The Miami GP seems back on track after a principal agreement done between the two parties to host the F1 race at Hard Rock Stadium.
After the plans for Downtown Miami was scrapped due to the organisers losing out to the residents, F1 started looking for alternative venues to stage the grand prix. The proposal for a new venue for Miami GP then came through Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.
The idea proposed was to stage the race around the Hard Rock Stadium, which is the home of the Dolphins NFL team. A proposed layout was also revealed earlier in the month by Miami Herald but the report stated about the opposition from the South Florida residents.
In support of the residents were Commissioner Barbara Jordan, whose district includes Hard Rock Stadium and Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert, who is running to replace her. But a principal agreement is in place, even though a vote is still due for final approval.
A joint statement from Miami Dolphins’ CEO Tom Garfinkel and F1’s Sean Bratches read as: “We are thrilled to announce that Formula One and Hard Rock Stadium have reached an agreement in principle to host the first-ever F1 Miami GP at Hard Rock Stadium.
“With an estimated annual impact of more than $400 million and 35,000 room nights, the Formula One Miami Grand Prix will be an economic juggernaut for South Florida each and every year [the grand prix is held].
“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.”
With residents still opposing the grand prix due to the requirement of some road blockages plus pollution in terms of air and noise, it remains to be seen if Miami GP will finally see light or not. The said date is May 2021 – which could shake up the F1 calendar.
Currently and also in 2020, the American races like Brazil, Mexico and USA takes place in October-November but should Miami slot in May, it could be a standalone weekend, which will require further changes around it, in terms of travel and logistics.
https://twitter.com/HardRockStadium/status/1184212005693071361?s=20
https://twitter.com/f1miami/status/1184214158323175426?s=20
Here’s the last report on the Miami GP