Miami Grand Prix: Why F1 drivers shun this circuit
Since its appearance on the calendar in 2022, the Miami Grand Prix has been a divisive event. While its flowing opening sector is appealing, the rest of the layout is widely criticized by drivers, who struggle to find pleasure or rhythm.
« It’s probably at the bottom of my list of favorite circuits », remarked Lewis Hamilton, visibly unenthusiastic about the Miami International Autodrome. Behind the glitz and sponsored parties, the majority of drivers can hardly hide their disinterest. Since its creation around the Hard Rock Stadium, the temporary track has accumulated grievances: slow turns, unstable surface, lack of spectacle in the race.
Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, joked about the infamous chicane between turns 14 and 15: “It would be more fun to take in a kart.” This narrow and technical section breaks the momentum of the single-seaters and disrupts the overall rhythm of the lap. Fernando Alonso, on the other hand, is more fatalistic: “It’s not a section where you can push. We just try to survive.”
Only one sector saves the whole.
Fortunately, the opening sector receives better treatment from the paddock. Esteban Ocon talks about a really great start to the lap, while Pierre Gasly praises the freedom it offers: You can really play with the lines and the curbs.
Designed after studying 30 variants, this smooth and fast section stands out as an exception on a layout constrained by geographical limitations. The highway ramps and the stadium structures limit the modifications, making it difficult to address certain criticisms without revisiting the entire circuit plan.
Towards a night race?
Another problem: the spring heat in Miami, which puts a strain on the tires. In 2024, Pirelli’s soft tires (C4) overheated as early as qualifying. Result: stagnant races, without strategy, and few overtaking opportunities.
For 2025, Pirelli promises a new C4 compound, less prone to degradation. But another solution is emerging: organizing the race in the evening or even at night. Tyler Epp, president of the Miami GP, confirmed that this option is being seriously considered. This would not only preserve the tires but also embed the Grand Prix in a more festive and unique aesthetic, provided, of course, that disturbances for local residents are limited.
A copy to revise
Miami wanted to establish itself as the American showcase for F1. But as it stands, the spectacle does not live up to expectations. Too artificial for some, too constrained for others, the circuit will need to evolve if it wants to appeal beyond marketing. In F1, even in Miami, substance always ends up taking precedence over style.
