Another Spectacular Race Weekend for year 2 in Miami.
The FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2023 had another spectacular weekend of action both on and off the racetrack. The 3.36-mile Miami International Autodrome roared into life over the weekend of May 5-7, 2023 as it hosted round five of this year’s FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
Twelve months ago, Max Verstappen won the inaugural race in Miami for Oracle Red Bull Racing after a thrilling duel with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. With the reigning world champion and his team currently leading the 2023 points standings, the Dutchman triumphed once again in 2023 on the 19-turn Miami International Autodrome taking first place. Miami also welcomed South Florida’s very own local driver, Logan Sargeant to the grid. In all, 10 F1 teams and 20 drivers descended on the vibrant city of Miami after making the 6,800-mile trip from Baku — the location for the previous race — held just days before the action began in Miami Gardens.
Preparation of the venue
Organizers worked around-the-clock to prepare the venue, transforming the football field to the home of the Miami Open tennis presented by Itaú., and then quickly to the Formula 1® Team Village.
The incredible transformation from football field to tennis court to Formula 1® Team Village is a continuation of the global entertainment destination that Hard Rock Stadium has become famous for in recent years, having hosted a multitude of world-class events including major concerts, the Super Bowl, boxing and international soccer.
Over the past ten months, a brand-new permanent Paddock Club was constructed above the garages on pit lane. It features a rooftop viewing deck which extends into Hard Rock Stadium. The new three-tier facility houses 6,000 guests and offered amazing views of the final sequence of corners and the start/finish straight.
One of the largest investments made since the inaugural race in 2022 is the repaving of the track, which was made with the intent to provide best-in-class racing. In conjunction with circuit architects Tilke and based on feedback from the drivers’ council, teams, Formula 1 and the FIA, the entire 3.36-mile course has been re-paved while minor alterations have been made to the Turn 14/15 chicane.
New spaces at Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2023
Fans were able to view the track action from new hospitality spaces, including The Vista at Turn 1 and The Boathouse at MIA Marina, which offered premium experiences for guests to choose from while still reflecting the culture of Miami. One of the most popular areas on the Campus last year was Hard Rock Beach Club. This luxury space was enhanced for this year, with more cabana-style seating and entertainment acts that included superstars Jonas Brothers and Wisin y Yandel and DJ Tiësto and Cederic Gervais. In addition, the world’s first bilingual, Latin girl-group Bella Dose performed on the track ahead of the race start.
Around the venue, grandstand capacity was increased to over 55,000 with elevated viewing platforms on Trackside Lane between Turns 8 and 10, an expanded F1 Fan Zone, plus more shaded seating and water stations throughout the Campus.
In further developments, there was a new area in the Campus known as Race Street, where spectators were able to view luxury car displays, street art by local artists, listen to music and experience the best food and beverage offering that showcase Miami. Returning in 2023 was a number of luxury spaces that offered world-class hospitality. They included the exclusive, invite-only Palm Club plus the 72 Club presented by J.P. Morgan Payments. Other premium spaces included the Casa Tua Trackside Club, a soulful intimate atmosphere with traditional Italian cuisine catered by one of Miami’s most prestigious restaurants. Award-winning chefs Michelle Bernstein, Brad Kilgore and Lorena Garcia amongst others, brought their exquisite culinary offerings to the racetrack.
Formula 1 in America starts in Miami
Tyler Epp, President of the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX commented, “I’m proud that our race allows us to showcase so much of Miami’s culture, putting us at the intersection of sports and entertainment. At the heart of it all is world-class racing, and we were happy for Miami to be in the spotlight as Formula 1 arrived in America for the first time this year.”
The 2022 event delivered a boost of $350 million to the local economy in both Miami Gardens and the wider South Florida and Greater Miami region and 2023 results should increase when final numbers are in. And this year organizers continued their F1 in Schools program to help inspire education in science, technology, and innovation. In addition, 23 interns undertook a 12-week paid program across a variety of departments including event operations, guest experience and marketing. Also, part of the food offering was 14 minority-owned restaurants from Miami Gardens providing the outlets to showcase their business during race week.
Not just about the F1 track happenings at Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2023
But this year’s 2023 Miami F1 buzz was not just about the F1 track happenings. Many celebs and movers and shakers favorite pitstop post-race was Carbone Beach presented by American Express on the sands of South Beach. Billionnaire business titans Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk were spotted here along with Ivanka Trump and hubby, Jared Kushner as well as tennis superstar, Venus Williams. Miami Heat basketball stars stopped by too to celebrate a team win. Other athletes, Mike Tyson and Olympic skier, Lindsey Vonn also made an appearance at Carbone Beach pop up.
A surprise performance by diva, Diana Ross was a crowd pleaser while Diddy delighted on stage one night as well. Entry into Carbone Beach pop up, an offshoot of the ever-popular Carbone Italian restaurant, was a mere $3000 per person per night for unlimited food, drink and dancing the night away amongst the “who’s who” of A-listers from the worlds of entertainment, sports and business.
The Miami F1 also brought the Formula 1 sport to the masses in America. The Netflix series, “Drive to Survive”, has helped popularize the F1 sports, with race tickets starting under $30 for Friday’s practice day, hordes of newly minted F1 fans showed up. There was literally something for everyone of any age and nationality at all price points at the Miami International Autodrome at Hard Rock Stadium Campus. So, as F1 cities stack up, Miami is a must for both new and old Formula 1 fans.
Next races in America
Next in America is Austin, Texas F1 on October 22. It is followed by the inaugural Las Vegas F1 race scheduled for November 19. Vegas is sure to put on a real showstopper Vegas-style, as a night race with plenty of neon lights glowing on the strip. And remember, “Whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”
BY HOPE GAINER, President Hope International Properties & Hope International Marketing
