Formula One organisers announced last week that the Championship’s long-awaited return to Florida has finally arrived.
A brand new Miami street circuit will grace the 2022 calendar, as part of a new ten-year deal according to officials.
The new addition will see the drivers battle it out on a new layout at the Hard Rock Stadium entertainment campus in Miami Gardens.
Here’s everything we know so far:
The Circuit
The circuit will be 5.41km, featuring 19 corners, three straights, and potential for three DRS zones, with an estimated top speed of 320km/h.
Plans for the new F1 battleground will see the Hard Rock Stadium sit at the heart of the track, which has been designed to allow for some nail-bitingly close racing while meeting the highest safety standards.
This evening, a virtual on-board lap was finally revealed on the official Twitter page:
Lights out and away we go… in Miami Gardens. Take a lap through our @F1 circuit at @HardRockStadium coming in 2022😎 pic.twitter.com/GyYuo4j8wS
— F1 Miami Grand Prix (@f1miami) April 22, 2021
When?
A specific date for the Miami Grand Prix has yet to be confirmed, although we know the inaugural race will be held during the 2022 season.
However, a report in Canada’s Le Journal de Montreal foresees the Miami race taking place in June, right after Montreal.
“The date (for Miami) will be in the second quarter of next year,” Domenicali said at Imola.
“We have always said that the United States is a key market in which we must develop our business.
“There are a lot of opportunities to be seized and having two races in the United States is the right direction for our strategy for the future.”
Reaction
Speaking about the exciting announcement, Ferrari Team Principal, Mattia Binotto said:
“We are delighted that has added a new Grand Prix in the USA, a country where there is great untapped potential interest for this sport and which represents a very important market for our road cars.
“This event in Miami will certainly be fascinating, taking place in one of the most iconic cities in the USA.
“This news is yet another sign of the growth and vitality of and the increasing interest it is generating around the world.”
Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1 said:
“We are thrilled to announce that Formula 1 will be racing in Miami beginning in 2022.
“The USA is a key growth market for us, and we are greatly encouraged by our growing reach in the US which will be further supported by this exciting second race.
“We will be working closely with the team from Hard Rock Stadium and the FIA to ensure the circuit delivers exciting racing but also leaves a positive and lasting contribution to the people in the local community.
“We are grateful to our fans, the Miami Gardens elected officials, and the local tourism industry for their patience and support throughout this process.
“We are looking forward to bringing the greatest racing spectacle on the planet to Miami for the first time in our sport’s history.”