull wing and Toto being at Williams then Merc. I've also never heard anything about them having a huge friendship away from the track. So for Toto to be at Seb's birthday party - who just so happens to be in a direct battle with Toto's two actual drivers - would be very strange indeed.

The connection I see is Germanic, Vettel>Wolff>Mercedes.

pc27b · Post by **pc27b** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 6:08 pm

Akai wrote:Vettel is smart, he wants to keep his options open, if Ferrari stay strong as they are right now in the 2nd half of the season then he will renew the contract in my opinion, if not, then I can see Vettel jumping ship.

from what i read, and who really knows if it is true or not, sv wants a one year contract from ferrari. they want longer.

SDLRob · Post by **SDLRob** » Thu Jul 13, 2017 9:03 pm

So.... about that F1 Live yesterday...

Very short notice, but was able to wrangle my Dad to come with (As travelling through London isn't easy in a wheelchair, generally need a second pair of hands). The static display was awesome, getting a foot or two away from the cars was great (and Renault, kudos for them offering to take a photo of me with their car).

Managed to get a spot at the top of the track, one that gave me near unrestricted (bar a bloody lamp post) of the run up & most of the straight, and I've come away with some sweet photos of the cars on track. Could have been more on track action (maybe get the manufacturers with road cars to show off some of them next time, or something like that).

The one major issue I had, and one that they NEED to address if they do this next year.... there HAS to be a specific disabled viewing platform. Where I was, I was completely squashed. Had there been an issue, if the crowd had started moving quickly... then I would be in SERIOUS trouble. It was unsafe (and potentially illegal) to not have anything set up for disabled attendees.

some of my photos from yesterday - https://flic.kr/s/aHsm4h5FsA

sandman1347 · Post by **sandman1347** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 12:12 am

I have to scratch my head at Hamilton not showing up. He has been the most outspoken about F1 needing to engage the fans more. F1 finally throws this huge live event, in his home country no less, and he's literally the only driver that doesn't show. It's not a good look. Makes him look like a hypocrite.

Perhaps he had already made important plans or something and it did seem like it was very short notice but this is a real brain fade moment. I don't live in England but I understand that he has a bit of a rocky relationship with the fans there over the same stupid tax-related nonsense they give certain celebrities a hard time for. Not showing up was a bad decision IMO.

Multi69 · Post by **Multi69** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 2:39 am

DOLOMITE wrote:
Multi69 wrote: Lewis is on holidays Too busy for his fans

Edit: it feels to me like he pays more attention to fans in the US, I wonder why...
He loves the US, loves "the show", loves to race wheel to wheel, loves the glamour, would like to be closer to the fans...

Hamilton to Indycar once he's got a 4th title?...

Homeboy wants to become a big celebrity in the US. You know, hanging with the KKK (Kim, Kanye, Kardashians)

It's funny that people comment on how Lewis takes a lot of hate. Here is just another example as to why he is easily targeted. A thread about F1 in London turns into negatives for Lewis - his own doing. I love his driving, but man he makes it really hard to like him outside the car. He will quit F1 soon and stay in the US.

Can you imagine if Felipe Massa bailed on a promotion in Brazil?

Prema · Post by **Prema** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 6:24 am

sandman1347 wrote:I have to scratch my head at Hamilton not showing up. He has been the most outspoken about F1 needing to engage the fans more. F1 finally throws this huge live event, in his home country no less, and he's literally the only driver that doesn't show. It's not a good look. Makes him look like a hypocrite.

Perhaps he had already made important plans or something and it did seem like it was very short notice but this is a real brain fade moment. I don't live in England but I understand that he has a bit of a rocky relationship with the fans there over the same stupid tax-related nonsense they give certain celebrities a hard time for. Not showing up was a bad decision IMO.

He didn't have prior any plans or something, if to judge from his words
"I needed to prepare the best way I could for this weekend. The season is the most important thing for me and that's it."

Well, maybe he finally decided to stop doing that what he had been often criticized for: not preparing for the upcoming race and not focusing on the championship but taking engagement in various other activities.

Personally, I believe he still didn't get over the fact that Vettel had been let off the hook by the FIA, and that this was his statement to it, boycotting the great PR F1 event before the home crowds. In any case, he managed to make himself the center of attention by the mean of not attending. But if that's now what brought him the "zen" moment to his mind before the race this weekend, then good preparations to him.

jiminwatford · Post by **jiminwatford** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 9:26 am

SDLRob wrote:
some of my photos from yesterday - https://flic.kr/s/aHsm4h5FsA

Great pics. Thanks for sharing

Zoue · Post by **Zoue** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 10:06 am

Prema wrote:
sandman1347 wrote:I have to scratch my head at Hamilton not showing up. He has been the most outspoken about F1 needing to engage the fans more. F1 finally throws this huge live event, in his home country no less, and he's literally the only driver that doesn't show. It's not a good look. Makes him look like a hypocrite.

Perhaps he had already made important plans or something and it did seem like it was very short notice but this is a real brain fade moment. I don't live in England but I understand that he has a bit of a rocky relationship with the fans there over the same stupid tax-related nonsense they give certain celebrities a hard time for. Not showing up was a bad decision IMO.
He didn't have prior any plans or something, if to judge from his words
"I needed to prepare the best way I could for this weekend. The season is the most important thing for me and that's it."

Well, maybe he finally decided to stop doing that what he had been often criticized for: not preparing for the upcoming race and not focusing on the championship but taking engagement in various other activities.

Personally, I believe he still didn't get over the fact that Vettel had been let off the hook by the FIA, and that this was his statement to it, boycotting the great PR F1 event before the home crowds. In any case, he managed to make himself the center of attention by the mean of not attending. But if that's now what brought him the "zen" moment to his mind before the race this weekend, then good preparations to him.

Good points and I suspect you've probably nailed it

Clarky · Post by **Clarky** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 10:20 am

Zoue wrote:
Prema wrote:
sandman1347 wrote:I have to scratch my head at Hamilton not showing up. He has been the most outspoken about F1 needing to engage the fans more. F1 finally throws this huge live event, in his home country no less, and he's literally the only driver that doesn't show. It's not a good look. Makes him look like a hypocrite.

Perhaps he had already made important plans or something and it did seem like it was very short notice but this is a real brain fade moment. I don't live in England but I understand that he has a bit of a rocky relationship with the fans there over the same stupid tax-related nonsense they give certain celebrities a hard time for. Not showing up was a bad decision IMO.
He didn't have prior any plans or something, if to judge from his words
"I needed to prepare the best way I could for this weekend. The season is the most important thing for me and that's it."

Well, maybe he finally decided to stop doing that what he had been often criticized for: not preparing for the upcoming race and not focusing on the championship but taking engagement in various other activities.

Personally, I believe he still didn't get over the fact that Vettel had been let off the hook by the FIA, and that this was his statement to it, boycotting the great PR F1 event before the home crowds. In any case, he managed to make himself the center of attention by the mean of not attending. But if that's now what brought him the "zen" moment to his mind before the race this weekend, then good preparations to him.
Good points and I suspect you've probably nailed it

He was visiting children in a hospital, was on twitter.

He told Toto and F1 he wouldn't be there a week before.

If he HAD to be there he would have been told to be.

Zoue · Post by **Zoue** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 11:23 am

Clarky wrote:
Zoue wrote:
Prema wrote:
sandman1347 wrote:I have to scratch my head at Hamilton not showing up. He has been the most outspoken about F1 needing to engage the fans more. F1 finally throws this huge live event, in his home country no less, and he's literally the only driver that doesn't show. It's not a good look. Makes him look like a hypocrite.

Perhaps he had already made important plans or something and it did seem like it was very short notice but this is a real brain fade moment. I don't live in England but I understand that he has a bit of a rocky relationship with the fans there over the same stupid tax-related nonsense they give certain celebrities a hard time for. Not showing up was a bad decision IMO.
He didn't have prior any plans or something, if to judge from his words
"I needed to prepare the best way I could for this weekend. The season is the most important thing for me and that's it."

Well, maybe he finally decided to stop doing that what he had been often criticized for: not preparing for the upcoming race and not focusing on the championship but taking engagement in various other activities.

Personally, I believe he still didn't get over the fact that Vettel had been let off the hook by the FIA, and that this was his statement to it, boycotting the great PR F1 event before the home crowds. In any case, he managed to make himself the center of attention by the mean of not attending. But if that's now what brought him the "zen" moment to his mind before the race this weekend, then good preparations to him.
Good points and I suspect you've probably nailed it
He was visiting children in a hospital, was on twitter.

He told Toto and F1 he wouldn't be there a week before.

If he HAD to be there he would have been told to be.

strange, because he himself said he was in Mykonos relaxing

SDLRob · Post by **SDLRob** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 11:37 am

Who gives a damn where Lewis was? F1 live was fun, it was interesting and it blew my eardrums apart... Why do we need to turn this thread into a bitch-fest because one driver wasn't there?

mds · Post by **mds** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 11:42 am

SDLRob wrote:Who gives a damn where Lewis was?

A LOT of people, apparently.

dompclarke · Post by **dompclarke** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 11:55 am

Just out of interest for those who are upset by Lewis not being there..

If you had booked a holiday from work that you thought you needed and work turned round saying 'can you please cancel it for a promotional event' would you be happy to do that?

mikeyg123 · Post by **mikeyg123** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 12:04 pm

Zoue wrote:
Prema wrote:
sandman1347 wrote:I have to scratch my head at Hamilton not showing up. He has been the most outspoken about F1 needing to engage the fans more. F1 finally throws this huge live event, in his home country no less, and he's literally the only driver that doesn't show. It's not a good look. Makes him look like a hypocrite.

Perhaps he had already made important plans or something and it did seem like it was very short notice but this is a real brain fade moment. I don't live in England but I understand that he has a bit of a rocky relationship with the fans there over the same stupid tax-related nonsense they give certain celebrities a hard time for. Not showing up was a bad decision IMO.
He didn't have prior any plans or something, if to judge from his words
"I needed to prepare the best way I could for this weekend. The season is the most important thing for me and that's it."

Well, maybe he finally decided to stop doing that what he had been often criticized for: not preparing for the upcoming race and not focusing on the championship but taking engagement in various other activities.

Personally, I believe he still didn't get over the fact that Vettel had been let off the hook by the FIA, and that this was his statement to it, boycotting the great PR F1 event before the home crowds. In any case, he managed to make himself the center of attention by the mean of not attending. But if that's now what brought him the "zen" moment to his mind before the race this weekend, then good preparations to him.
Good points and I suspect you've probably nailed it

I think that's very unlikely. If he has any quarrel with anyone at the FIA why would he refused to attend an event arranged by FOM that the FIA has nothing to do with?

I think he just didn't want to do it. He usually avoids such events anyway. I doubt there is more to it than that.