F1 Miami Grand Prix Final Practice: As it happened

Follow final F1 practice for the Miami Grand Prix with Crash.net's live blog. 

Formula 1 will race in Miami for the first time this weekend at the Miami International Autodrome.

Miami will be on the F1 calendar for the next 10 years as the sport continues its impressive mark on America since Netflix's Drive to Survive in 2018.

This weekend's Miami GP has been likened to the Superbowl with the glitz and glamour on show.

The track layout is fast-paced and favours a low downforce setup which may play into Red Bull's hands.

Red Bull hasn't introduced any upgrades for this weekend while rivals Ferrari has a new, low downforce, rear ring.

In a bid to turn their season around, Mercedes have brought new upgrades to Miami.

Mercedes struggled last time out at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, although George Russell managed to salvage fourth after making a storming start.

Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton struggled to 13th after being stuck behind AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly for much of the race at Imola.

Mercedes have introduced a new rear wing as well as a beam wing while making changes to the W13’s front wing endplate.

It wants to reduce the drag levels the W13 is currently producing with low downforce and straight-line speed crucial around this new Miami circuit.

Speaking ahead of Friday practice, Hamilton doubted the impact Mercedes’ upgrades may have on their outright performance.

“You can expect that we will be giving it our all,” Hamilton said. “We’ve been trying our best and there’s been a huge amount of work in the background. You can see we’ve got a new rear wing for example, so I’m just grateful for everyone keeping their heads down and for the amazing hard work that everyone is putting in.

“I don’t anticipate much change in that sense.”

McLaren will be hoping to continue its upward trajectory after Lando Norris finished third at Imola but Alfa Romeo and Alpine have shown impressive pace in recent rounds.

In terms of the off-track action, a storm is brewing with regard to Hamilton's jewellery.

The FIA has taken a tougher stance over the wearing of jewellery, with new F1 race director Niels Wittich informing all the teams that additional checks would be included as part of the pre-event scrutineering declaration form.

Hamilton had previously stated he had no plans to comply with the regulation, insisting that his earrings and nose stud cannot physically be removed.

The seven-time world champion arrived at the pre-event press conferences in Miami on Friday decked out in jewellery, including eight rings, four necklaces, two earrings, a bracelet and three watches - suggesting once again he has no plans to change his stance.

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Full 2022 F1 calendar

March 18-20 - Round 1

Bahrain Grand Prix

March 25-27 - Round 2

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

April 8-10 - Round 3

Australian Grand Prix

April 22-24 - Round 4

Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix

May 6-8 - Round 5

Miami Grand Prix

May 20-22 - Round 6