Miami Grand Prix: a dynamic circuit conducive to a spectacle

Miami is preparing to host its second Grand Prix, making it, along with Las Vegas, the newest circuit on the calendar. Following Austin’s race, a ten-year contract has been signed with Liberty Media, who was seeking further expansion on their own territory.

Located north of the city, the circuit revolves around the Hard Rock Stadium, the venue that hosts the Miami Dolphins American football team. The drivers will have to complete 57 laps counterclockwise on this 5.41 km long track, which includes 19 turns, three straightaways, and as many DRS zones. The top speed is estimated to reach 320 km/h.

It also offers several sequences of turns, some tight and others fast, making it truly dynamic. More treacherous areas with reduced visibility complete this spectacular circuit. The goal of Apex Circuit Design, the circuit’s constructor, was to challenge all Formula 1 teams, which has been quite successful. Perhaps even too much, as the drivers are far from being all delighted with it, as evidenced by Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris who criticized the asphalt of the Floridian circuit during last year’s Grand Prix. Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen, on the other hand, found turns 14 and 15’s chicane to be too ambitious.

The changes in 2023

Their complaints have been partially heard. If the dispute is maintained, the track itself has been completely rebuilt which should facilitate overtaking according to the organizers.

To add more spectacle for the delight of the spectators, considering the success of the last edition which drew more than 240,000 people, the stands and attractions from the previous season have been expanded and an additional 3,000 tickets have been put up for sale.

Finally, in 2023, the racing teams will have their hospitality on the lawn of the stadium with a village where each team will benefit from an independent structure for all its members, including the drivers.

Pirelli Tires

The tire supplier opted for the mid-range combination by bringing C2 tires as hard, C3 as medium, and C4 as soft to Miami.

The emphasis is on versatility for this circuit race around the Hard Rock Stadium. It can be completed with just one pit stop, as several drivers demonstrated last year by managing a first stint on the medium tire quite well, although a double pit stop is faster on paper. The weather in Florida is a constant variable, with the risk of wind and rain as another factor to consider, explains the Italian manufacturer.

Key tyre info for the #MiamiGP 🏖️

🆕 A resurfaced track
🥵 Up to 60°C track temperatures#Fit4F1 pic.twitter.com/UJOBpE3TGr

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) May 2, 2023

Watch out for the time difference! This Grand Prix weekend starts on Friday at 8:30 PM for the first free practice session. Find all the schedules to know in the TV program.