As the 2024 F1 season hits North America with the Miami Grand Prix, all eyes are on Max Verstappen to see if his winning streak will be challenged amidst the Florida heat.
The sixth round of the 2024 F1 season, the Miami Grand Prix is the first in North America. Red Bull and Max Verstappen have won four of the first five races, with Ferrari and Carlos Sainz managing to claim victory in Australia.
Miami is a race that Liberty Media considers special on the calendar, as it serves as the commercial showcase of the sport. The race takes place around the Hard Rock Stadium of the Miami Dolphins, the city’s NFL team.
Numerous guests will be in attendance, and it is known that Liberty Media likes to reinforce the American identity of Formula 1 here, with special shows. There will also be many special helmets and some modified liveries on the cars.
The track
The Miami International Autodrome was resurfaced this winter to allow drivers to push harder. It features 19 turns and is 5.412 km long. The drivers will complete 57 laps during the race, totaling 308.326 km. The start line and the paddock are located at the foot of the Hard Rock Stadium.
The circuit begins with a sequence of three turns, followed by three fast curves and a supported braking in front of the marina. From there, turns 9 and 10 are actually a slightly curved straight line. This leads to the most winding section of the track.
Indeed, turn 11 is a sharp left-hand angle, followed by a right curve, a left turn, then a chicane and a turn slightly tighter than a right angle. From there, the drivers emerge onto the longest straight of the track.
This leads to the hairpin of turn 17, a crucial overtaking point. A quick left and a right bring the drivers back towards the pit lane. There will again be three DRS zones on the Miami circuit.
The first will be located between turns 9 and 11, which are actually a very slightly curved straight line. The second will be on the last two-thirds of the long return straight, while the third will be in front of the stands.
The forces at play
One year after his show of strength from ninth place, with exceptional tire management and a flawless climb to catch Sergio Pérez at the end of the race, Max Verstappen will be the favorite for this Miami Grand Prix, in which he remains undefeated.
The track should be less favorable to McLaren, which might cede its role as the second force from China to Ferrari. However, several teams will have updates, and the hierarchy could be upset. Aston Martin and Mercedes are expected to remain in the background.
It remains to be seen what impact the new components brought by Haas will have on the hierarchy, while other teams will certainly bring advanced parts.
The schedule of the Miami Grand Prix
With a six-hour time difference with Florida, the Miami Grand Prix will take place in the evening for us, and it will again be a Sprint format, with qualifications on Friday evening.
2024 Miami Grand Prix: Schedule
| Day | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, May 3 | 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Free Practice 1 |
| 10:30 PM – 11:14 PM | Sprint Qualifying | |
| Saturday, May 4 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Sprint |
| 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Qualifications | |
| Sunday, May 5 | 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Race |
The complete record of the Miami Grand Prix:
| Year | Circuit | Winner | Team | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Miami | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | Honda |
| 2022 | Miami | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | Honda |
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2024 Miami Grand Prix: Schedule and Preview of F1 Showdown. 2024 Miami Grand Prix: Schedule and Preview of F1 Showdown
