Before a wheel had ever turned, Miami GP sceptics peddled fears the new venue would resemble a soulless parking lot, à la Caesar’s Palace. But when the lights went out for Miami’s first Grand Prix, fears were soon allayed.

The Miami venue is bold – as full of colour and character as its host city. In one area a fake marina sprouts out of the suburban landscape. Another enclave sports a beach club with pools, sunbeds, cabanas and musical performances. It might be easy to poke fun at but it’s these kitsch little accessories that give the event its distinct flavour.

Add to that a sense of occasion and ceremony and the wow factor is complete. COTA has the breathtaking views and great racing but Miami has nailed the art of putting on a show. The atmosphere in the grandstands is as electric as it is loud.

As a destination, there’s no doubting Miami’s credentials. Art Deco facades and vibrant Cuban influences lend the city a unique charm and draw you in. The glamour, sun, nightlife, and palm tree-lined beaches make you want to miss your flight home.

Miami Grand Prix Spectator Tips

• Miami’s circuit is made up of separate areas or campuses. The North, East, and West campuses, The Beach and MIA Marina each have a distinct feel. During the cooler parts of the day, take some time to explore some of these.
• There is free Wi-Fi at certain areas of the circuit. Look for #HRSFREEWIFI to connect.
• When you’re not distracted by the excitement of F1 you’ll spend much of your time trying to escape the Miami heat (and I don’t mean the basketball team). The stadium and the West Campus are some of the areas with the most shade and there are a number of small shops with aircon dotted around.
• The Miami GP is a cashless event. To buy anything you’ll need to exchange dollars for a Visa gift card available at 5 locations around the circuit.
• Umbrellas, large zoom lenses and selfie sticks are some of the items prohibited at the circuit. Putting all your things in a clear plastic bag within your main bag will get you through the security checks faster.
• There are water refill stations at locations around the track, but you can expect the lines to be long so bring the max amount of water in with you. The water you take must be in a plastic bottle with the seal intact and can’t be larger than 590ml (20oz). But you can bring in empty containers up to 1.5l (50oz).

Essentials

Language

English & Spanish

Currency

US Dollar $ (USD)

Time Zone

UTC -5/-4

Electicity

120V/60Hz (North American plug)

Weather & Climate

Miami Weather

When the Grand Prix is on in May, Miami is hot, but it’s not at its hottest or most humid yet. During the day, expect highs of 28°C (82°F). Buy tickets early to get yourself a seat in the shade (all grandstands have some), slap on some factor 50 and dress light. See our tips above for more on staying cool and hydrated at the circuit.

About Me

I’m Danny, an incurable Formula 1 fan for over 30 years and founder of The F1 Spectator. My aim is to inform and inspire, arming you with helpful tips and advice for your next F1 trip.

Follow @thef1spectator