F1 agrees Miami Hard Rock stadium plan for 2021
Plans to run the Miami Grand Prix around the city's Hard Rock stadium have taken a step close to fruition with the confirmation of an agreement in principle between Formula 1 and the local promoter.
Having abandoned the initial attempts to run the race in the harbourside area – due to local opposition and the complications of securing permits from the several authorities with jurisdiction – the focus instead to the area around the stadium, which is also owned by promoter Stephen Ross's RSE Ventures organisation.
A track layout which uses mostly car parks and land owned by the stadium, best known as the home of the Miami Dolphins, has been designed.
However, it also includes around half a mile of public roads along Northwest 199th Street, to the south of the stadium.
A joint statement issued on the website www.f1mia.com by stadium and Dolphins Vice Chairman and CEO Tom Garfinkel and F1 commercial boss Sean Bratches
It read: "We are thrilled to announce that Formula 1 and Hard Rock stadium have reached an agreement in principle to host the first ever Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix at Hard Rock Stadium.
"With an estimated annual impact of more than $400 million and 35,000 room nights, the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix will be an economic juggernaut for South Florida each and every year.
"We are deeply grateful to our fans, elected officials and the local tourism industry for their patience and support throughout this process. We look forward to bringing the greatest racing spectacle on the planet for the first time to one of the world's most iconic and glamorous regions."
Proposed track layout for Miami Grand Prix track at Hard Rock Stadium
Photo by: Motorsport.com
On his Twitter feed, Garfinkel indicated that the race would be held in May – a month that is currently busy with European events, including of course Monaco.
"The world's greatest racing F1 has never been to S.Florida," he wrote. "Imagine people coming to this region from around the world in May. Multiple passing zones and world-class clubs and amenities. Barcelona, Monaco… Miami… make it happen."
Although the Hard Rock venue will require the support of fewer authorities that the original downtown course – where the Bayfront Park authority proved particular difficult – it will still need the backing of the Miami-Dade County Commission.
A meeting of local residents last month saw many expressing their concerns about the race, and county commissioner Barbara Jordan, who hosted the gathering, said she opposed the event.
"It solidified my position as a no," she noted. "In terms of something this community does not want."
Miami track rendering
Photo by: Hard Rock Stadium
Miami track rendering
Photo by: Hard Rock Stadium
Miami track rendering
Photo by: Hard Rock Stadium
Miami track rendering
Photo by: Hard Rock Stadium
Previous article
Tech verdict: How Mercedes struck back at Suzuka
Next article
The inside story of how F1 kept the Japanese GP on TV
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Author | Adam Cooper |
Sebastian Vettel explains why Aston Martin
Aston Martin AMR21 Unveiling
The updates Williams hopes will lead to a point-scoring return
After producing a car which demonstrated progress but lacked the points to prove it last year, Williams starts its new era of team ownership with the FW43B, its bid to continue the climb up the Formula 1 grid in 2021
How Ferrari plans to recover from its 2020 F1 nightmare
The 2020 Formula 1 season was Ferrari's worst for 40 years as it slumped to sixth in the standings. A repeat performance will not be acceptable for the proud Italian team, which has adopted a notably pragmatic approach to forging its path back to the top
Why Aston Martin’s arrival is more than just new green livery
In the most eagerly anticipated Formula 1 team launch of the season, the rebranded Aston Martin squad’s changes go much further than the striking paint job. But rather than a restart, the team hopes to build on top of solid foundations.
The car Aston Martin begins its new F1 journey with
The team formerly known as Racing Point gambled successfully on a Mercedes look-alike in 2020 as it mounted a strong challenge for third in the constructors' race and won the Sakhir GP. Now clothed in British racing green, Aston Martin's first Formula 1 challenger since 1960 provides the clearest indicator yet of what to expect from the new-for-2021 regulations
The tricky driver conundrums facing Mercedes in F1 2021
Ahead of the new Formula 1 season, reigning world champions Mercedes will take on challenges both old and new. This also can be said for its driver conundrum which could become key to sustaining its ongoing success...
How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
A new name, new faces and new colours pulls the rebranded Alpine Formula 1 team into a new era while carrying over core elements of its 2020 car. But under the surface there's more than meets the eye with the A521 which hints at how the team will tackle 2021...
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat
The pointed note that starts Ferrari's Leclerc vs Sainz era
Ferrari is starting its post-Sebastian Vettel age by welcoming Carlos Sainz in alongside Charles Leclerc. But while Sainz has a tough challenge to match his new teammate, Ferrari is also sending a message that previous intra-team spats must end
