Round 6 of the 2025 F1 Season takes us to the Miami Grand Prix.
Everything You Need to Know About the Miami Grand Prix
The Miami Grand Prix is one of the newest and most high-profile additions to the F1 calendar. Known for its celebrity-packed paddock and backdrop, the event has become a highlight of the American sporting calendar. However, its conception was anything but simple.
Stars of the sporting world have gathered to witness the pinnacle of motorsport in Miami over the years 🤩📸
Travis Kelce 👋#F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/PnJBKjxDMU
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 28, 2025
The Schedule
| Date | Session | Time* |
|---|---|---|
| 2 May | Practice 1 | 12:30 – 13:30 |
| 2 May | Sprint Qualifying | 16:30 – 17:14 |
| 3 May | Sprint | 12:00 – 13:00 |
| 3 May | Qualifying | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| 4 May | Race | 16:00 |
*Track Time
The Beginning
Miami’s motorsport history dates back to the early 1980s, when local promoter and racer Ralph Sanchez first proposed an F1 street race around Bayfront Park.
Although the plan failed to materialise, Sanchez redirected his efforts towards IMSA sports car racing. From 1983 to 1986, Bayfront Park hosted successful IMSA events before moving to Bicentennial Park.
Elsewhere, the American CART IndyCar Series kept top-level racing alive in Miami through various venues, including Tamiami Park and the Homestead-Miami Speedway.
For years, F1 seemed out of reach. Many believed the sport would never add the city to its calendar.
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From Proposal to Reality
Momentum returned in 2018 when organisers proposed a Miami Grand Prix around PortMiami, targeting a 2019 debut. However, complications with local development projects derailed those plans.
Attention soon shifted to Hard Rock Stadium, which is recognised by most as the home of the Miami Dolphins.
A new proposal for a race there emerged, and by 2021, an agreement was in place.
Despite missing out on a 2021 debut, Miami was officially added to the 2022 F1 calendar following an announcement in April 2021.
On 8 May 2022, the inaugural Miami Grand Prix finally took place at the Miami International Autodrome, with F1 signing a ten-year deal to race in the city.
The Miami International Autodrome
Built around Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami International Autodrome is a semi-permanent circuit blending new road surfaces with existing stadium infrastructure.
The track uses private grounds and crosses some public roads. However, the circuit does not disrupt public street traffic.
Before finalising the layout, designers considered over 75 potential configurations, and 36 options were simulated before they settled on the final version. Apex Circuit Design, specialists in F1 track projects, led the design process.
Key figures such as Stephen M. Ross, owner of Hard Rock Stadium, were instrumental in securing the event, overcoming initial resistance from Miami Gardens officials. Despite pushback, the track was officially named in September 2021.
Each year, temporary barriers, fences, and run-off areas are constructed a few weeks before the event and dismantled soon after race weekend.
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Expanding Beyond F1
In 2025, the Miami International Autodrome expanded its role by hosting the Formula E Evo Sessions. These non-championship events allowed celebrities and athletes to experience Formula E’s new GEN3 Evo car, with current drivers assisting during the sessions.
To suit the electric cars’ range limitations, a shortened version of the Grand Prix circuit was used, highlighting Miami’s adaptability for future motorsport events.
The Miami Weekend
🗣️ IT’S RACE WEEEEEEEEK
We’re heading to the 305 for our second #F1Sprint of the year!#F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/VHNVwlNFRr
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 28, 2025
America welcomes F1 and F1 Academy this weekend for their sixth and third rounds. For both championships, the competition is on.
In F1, Oscar Piastri leads with 99 points to Lando Norris‘ 89. A Sprint weekend means extra points are available for that championship lead to extend, or dwindle, if Norris wants to remain within the fight.
Meanwhile, in F1 Academy, the competition is much tighter. Ferrari Academy driver Maya Weug currently leads the standings with 59 points, but Mercedes’ Doriane Pin is close behind on 52. With two races to go, Miami could see a new leader emerge.
Key Data
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| First Grand Prix | 2022 |
| Number of Laps | 57 |
| Circuit Length | 5.412 km |
| Race Distance | 308.326 km |
| Lap Record | 1:29.708 – Max Verstappen (2023) |
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Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / HochZwei
Recording Date: 05.05.2022
