Formula 1 Track Facts With Amar — Miami International Autodrome— Miami, United States of America 🇺🇸
Race 5
To quote Will Smith’s song, Miami, “Welcome to Miami.” It’s time for the glitz and glamour of the newest Formula 1 track, with the exception of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which we’ll visit later this year. Normally, the bright lights and fame would be saved for Monaco, but it seems the United States has its very own crown jewel race! The 20 drivers will try to put all the distractions behind them as they try to win the first race in the US this year!
Formula 1 has been wanting to expand its presence in the United States for some years now. In 2016, Liberty Media bought The Formula One Group, which is a group of companies responsible for the promotion of the FIA Formula One World Championship and the exercise of the sport’s commercial rights. The hope was to bring the track to Bayfront and Biscayne Bay as it played host to other Grand Prix’s such as the CART IndyCar Series and Formula E.
Unfortunately, due to protests from locals, the hope of bringing the track to downtown Miami was shut down. Not all hope was lost, however, as real estate magnate Stephen Ross, who owns the Miami Dolphins and the Hard Rock Stadium, was one of the main reasons we are racing in Florida. Ross figured it would be a good idea to stage the race around his stadium, which is only a thirty-minute drive from downtown Miami. Having Ross’s backing for the decision wasn’t all they needed as they had to overcome legal battles and changes of mayors to finally seal the deal.
The track’s layout is very unique as parts of the track go under highway overpasses and even take over some parts of local streets. Some other aspects that add to the specialness of the Miami International Autodrome is the infamous fake marina with real boats installed for fans on turns six through eight.
With all its controversies, the Miami Grand Prix finally held its first race last year in early May but was seen to be both mentally and physically gruesome for the drivers as some even said it was the second hottest race behind the Singapore Grand Prix. With that said, it’ll be interesting to see who takes the chequered flag and gets to soak it all in. Thanks for joining me this Sunday, and enjoy the race.
Facts:
First World Championship GP: May 8, 2022
World Championship GPs held: 1
Circuit Length: 5.412 km
Laps: 57
Corners: 19
Lap Record: The lap record at the Miami International Autodrome is 1:31.361s with a top speed of 213.255 km/h held by Max Verstappen in his Red Bull RB18 V6, which was established in 2022.
Track King: This track has only ever seen one winner. It’s easy to say that Max Verstappen is the Track King with one win in 2022.
Hamilton, Maurice. Formula 1 Circuits: Maps and Statistics from Every Grand Prix Track. HarperCollins, 2021, pp. 316–319.