MIAMI – Welcome to the Miami Grand Prix, increasingly dubbed America`s Monaco.
This comparison is bound to spark debate and potentially outrage among dedicated motorsports enthusiasts. The mere suggestion might evoke memories of dramatic moments in racing history, perhaps akin to a sudden engine failure or a frustrated driver incident.
However, it`s crucial to clarify that this is not a precise, one-to-one comparison. That would be premature, unfair, and frankly, unrealistic, like matching a new driver against a legend or a minor sports event against a major classic. But when evaluating this four-year-old race against the nearly century-old cornerstone event in the Mediterranean, the Miami Grand Prix, which was initially derided as the `Parking Lot GP` back in 2022, appears far more substantial than its early critics suggested.
So, let`s take a moment to explore the rationale behind labeling Miami as America`s Monaco.
Indeed, the Miami Grand Prix does not feature Formula 1 cars racing through the waterfront streets of South Beach, unlike many previous racing events held in the city with similar titles. From the 1980s through 2015, sports cars, IndyCars, and Formula E machines navigated urban routes in the Magic City.
Nor does the event boast multi-million dollar yachts moored in an ancient harbor like Monaco`s Port Hercules, filled with glamorous people sipping champagne as race cars burst from a tunnel.
And the race circuit isn`t lined with the historic, opulent buildings and casinos that define Monaco`s famous street layout.
Nevertheless, the F1 venue in Miami is centered around Hard Rock Stadium, which shares its name with a casino brand. There is, notably, a display featuring an array of luxurious `yachts` populated by guests enjoying refreshments. While famously not actually floating, being set on trailers surrounded by artificial water, they undeniably offer some of the prime viewing locations at the Miami GP, and are notably among the few air-conditioned spots in the often hot environment. This hospitality area features high-end food and drink, contributing to the luxurious feel.
“I gotta have another one of those empanadas, man!”
This enthusiastic exclamation, highlighting the quality of the catering, came from Will.i.am.
The artist, while not professing to be a racing expert, commented, “But what I do know is when something is a party. A real party. This race is a real party.”
Let`s be candid: the ultimate measure of an F1 event`s greatness isn`t always solely the quality of the racing itself. This has often been true in F1, where a single memorable overtake can define a race, and it is particularly evident in Monaco, where passing has been notoriously difficult for decades. Debates have even surfaced recently, questioning Monaco`s continued suitability for the calendar based on racing action. Yet, the enduring charm and guaranteed place of the sport`s classic event stem from the overall experience – the atmosphere, the `vibes,` the intangible glamour that has long served as the benchmark for a truly spectacular F1 weekend.
“Look at this red carpet! It feels like we`re at a movie premiere, or the Grammys!”
This observation, much like Will.i.am`s, came from a celebrity, impressed by the sheer concentration of other famous figures present at the 2023 Miami GP, despite their routine exposure to such circles.
Tom Cruise, for example, commented excitedly as he headed towards the grid, noting the attendance of figures like Serena and Venus Williams and LL Cool J. Reflecting on the event, he stated, “I know this race is still very new and I know there are other amazing F1 venues in the United States now, but I think this place has become the must-attend Stateside event.”
This brings us to a key point when considering Miami alongside other US F1 venues. The Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, nearing its 13th year, is a purpose-built road course that also attracts celebrities. The Las Vegas GP, set for its third edition in November, offers unparalleled spectacle, racing directly on the Strip. However, few would argue that the Vegas circuit, despite its visual impact, is designed for optimal racing quality.
(While some motorsports enthusiasts might highlight the historic Long Beach Grand Prix, which hosted F1 from 1976 to 1983 before becoming a prominent IndyCar event, this discussion focuses on the current US rounds of the Formula 1 World Championship.)
Miami occupies a distinct position between Austin and Las Vegas in terms of its American F1 identity. The circuit, while not without its flaws, has improved. The spectacle, though perhaps not matching the sheer scale of racing past landmarks like the Sphere or the Stratosphere roller coaster, possesses a stronger local flavor than a remote, dedicated track like COTA, largely thanks to the distinctive aqua-blue-and-coral stadium at its core.
Indeed, what could better represent racing in the USA than roaring around a venue made famous by the NFL?
Lewis Hamilton, who has been critical of the Miami Autodrome circuit itself, seems to appreciate the stadium aspect. Referencing Hard Rock Stadium by its many former names (including Joe Robbie Stadium, Pro Player Park, Dolphins Stadium, Land Shark Stadium, and Sun Life Stadium), home to the Miami Dolphins and University of Miami Hurricanes, he said, “When they moved a lot of our hospitality and events inside the stadium the second year, walking onto that field was pretty amazing to think about all of the great moments that have happened there, especially in the NFL.”
This ground, historically associated with football heroes like Dan Marino or significant games like the 2009 BCS Championship featuring Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow, now hosts 1,000-horsepower F1 cars. The structure that witnessed moments like Cam Ward`s path to the recent NFL draft now houses F1 teams strategizing. A race that navigates through areas used for fall tailgating and surrounds a building steeped in American football history now sees McLarens, Red Bulls, and Ferraris engaging in `drafting` and effectively `tailgating` each other on a 3.5-mile, 19-turn lap completed in about 90 seconds.
It may not be the South of France; it`s the south of Florida. And that`s perfectly acceptable. If the Miami Grand Prix is appealing enough to attract figures like Brad Pitt, Shakira, and Max Verstappen, then this version of “America`s Monaco” should certainly be compelling for everyone else.
Emerson Fittipaldi, a two-time Formula 1 world champion and long-time Miami resident (who achieved podiums in Monaco and competed in the 1987 Miami GP), states, “The idea behind the creation of this race was to showcase what we love about racing, but also what we love about Miami.” He adds, “This grand prix is a wonderful time at the racetrack. I think that anyone who comes to the event or has come to the event, they will tell you that. And who doesn`t want to have a wonderful time?”
