Formula 1 is returning to the United States after a six-month break, starting with the Miami Grand Prix, which was anticipated to be a highlight event. However, the previous race in Las Vegas received high praise in 2023, and the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, has a loyal following among F1 enthusiasts.
While Miami’s debut in 2022 was celebrated, there are concerns about its current status, especially as it marks the first of three races in an area known for NASCAR.
Tyler Epp, the president of the Miami Grand Prix, admits that ticket sales for this year’s event have been slow, but he remains optimistic about an increase before race day. He believes that the uniqueness of each event distinguishes them from one another, making the three-race setup feasible.
Epp emphasizes the focus on showcasing Miami’s distinctive qualities as a wise choice, setting it apart from other locations like Las Vegas, Austin, Montreal, and Mexico. Despite challenges, he remains confident in Miami’s position as the inaugural race of the trio.
“The connection between the three races in the States is strong,” he said. “We haven’t noticed a decrease in interest because of Vegas, at least we don’t think so, and we support the other races in the country to keep F1 popular with fans.”
Teams have praised the improvements Miami has made since it introduced the 19-turn, 3.361-mile course in the parking lot of Hard Rock Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dolphins.
Team hospitality moved onto the field last year after the stadium was unused in 2022, and the whole track was resurfaced before the 2023 race.
The circuit has 11 pedestrian bridges, more than any other on the F1 schedule, and the width of several bridges has been doubled to improve foot traffic across the sprawling campus that hosts concerts and parties while cars race.
“If you compare where we are today, three years from where we started, it’s a huge change,” said Williams team principal James Vowles. “This was a car park they transformed into a top-tier Formula 1 track.”
Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton reacted strongly when asked if adding Las Vegas to F1’s calendar had “lessened” Miami’s status as a must-attend event.
“Lessened? No, I believe the sport has grown here. It’s gained much more recognition,” Hamilton said. “Every city I visit, people are enthusiastic. It’s now a sport here in the States. Previously, it was just an annual event. Now, we’re part of the culture here, which is cool.”
Max Verstappen won the first two races in Miami and, after winning four out of the first five races this season, is expected to win again on Sunday. His dominance has led to complaints about the competitiveness of the racing, especially in Miami.
In March, race organizers announced former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner as a race ambassador. Steiner, popular from F1’s Netflix docuseries, has enjoyed promoting the event. He doesn’t believe the circuit is an issue.
“The racetrack is very good, it’s just that sometimes some races are more interesting than others,” Steiner said. “If you have Max dominating like he did in the first two races, no matter what I tell organizers, they can’t change that.”
