The Miami Grand Prix is one of the newest and most talked-about races in Formula 1. It takes place at the Miami International Autodrome, a temporary racing circuit built around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The first Miami Grand Prix was held in May 2022, after years of planning and negotiations.

The original idea to bring F1 to Miami started back in 2017, when Liberty Media took over Formula 1 and began looking for ways to grow the sport in the United States. At first, there were plans for a downtown Miami street circuit near Biscayne Bay, but local opposition and legal issues made this impossible.

In 2019, a new plan was announced — to build a track around the Hard Rock Stadium, which is owned by Miami Dolphins NFL team owner Stephen Ross.

This location was a clever choice. The stadium already had good transport links, plenty of parking, and space for fans and media. The track was designed to feel like a street circuit, even though it was purpose-built on private land. It is 5.41 km (3.36 miles) long, with 19 corners, three DRS zones, and a long back straight where cars can reach speeds of over 320 km/h (200 mph).

The British company Apex Circuit Design was hired to plan the layout. Designers used simulation tools and even the F1 video game engine to test how cars would perform on the track before it was built. Construction began in early 2021 and took over a year to complete. More than 24,000 tonnes of asphalt were used to lay the track surface. Safety barriers and fencing were brought in from other tracks, and temporary buildings were added for team garages, hospitality areas, media, and fans.

One of the most talked-about features of the Miami GP is the fake marina, built beside the track. It was made with printed vinyl flooring to look like water, with yachts placed on top. It became an internet sensation in 2022, with fans joking about the “dry marina.” Still, it added to the unique feel of the event and reflected Miami’s luxury image.

There were challenges along the way. The team had to meet strict environmental and noise rules and ensure the roads could be used again after the race weekend. Despite this, the project stayed on schedule. By May 8, 2022, everything was ready for the first race.

The 2022 Miami Grand Prix was a huge success. Over 240,000 fans attended across the weekend, and celebrities like David Beckham, Michael Jordan, and the Williams sisters were seen in the paddock. The race was won by Max Verstappen, who overtook both Ferraris to take victory for Red Bull. The event showed how popular Formula 1 had become in the U.S., especially with the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive series.

In 2023, the race returned with some improvements, including a new permanent paddock area inside the stadium. The Miami Grand Prix is now a regular fixture on the calendar and is part of a growing list of U.S. races, alongside Austin and Las Vegas. It combines American showbiz with European racing style, making it one of the most unique races in modern F1.

The 2024 Miami Grand Prix was particularly memorable. Held from May 3 to May 5, it attracted a record-breaking 275,799 spectators over the three-day weekend. The race marked the first time the Miami GP featured the sprint format, adding extra excitement to the event. In a thrilling main race, McLaren’s Lando Norris secured his maiden Formula 1 victory, finishing ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.