Crunch vote for Miami GP as F1 focuses on ‘city-centred’ races

Formula 1 is set to learn the fate of its Miami Grand Prix project today as the city’s commission will vote on the potential plans to host a race from 2019.

Miami’s City Commission will decide by a vote whether it will pursue negotiations with F1 commercial rights holders Liberty Media on bringing F1 to the Florida city, which was confirmed by the sport last week.

Last November F1 bosses met Miami Mayor Francis Suarez to discuss a potential race in the downtown region of the city, with part of the track held over a bridge, as the sport looks to expand its operations in the US market.

With F1 awaiting the decision from Miami, Chloe Targett-Adams, F1’s director of promoters and business relations, says the proposal is aimed at providing “economic benefits and commercial opportunities” for all parties involved.

“We're fortunate to have always had a number of interested cities, countries, promoters getting in touch wanting to know more about Formula 1,” Targett-Adams said. “On what Formula 1 can do for them to showcase their city, country, circuit to the world and what economic benefits and commercial opportunities can arise from that.

“There are always a number of factors to consider from a strategic perspective, from the racing angle, the location, the weather etc. We're very much now looking at iconic and city-central locations, which have a great fan base and where we can really engage with our audience but also reach new audiences.

“Take Miami as an example: we met a number of interested parties a while back, and that is how the conversation started. Now we are working closely with the right stakeholders in order to progress to the next stages.”

Target-Adams accepts even if the Miami city commission vote goes in favour of F1 there are still plenty of obstacles that need navigating before it can guarantee a race, which is currently pencilled in for October 2019.

Pressure groups in Miami have voiced concerns against F1 coming to the city over fears of noise pollution and damages to green spaces. Similar backlashes were felt when Formula E held a race in the Florida city in 2015 and the series hasn’t returned since.

“I think every deal has its complexities,” she said. “There are obvious initial challenges with a street circuit because you have multiple stakeholders and the regular day to day business of a city to deal with.

“That has to be respected and approached in the right way – so that it's something positive for the community and how they will benefit; that Formula 1 is bringing this major global sports and entertainment event to the city.”

The F1 figurehead also hinted at the sport’s future direction for new races joining the calendar which could follow the blueprint of the Miami race which, if the deal is completed, will be Liberty’s first new F1 race since taking over from Bernie Ecclestone’s reign after buying the sport in January 2017.

“I think the key words are city-centred, not specifically city centres,” she said. “We want to go to places that offer a great experience. The closer that is to a city the better. I think all of our current races deliver that right now.

“While Spa is not in a city, it is an amazing location nestled in the atmospheric Ardennes forest, not far from Brussels, Belgium's capital city. For me it really is an iconic heritage track and delivers great racing and event that delivers on that fan experience criteria.

“Our philosophy is the right locations that deliver the right experience as part of a true global calendar, a schedule that covers the whole spectrum of fan experiences.”