The past weekend saw Miami transform into the Formula 1 epicenter, akin to a Hollywood premier or the Super Bowl, but did the race itself echo the grandeur of the surrounding spectacle?
Famous figures seemed to emerge from every corner. The likes of Tom Brady and Michael Jordan mingling in the Mercedes garage, David Beckham interacting with the Williams sisters by Red Bull’s quarters, and Pharrell Williams heading towards Ferrari, to name a few. This extraordinary environment was unlike anything previously experienced in F1, with celebrities attracting hordes of selfie seekers and camera crews, causing a bustling frenzy amidst the ongoing mechanical and engineering operations of the race.
As the Miami International Autodrome’s clock ticked towards the 3:30 pm race start, it appeared to be the pulsating heart of the global sports world. This was the moment Formula 1 had been yearning for in America. But did the main event live up to its hype?
Regardless of the race’s outcome, simply bringing Formula 1 to Miami was a significant milestone, capitalizing on the sport’s burgeoning popularity in the United States. Over the weekend, the on-track action seemed almost secondary to the surrounding spectacle.
The grand prix may not have been a classic, but it was far from a disappointment. A dramatic collision between Lando Norris and Pierre Gasly on lap 41 led to a brief safety car period that reignited the fierce contest for victory between Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. Despite a close encounter, Verstappen, the reigning champion, ultimately outperformed, winning the race and securing the fastest lap time.
However, the focus was not solely on the race but also the Miami experience itself. Over the four-day event, the drivers were treated like superstars. Their amplified personalities, thanks in part to the Netflix docuseries “Drive to Survive”, were in full display.
Not all was smooth sailing, though. Concerns arose about the track’s quality, with the asphalt crumbling and creating loose gravel. Yet, this did not significantly impact the race, and some even felt it added to the spectacle.
One consistent criticism was the tight chicane at Turns 14 and 15, located under a neighboring highway. Drivers expressed their discomfort, with Lewis Hamilton citing it as the only weak point.
On the other hand, Red Bull was better suited to the Miami International Autodrome than Ferrari, due to its superior aerodynamic trade-off. This played a significant role in their victory, according to team boss Christian Horner.
Following this action-packed weekend, Formula 1 will return to its European heartland in two weeks with a double-header in Spain and Monaco. Nevertheless, the memories of Miami’s grand F1 spectacle, where Hollywood glamour met the high-octane world of racing, will undoubtedly linger.
