Some drivers love the Miami heat and party vibe. Others are less impressed with the traffic and technical quirks of the track.
The Miami Grand Prix might be all glitz and glamour, but beyond the palm trees and celebrity buzz, the track itself isn’t exactly a driver’s paradise when it comes to overtaking. Still, it’s quickly becoming one of the paddock’s favorite stops, not necessarily for the layout, but for everything else that comes with racing in Florida.
Pierre Gasly, for one, is a fan.
“I honestly love everything here. Miami is such a cool city. There’s always good energy, and I like that it’s one of those flyaway races where we can arrive a bit earlier than usual,” he said in the paddock.
“I end up going out in the evenings and checking out some great restaurants. The vibe here is just different from what we’re used to in Europe.”
He even joked about Lando Norris’ big win last year.
“Yeah, it’s definitely one of those very cool places. And to be honest, I’m a bit jealous Lando got his first win here. I’m sure Sunday night was one to remember.”
Not quite, says Norris, with a smile.
“I don’t remember Sunday night,” he replied during the press conference.
For Norris, Miami will always be special.
“It’s a great place. Always a good time,” said the McLaren driver.
“I’ve got a lot of friends here, so I flew in early and spent a few days enjoying the city. The event itself is packed with stars and athletes, which makes it exciting. I like that vibe.”
Still, even Lando has one complaint:
“The traffic is awful. Worse than Mexico City, maybe. There are roads everywhere, but somehow it’s still gridlocked. That’s the only thing I’d change.”
Lewis Hamilton also spoke highly of the event, and couldn’t think of a single downside.
“Things to improve? Honestly, nothing comes to mind,” he said.
“The organizers tweak things every year. The track is evolving, and I think they’re doing a great job.”
But not everyone shares the same enthusiasm.
George Russell, head of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, raised concerns about the tight, twisty sector of the track.
“I like coming to Miami. It’s wild, and the circuit is definitely quirky,” he said.
“That tight section, we don’t love it, but it’s unique. Same way we don’t love the castle section in Baku, but it adds character. You don’t want every track to feel the same.”
Russell praised the growing quality of the event, adding that the stadium setting for team garages adds something special.
“That layout is pretty cool. We just drive the cars, the experts handle the rest, and it’s working.”
Nico Hülkenberg had two main gripes: the late race start and, once again, traffic.
“The 4 PM start is a bit late for me personally, maybe more of a question for the FIA,” he said.
“And yeah, traffic is definitely a thing. Apparently, they cut the police escorts this year. Hopefully they bring those back next time.”
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Miami GP: Sunshine, Stars and Mixed Driver Reactions Miami GP: Sunshine, Stars and Mixed Driver Reactions