Formula One bosses have announced that the sport will be going racing in Florida as the Miami Grand Prix joins the calendar in 2022 on a 10-year deal.
The race will held on a 5.41km circuit layout containing 19 corners around the Hard Rock Stadium Complex, which is home to NFL’s Miami Dolphins franchise and marks the 11th different location in America to host a F1 race.
Officials have also confirmed that the race is a 10 year-deal and will mean that the USA will host two races in the same season for the first time since 1984, as F1 raced in Detroit and Dallas during that season
F1 also confirmed that a programme will be put in place to ensure that local businesses and wider Miami community can reap ‘full benefits’ of this race, with a STEM education scheme set to be unveiled through F1 in Schools in order to reach the youth demographic.
↩️ 19 corners
📏 5.41km
🔥 3 potential DRS zones
🤯 320 km/h top speedIntroducing the new @f1miami circuit, around the iconic @HardRockStadium 🏟#F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/nsJawzpIL2
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali is “thrilled” to unveil the Miami Grand Prix, describing America as one of the sport’s key areas for audience growth and believes that this race will help extend their reach.
On the topic of what type of racing we can expect, Domenicali said; “We will be working closely with the team from Hard Rock Stadium and the FIA to ensure the circuit delivers exciting racing but also leaves a positive and lasting contribution to the people in the local community.”
Vice-Chairman, President and CEO of Hard Rock Stadium, Tom Garfinkel echoed Domenicali’s thoughts as he spoke of his belief that F1 is as big as global events can get.
Speaking of the circuit layout and preparations, Garfinkel said; “We have worked with specialist designers to create a racetrack that we, Formula 1 and the FIA believe will provide great racing…”
Garfinkel also hopes that the Miami GP can create “unique fan experiences” which reflect the “diverse and dynamic nature of Miami.”
“I enjoy a city circuit”
Mexico’s Sergio Perez was quick to comment on the announcement describing the opportunity to potentially race on his home continent if Red Bull extend his contract, saying; “Racing in the US is always great fun and I enjoy a city circuit, it’s a good challenge.”
On the topic of racing in Miami, Perez believes that the Miami is a “great location for Formula One,” as a “very fun city” full of energy and having F1 race in Miami “is the perfect combination.”
Perez’s teammate, Max Verstappen meanwhile is cautious on his expectations and particularly surrounding the track layout, commenting “I’m sure if they build a good track, we can have a lot of fun out there and hopefully we’ll bring a lot of excitement so the fans can of course enjoy the race.”
Aston Martin meanwhile look like a team who are already eying up a win at the inaugural Miami GP, judging by their Twitter response to this announcement.
When you hear you’re going to Miami… 😎 @oakley pic.twitter.com/K3GOxDeW5o
— Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) April 18, 2021
Ferrari Team Principal, Mattia Binotto meanwhile feels that there is ‘great untapped potential interest’ in F1 Stateside, whilst musing the fact that the US is a ‘very important market’ for Ferrari’s road cars.
Focusing specifically on the race event itself. Binotto simply admitted that it should be a ‘fascinating’ event due to its location in America.
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