Why the Miami Grand Prix would be a great addition to the Formula One calendar

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  • Wednesday’s announcement of a potential 10-year deal for a Formula one Grand Prix to be staged around the sweeping streets of Miami was welcomed with mixed views from enthusiasts of the sport.

    The bustling American city, known for its glamour, neon night life, famous residents, stunning weather and the iconic South Beach, could be added to the 21-race calendar from as early as next year.

    It would be a PR magnet should the City Commission give it its blessing next week, but even if they pass this juncture, they still need to negotiate a contract before it gets the green light for October 2019.

    Next week’s vote will signal the city’s openness to what would be the largest race Miami has even seen.

    It has been four years since cars have raced around the city’s winding and iconic streets, that came during the Miami ePrix in 2015 – an electric automobile race. Go further back and 13 years have passed since an Indy Car-style event cut through the famed Museum Park.

    Formula One has global appeal and so does Miami. Imagine a race in Miami wedged between the US Grand Prix in Texas and the Mexican Grand Prix.

    It would be a fantastic spectacle similar to a Monaco GP – the most glamorous on the circuit – due to its parties, atmosphere, yachts and everything else that goes with it.

    Monaco is clearly the most prestigious on the current circuit, but there is no doubt that having the Magic City on the calendar would be just as illustrious.

    Imagine the paddock having the likes of Kanye West, Jay Z and Co pitside.

    From a drivers’ point of view, Lewis Hamilton joked about the distractions of having a race in Miami, but there is no doubt that every driver and team would enjoy the prospect of a having a new race, especially on Florida’s southeastern tip.

    Liberty Media has wanted to expand F1’s presence in the United States since buying the commercial rights in September 2016, with a Miami race high up its wish list.

    Miami’s status as one of the most iconic cities would make it a perfect destination for fans and perhaps the next big stop to help develop the popularity of the sport in the US. Americans love to have sports events that they can call their own.

    With over 450,000 residents, it has a bustling tourism industry, nice food, great weather, white sandy beaches and multi-cultural population – all of which would add to the appeal of a new destination on the racing calendar.

    Not only does it allow drivers to mix it up instead of racing at the same circuits each year, but it gives them a chance to test their mettle on a new street circuit in a vibrant city.

    It relieves the stale drag of a 21-race season and gives drivers the chance to compete in another cosmopolitan place with nice weather and new fans.

    The only negative would be whether another street circuit is the right way to gain fans and provide a spectacle? It’s difficult to argue against that but the sport’s growth and continued popularity is the most important thing long-term.

    But if the race is to be introduced, it’s been suggested that the Azerbaijan GP will be dropped to make room for it – one of the most exciting races in the championship over the past three seasons. That would be shame to a country that has invested heavily in making such a spectacle.

    Liberty Media have clearly done a superb job since helping to boost the entertainment value of the sport, and maybe another street circuit would add to more fan-orientated events and widen more appeal to a US audience.

    It remains to be seen whether the proposal will be passed, but should the powers that be and the F1 have their offer accepted, then expect Miami to be the hottest race on the calendar.

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