Breakthrough in F1’s Miami GP bid after crucial vote passes

Formula 1 owners Liberty Media’s hopes of holding a Miami Grand Prix in 2022 is closer to reality after a crucial resolution was passed by city commissioners on Wednesday.

The battle to get F1’s Miami GP bid off the ground and stage a second race in the United States has faced a number of hurdles and setbacks over the last two years, including being forced to change its location following objections to the race from locals.

An initial proposal to race in downtown Miami as early as 2019 was abandoned before a new plan to hold the event on a purpose-built circuit around the Hard Rock Stadium was devised. The stadium is the home of the Dolphins NFL franchise owned by Stephen Ross, who has been a long-time backer of an F1 race in Miami.

Despite the changes, local residents have continued to seek to block the event altogether.

Significant progress was made last week when Miami Gardens mayor Rodney Harris, who previously opposed the plan, threw his support behind the race and put forward a memorandum of understanding.

The resolution was ultimately approved following a vote during a long meeting of the city commission on Wednesday evening, paving the way for a deal to be officially struck with F1.

A promise to invest $5million into the local community, including internships for city residents and a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programme, was a key pledge that helped gain support and win over approval.

Discounted tickets will also be made available for local residents, whole local restaurants are to be given priority as food and drink vendors for the grand prix.

If agreement is reached with F1, the first ever Miami Grand Prix could be held as soon as 2022.