Miami delivers heat in its third Formula One weekend

7th May 2024

Fans from all over the world were treated to three days of motorsport bliss

They say the third time’s a charm, and for Miami, hosting Formula One for the third time, it was just that, writes Damian Hall

The U.S city delivered on a promise to bring the heat. Over three days, from May 3 – 5, people from all walks of life, from all corners of the globe, converged at the Hard Rock Stadium to support their favourite drivers and teams. In return, fans were treated to three days of motorsport bliss.

It was an exciting weekend for the sport in general. McLaren’s Lando Norris won his first-ever Grand Prix, a milestone that was met with thunderous applause and cheers, marking a significant achievement in the Brit’s racing career.

Saturday introduced Miami’s inaugural Sprint Race. This shorter version of the Grand Prix, where pit stops are not mandatory but battles seemingly are, added a layer of intense competition to the weekend.

Up and down the grid, drivers were always in striking distance of one another; the racing was closer, but the highlight was undoubtedly the fierce battle for the last points position. Haas’s Kevin Magnussen and Mercedes’s Sir Lewis Hamilton traded blows over several laps. The two drivers showcased a dramatic show of skill and strategy, though marred in controversy as the menacing Magnussen tested the boundaries of the sporting regulations. Hamilton eventually won out, only to later lose his position due to an apparent infringement earlier in the race.

In addition to the main events, there were support series races, lower class competitions that ran when the main Formula One races were not on track. Think of these events as opening acts at a concert, setting the stage for the headliners. Though support series vary from city to city, Miami’s fans enjoyed the F1 Academy, an all-female formula series, and the Porsche Carrera Cup, providing a diverse range of motorsport action.

The energy and passion from the fans could be felt throughout the venue; it felt like stepping onto another planet. The universal language of motorsport was spoken here, and its excitement was infectious.

Miami’s general admission, cleverly named the Campus Pass, provided access to this F1 wonderland. This year, amidst calls to make the sport more accessible to the working class, the pass was priced at an affordable $150 USD per day, a significant drop from the previous $590 USD.

The Campus Pass offered incredible value despite the lack of assigned seating. Pass holders had access to select viewing points along the circuit, including a notable stretch where turns 8-11 sliced through the heart of the campus.

Some brand partners set up viewing decks where seating was provided at no additional cost on a first-come, first-serve basis. One particularly impressive area featured a shaded pavilion with viewing monitors right alongside the circuit. Here, staff treated everyone like VIPs, enhancing the experience and sparking curiosity about the benefits of more premium seating options.

Navigating the sprawling venue was facilitated by the event’s comprehensive app, which provided a digital version of the physical map distributed at entry, complete with additional features like waypoints. Each section of the campus boasted its own food court, each designed with different culinary themes to enhance the overall vibe of the area.

As I explored and discovered new experiences around each corner, I realized how much value the Campus Pass truly offered. Despite its affordability, it was just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what the event had to offer. It seemed clear that Miami had achieved its goal: converting casual attendees into dedicated, higher-tier patrons. The excellent experience left me eagerly anticipating next year’s event.

Looking ahead, the excitement builds as Sir Lewis is set to move to Ferrari. His thrilling drive on Sunday, battling to recover the weekend in a less capable machine, was a testament to his skill and determination.

With Hamilton taking the wheel of a more capable Ferrari next year and Miami hosting for the fourth time, I predict that Hamilton’s number 44 will indeed deliver something extraordinary.

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