Harry's visit to the racetrack took place in anticipation of the Circuit of the Americas event, where both Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton were gearing up to challenge Max Verstappen for victory. However, Harry faced some criticism from figures like Elon Musk and Adam Driver for not taking his son, Archie, to the racing event.
Many believed that Archie would have cherished the adventure, and some found it unfortunate that Harry denied his children such opportunities due to a perception that he was safeguarding them. This perception, however, was deemed unfounded by some critics who pointed out that Harry was seemingly trying to outdo his own father, Prince Charles, in the parenting department, even though Charles had allowed his sons to experience various adventures outside their home and school, thanks to Princess Diana's influence.
Comparisons were drawn to Adam Driver, who had been at the Indy 500 and brought his 7-year-old son along with his wife and new baby to the races. Adam Driver had been in Austin with the Ferrari team just a few days ago, and although he didn't actively showcase them, reports suggested that he arrived on a commercial flight with his family. In contrast, Harry and Meghan had notably refrained from bringing their children to public events.
Elon Musk also garnered attention for bringing his son to the Grand Prix, even carrying the child on his shoulders. This demonstrated Musk's enthusiasm for sharing special moments with his son and allowing him to experience a wide array of activities. Many wondered why Harry had not taken Archie to the Grand Prix, as most four-year-olds would likely have enjoyed watching the racing cars alongside their father.
The inconsistency in Harry's actions and words raised questions about his parenting decisions and whether they were in line with his public image. Notably, Harry had previously accused his father, Prince Charles, of being an absent and neglectful father, a claim that some have contested given the limited time Harry appeared to spend at home with his two young sons. This perceived disconnect between Harry's public statements and his actions led some to question whether he was genuinely committed to his family or merely seeking to profit from his high-profile status.