Formula 1 is set to race on the streets of Miami next year following a 10-year deal inked between the sport and the promoter for the new Miami Grand Prix.
The event's addition to Grand Prix racing's agenda caps almost two years of discussions and setbacks, marked by a change of venue and efforts from local residents to derail the project.
However, a resolution voted earlier this week by the city of Miami Gardens has paved the way for the race to become a reality as soon as next year.
The event will take place around the Miami Dolphins' Hard Rock Stadium on a 5.41-kilometer track that will offer a mixture of tight and high-speed corners.
Although the race has been earmarked for next season, no date has yet been set, but F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali expects to slot in Miami in the second quarter of 2022, adding therefore a second F1 race in America.
But F1 is expecred to keep the race dates for Miami and Austin distanced from each other in a bid to spread America's interest for the sport across the season.
“We are thrilled to announce that Formula 1 will be racing in Miami beginning in 2022,” said the F1 boss.
“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.”
Two signatures, 10 years of racing in Miami ✍️
Tom Garfinkel, Managing Partner of the new Miami Grand Prix, and Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1 make it official!#MiamiGP #F1 @f1miami pic.twitter.com/sC1w43kp7J
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
Tom Garfinkel, Vice-Chairman, President & CEO, Hard Rock Stadium, added: “The Hard Rock Stadium entertainment campus in Miami Gardens exists to host the biggest global events to benefit the entire greater Miami region and Formula 1 racing is as big as it gets.
"We have worked with specialist designers to create a racetrack that we, Formula 1 and the FIA believe will provide great racing and we hope to create best-in-class unique fan experiences that are reflective of the diverse and dynamic nature of Miami.
“I want to thank Formula 1 and the Miami Gardens and Miami Dade County elected officials for working to bring this hugely impactful event here for years to come.”
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
