The Miami International Autodrome is a street circuit located in Miami Gardens, a suburb of Miami, specifically designed for the Miami Grand Prix. The circuit has been part of the Formula 1 calendar since 2022.

First Race and Circuit Design

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won the inaugural race on this circuit, ahead of his Ferrari rivals Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. The street circuit was designed by the British company Apex Circuit Design and is built around the Hard Rock Stadium, home to the American football team, the Miami Dolphins. Stadium owner Stephen Ross had been trying to bring Formula 1 to Miami since 2018, and finally succeeded in 2022, securing a contract for an impressive ten years.

Circuit Features

The circuit is also located on the grounds of the Hard Rock Stadium and uses all new and existing roads on the property. It is a temporary track, constructed a few weeks before the race and dismantled immediately after. From the upper deck of the stadium, all corners of the circuit can be seen.

Designer’s Perspective

“We tried to make the circuit as challenging as possible,” says designer Charles Metcalfe on behalf of Apex Circuit Design. “We focused on a variety of corners in the design, from high-speed to low-speed.” The circuit therefore has 19 corners and a total length of 5410 meters.

Unique Features and Criticism

Unique to the Miami International Autodrome is the faux marina constructed on the infield at turns 6 through 9. The faux marina was criticized by many F1 fans in the run-up to the first race, who judged that the creators were trying to mimic a ‘Monaco atmosphere’ in a cheap way. The site also features resort-style pools and bars.

Key Facts about the Miami GP:

• Opening: 2022
• First race: 2022
• Location: Miami
• Length: 5.412 km
• Number of corners: 19
• Most victories: Max Verstappen (2)
• Lap record: Max Verstappen (1:29.708 in 2023)

Verstappen’s Dominance

The Miami Grand Prix was won again by Max Verstappen in 2023. The Dutchman also won from the ninth starting position, driving a powerful comeback race. He dealt a blow to his teammate Sergio Pérez, especially since the Mexican had expressed his title aspirations after the previous race. It seemed that Verstappen wanted to put his teammate in his place. He pulled away more than 5 seconds from his teammate and won for the second year in a row.

Schedule for the 2024 Miami GP

Friday, May 3

18.30 – 19.30 First free practice
22.30 – 23.14 Sprint qualification

Saturday, May 4

18.00 – 19.00 Sprint
22.00 – 23.00 Qualification

Sunday, May 5

22.00 – 00.00 Race