Key track remodelling work planned for Miami GP circuit

Promoters of the Miami Grand Prix are planning to make some significant changes to the Miami International Autodrome before the race is held for the second time in 2023.

The race made its Formula 1 debut in May, becoming the second Grand Prix hosted in the United States along with the autumn United States GP race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

And a third race will join them on the calendar next season when F1 returns to Las Vegas to race on the world-famous strip at the end of the year.

• Read also: 'Embarrassed' Miami GP track designer plans changes

But organisers have acknowledged that some changes need to be made to the Miami track before F1 returns.

The circuit is located in the Hard Rock Stadium complex in Miami Gardens, home to the NFL’s famous Miami Dolphins franchise. Although it's a temporary circuit, it was designed from the outset to have a 'permanent' feel.

Currently the 5.41km layout features 19 corners, three straights, potential for three DRS zones and an estimated top speed of 320km/h.

There are elevation changes including the main one found between turns 13 and 16, with the track heading over an exit ramp and under various flyovers across uneven ground.

The turn 14-15 chicane featured an uphill approach with a crest in the middle before dropping away on exit.

But the layout was criticised for its lack of overtaking potential, despite Max Verstappen managing to pass Charles Leclerc on his way to victory in the inaugural event.

Reporting from sources within the F1 Commission, RacingNews365.com says that the remodelling work will focus on that turn 14-15 chicane which will be completely reprofiled.

The objective is to to speed the cars up as they wind beneath the overhead freeways. The much-criticised wall at the exit of turn 14 which claimed Esteban Ocon during practice will also be modified.

Ocon was left unable to take part in qualifying this year after crashing and damaging his chassis.

And the whole circuit will be resurfaced in time for the race, with rumble strips possibly being added to a number of high-speed corners in the first sector.

The changes come after the president of the event Tyler Epp promised to listen to driver feedback and act on their recommendations.

"We have got the feedback from F1, the FIA and the drivers and we are using their input to improve the circuit in certain places," he told RacingNews365.com at the time.

"We are working with the different parties to see where and what we can improve on the track," he continued. "We do this by listening to the constructive criticism in particular at the moment."

The move comes after reigning champion Max Verstappen renewed his criticism of the number of street tracks to the F1 calendar, with Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan and Las Vegas joining Monaco, Canada, Australia, Azerbaijan and Miami.

"I don't like street circuits at all anymore. Certainly not with the even bigger and heavier new generation of cars," he told Dutch motorsports website Formule1.nl.

“Formula 1 cars are really not made for that," he explained. Certainly not with the even bigger and heavier new generation of cars. It was still manageable with the old cars.

“In Monaco and Singapore, I was very disappointed with how the new cars took to the streets.Too heavy, too stiff, you can't take kerbs with it anymore.

"The cars just aren't built for [it]. Street circuits are fun for pictures, but not for racing.”

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter