(Motorsport) Formula 1 will be making its debut in Miami this weekend and it promises to be an exciting one! The track is designed around the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium and the sporting spectacle is already sold out amid the growing popularity of Formula 1 in the United States. The Miami International Autodrome is the 11th venue to host a race in the US while the Miami Grand Prix will be the 61st race to take place in the country.
One of the biggest reasons for the growing popularity of Formula 1 in the United States is undoubtedly Netflix’s Drive to Survive show. With the tv show ratings high and cars more competitive than ever, there’s enough and more to look forward to in Miami. Speaking ahead of the race, seven time World Champion Lewis Hamilton said “I love Miami, I've been here many many times… but to have a grand prix here is something super special. I hope we put on a good show for you guys."
The Miami street circuit has been built around the Hard Rock Stadium’s car park and drivers are already impressed by the layout and overall design, comparing it to Baku, Jeddah and Melbourne. The track features a number of quick corners, a few long straights and plenty of overtaking opportunities, featuring three DRF zones. The race will feature 57 laps and qualification timings are expected to be under 90 seconds. As things stand, reigning champion Max Verstappen appears to be the favourite to win while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is a close second.
One of the most attractive features of the track is the marina from a visual/spectator perspective. The Marina has been artificially built especially for the race in an attempt to imitate the one in Monaco and does not actually have water. Instead, it has blue paint and boats. Recent results have meant that Ferrari’s lead over Red Bull has been reduced to just 11 points in the Constructors Standings while 27 points separate leader Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen. Carlos Sainz will be hoping to have a positive result this time around while Mercedes will hope that their upgrades pay dividends so that the car is back in contention at the top of the grid.
Also read: Formula 1: FIA plan to feature more sprint races in 2023 season
