Formula 1 is gearing up for the inaugural Miami Grand Prix this weekend, with a race around the Miami Dolphins ‘ Hard Rock Stadium.
The long-awaited event in Florida’s most famous city joins the United States GP of Austin as the second American race on the F1 calendar, with a third coming next year in Las Vegas .
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who won the last race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2007 and then competed in a period when the USA was absent from the calendar until the arrival of Austin in 2012, said he was ” surprised” to see how F1 has finally conquered the country.
“I grew up seeing how amazing this series is and seeing that there was still a huge disconnect in the US and the rest of the world in terms of passion for F1, so it’s really amazing to see that we’ve achieved it and that the interest has grown,” Hamilton said.
“Miami is going to be an experience for all of us, for the entire racing community, for those fans who are just watching us, they’re going to be able to see something that they may have never seen here before. The United States has a lot to offer in that regard, for which is exciting.”
The 5.41km circuit loops counter-clockwise and features a variety of low-speed sections, fast corners and a 1.28km, 320km/h straight leading to the hairpin at the 17, which is expected to be the main overtaking opportunity.
For the fun of the most social media lovers, the circuit also has a fake marina with fake water that will give the stadium a more Miami flavor.
Hamilton ‘s former Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas was one of several drivers to give the circuit a thumbs up when he tested it in the simulator.
“Actually, it’s been good to see that it seems to be a really good track for overtaking,” said the Alfa Romeo driver.
“I think the way the circuit was planned, from my side it looks positive. It should be a good race. Fairly long straights and a couple of very good overtaking opportunities.”
“So let’s see how it’s done in real life, but to me on paper it looks pretty good. And I’m sure as an event it’s going to be pretty amazing.”
