Why Miami isn’t doing “too much” with its F1 Grand Prix

Certainly, the adage “to please everyone is to please anyone” could find meaning in the ordeal we have just experienced in Florida. But, since this debate has generated so many reactions, questions, and even attacks from its detractors, we might as well go against the grain of these opinions in this editorial. And if ultimately, the weekend that we had just experienced at the Miami Grand Prix was not rather a mark of success for the F1, for the United States, and at the same time for Liberty Media, which had ticked off this objective since its arrival in the category in 2016? The question is asked, the following arguments will attempt to support it.

The show through sport, a culture made in the USA

The week that F1 has just spent in Florida has in many ways taken us back to the scents that Monaco can exude every year. Lots of branded VIP guests, endless events and marketing, a fake marina that gets a lot of attention, etc. Events which can sometimes encroach on sport, it is true. But isn’t that ultimately the hallmark of sport in the United States?

Who was your favorite special guest in Miami? 🤩#MiamiGP | @ f1miami pic.twitter.com/havFbAAsD9

- Formula 1 (@ F1) May 9, 2022

Because this kind of American show is not really a surprise, but rather a trademark. The shows that the NFL gives us during each half-time of the Superbowl are just as much talked about as the game itself. The advertisements are sold at a high price, the public is won over by the spectacle offered to them while waiting for the return of the actors, and the artists themselves feel acclaimed, even privileged, by such invitations. The NBA is also a model of its kind, taking advantage of each downtime (God knows there are many of them in a match) to offer entertainment, each crazier than the last – including the famous baby race which is worth the detour.

In short, by going to Miami, one of the most touristy and attractive cities in the United States, F1 could not escape such a scheme. She even played it, the drivers and teams playing the game quite easily. There is surely an important aspect to remember, that of firstness, of novelty. Ultimately, we are not taking much risk in saying that this data may fade somewhat in future editions. The distinguished guests, who apparently caused a lot of problems this weekend, may not fill the grid as much before the start in years to come. The bellows will certainly fall a little, ultimately making the event itself less anticipated.

Finally some enthusiasm for F1 across the Atlantic

Second – yes, this word still exists – the world of F1 has long complained about a lack of attractiveness, and above all interest, for its discipline in the United States. Since the Netflix hurricane hit, the cards have been completely redistributed. The craze seems strong, more than ever before, and the wave that was the Miami Grand Prix was only its expression.

As a reminder, nearly 240 spectators gathered in the stands throughout the weekend. Not even the exorbitant prices to attend the race discouraged them, and yet, we can only deplore it – 000 euros for the least expensive place, second most expensive Grand Prix of the season behind… Monaco. The fans were even present on Wednesday evening, facing the twenty drivers on the grid, surely stunned to see so many people for a day which generally has little interest. The beginnings of a weekend that was going to take place with flying colors. On all the plans.

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paraphrasing Romain Grosjean, now a resident of the “magic city” and interviewed before the Grand Prix, people only talked about this race. Exit Nascar (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and the Indycar, which generally monopolize the hearts of Americans, F1 has become fun and attractive. It is perhaps no longer the sport that is so markedly “European” as usual. This is evidenced by the arrival of a third event in the USA in 2023, in Las Vegas of course – which risks being even more eccentric.

Miami's special podium celebrations, as you've never seen them before 👀#MiamiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/BpkiTYAO4h

- Formula 1 (@ F1) May 9, 2022

A not so uninteresting Grand Prix

But to come back to the athlete, since that's what counts in the end. We cannot say that the race was tedious. There were no fewer than 45 overtakes during the Miami Grand Prix, making it the second most prolific race of the season, behind the 58 in Bahrain.

If the suspense for victory only lasted around ten laps, it is difficult to blame the organizers, or the designers of the circuit. Rather, the fault should be placed on Verstappen et Red Bull, guilty of being too efficient (at the moment) for the competition, and especially for the Ferrari.

On the other hand, behind, action came from all sides. The battle Hamilton/Russell has kept the spectators in suspense for a long time – well the spectators, as the directors have failed on this one – just like the crazy comeback ofEsteban Ocon, last on the grid at the start, and ninth at the finish.

Certainly, there are many aspects to improve for future editions of the Miami Grand Prix. From the lack of grip outside the trajectories of the single-seaters – linked to the tarmac placed before the race – to the absence of Tecpro in certain places, as deplored Sainz and Ocon, passing through the chicane of turns 14, 15 and 16, visibly unsuitable for the pace and scale of F1. But the idea of ​​this editorial, somewhat oriented, was above all to present this weekend from another angle. The one that the Americans were surely waiting for, and which can sometimes disorient the most historic followers of F1.

This is also an F1 calendar. Grands Prix in the four corners of the globe, on circuits as unique as each other. This is what makes a season, as rich and varied as it can be. And this is surely what we should expect in the years to come. Without turning our back on our historic and exciting circuits. That's good, F1 is back to what it knows best in less than two weeks... Barcelona.