Formula 1 drivers are taking their talents to South Beach once again, but not much has changed from last year.
The F1 grid returns to the Miami International Autodrome this weekend, with the second-ever Miami GP set to get underway on Friday. Last year's race was something of a procession until a late-stage safety car introduced a little chaos to the equation.
On restart, Max Verstappen had to hold off Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, on whom he'd built a fairly comfortable lead. The Red Bull driver, though, pulled away in the closing stages of the race to win his second grand prix on U.S. soil.
This year, expect more of the same. The track remains the same — with some big-time changes that actually could potentially discourage drivers from making big-time moves on race day.
MORE: Schedule of events for the 2023 Miami Grand Prix
Here's what to know about the Miami International Autodrome ahead of the second-ever Miami Grand Prix:
Formula 1 Miami track location
- Location: Miami Gardens, Fla.
- Venue: Miami International Autodrome
Constructed as a temporary track in 2022, the Miami International Autodrome features:
- 57 laps;
- 3.363 miles (5.412 KM) in length;
- 19 corners;
- Three DRS zones;
- Expected average speed around 139 mph, with top speeds maxing out around 200 mph on the straight (DRS Zone 1).
Originally, the plan was for the Miami GP to race along the beach, down Miami's famed Ocean Drive. Logistically, though, it wasn't possible, leading to the temporary track being built just outside of Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.
Formula 1 Miami track map
The official track map features 19 corners and three DRS zones, and sits at a length of just over 3 1/2 miles. The race will go 57 laps.
Formula 1 Miami track details
Named the Miami International Autodrome, the temporary circuit is based in Miami Gardens, Fla., and circles the exterior of Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins of the NFL.
The track itself was unveiled in 2022 in time for the inaugural Miami Grand Prix. Check out the CGI rendering of a lap around the circuit here:
The layout remains the same as the 2022 rendition of the race, but there will be a notable change, with the shortening of the DRS zones in Sector 2 and 3.
The first DRS activation point heading into Turn 11 (Sector 2) has been pushed back, shortening the DRS detection zone by 75 meters. The straightaway DRS zone on the long straight has also been shortened by 75 meters, leaving a smaller window for someone to run for an overtake on the track's longest straight.
It's something of a curious change to make. With limited overtaking spots (as evidenced from the 2022 Miami GP), shortening the window for a driver to make a run at the car in front of him makes for less speed, and potentially less exciting racing.
In addition to the track itself, the course features some other gaudy details, including a makeshift "Yacht Club" (featuring very lifelike looking "water") with dry-docked boats inside of Turns 6, 7 and 8.
NEW: @craigslatersky experiences the Yacht Club at Miami!! 💧 🛥 #F1 #MiamiGP
— FormulaNerds 🤓🏁 (@Formula_Nerds) May 3, 2022
pic.twitter.com/Vx4r4RiCQT
Changes for the drivers aren't the only ones coming to Miami this year. There's a new paddock set to be unveiled this weekend, with a new tiered fixture for fans, which is constructed above the garages.
The "Team Village" area is moved to inside of Hard Rock Stadium, away from the outside of the building as it was in 2022:
A new F1 Paddock Club is coming to the Miami International Autodrome this May! 🚨
— F1 Miami Grand Prix (@f1miami) January 18, 2023
With unparalleled views of the pitlane and start/finish straight, luxury hospitality spaces, and built catering facilities, an ultra-premium experience is coming to @HardRockStadium! pic.twitter.com/LgvhIzGG7y
In addition to the new paddock, there is also a new hospitality section for fans inside of Turn 12, and an additional 6,000 seats added for this year's race.
How much did construction cost?
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross funded the $40 million custom track and contributed to other associated race costs, according to the Miami Herald.
