Miami Grand Prix

Details

What’s the circuit like?

F1 simulated 36 different layouts in Miami Gardens After initially trialling circuit layouts in Downtown Miami in August 2017, the promoter, Formula 1 and Apex Circuit Design switched their attention to a site a few miles north two years later. Since work begun on the project four years ago, Apex and F1 have created a staggering 75 layout variations across the various proposed sites. Focusing on the current site, the team have simulated an impressive 36 different layouts, before landing on the current iteration – a 19-turn track that has the Hard Rock Stadium at its heart – and will have an average speed of around 223km/h or 138mph. The track – which will have a top speed of around 320km/h or 198mph – will have a street circuit vibe, similar to Melbourne’s stunning Albert Park that hosts the Australian Grand Prix, as the site is used for other purposes during other times. However, the layout will be more akin to a permanent circuit. It’s predominantly flat, but there are some small undulations to the land, which designers have integrated into the circuit. The main elevation change can be found between Turns 13 and 16, with the track heading over an exit ramp and under various flyovers across uneven ground. For example, the Turn 14-15 chicane has an uphill approach, with a crest in the middle of the chicane and then drops down on exit.

Why go?

Miami is set to be one of a kind – a fresh and exciting new event with a dynamic all of its own. For the first time in F1’s long history, the championship will be hosted in a predominantly African-American community, in the city of Miami Gardens, a few miles north of Downtown Miami. It’s a city that is on the up and is renowned for its small businesses and impressive food scene, particularly its soul-food and Caribbean restaurants. With the Hard Rock Stadium – which features a 12-cabin gondola cable car system, the first to be built at any stadium in the US no less - taking centre stage, organisers plan to use the venue for spectators and facilities, with later iterations of the design relocating the pits and paddock club complex directly adjacent to the north side of the stadium.

Where is the best place to watch?

The circuit has been designed with spectacular racing in mind As with all recent new layouts, overtaking opportunities have been at the forefront of designers’ minds when shaping the Miami track, with two key passing spots identified. The first is left hander Turn 11, which comes at the end of the first of three planned DRS zones. The second is Turn 17, a tighter left hander at the end of the circuit’s longer straight, and second planned DRS zone.

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