For the majority of those watching, internationally via TV, the Miami Grand Prix was not a thriller—the second successive year that the race has been so-so.
Though for context, 2023 is hardly shaping up as a classic, and other circuits—more acclaimed for action than what is essentially some lines drawn through a car park – have delivered duller races. The Miami race itself was like watching a decent enough film where you already know the ending.
There was more engaging action further down the field while, despite initial fears, drivers were able to run off-line at the resurfaced Miami International Autodrome. Softening the apex of the fiddly Turn 14/15 chicane was also well-received by the drivers. That resurfacing should help MIA in the long-term, given that the track surface was new for 2023, and had little time to rubber in owing to the lack of support series.
“It’ll have a little more longevity and will change over time,” said Miami Grand Prix Managing Partner Tom Garfinkel. “This climate, the sun and humidity, will affect the track but as it ages it is supposed to get better.”
World Champion Max Verstappen said “it’s a street circuit – you can’t expect it to be amazing off-line – but overall I think it was a lot more fun to drive compared to last year. The tarmac has been a lot better. I think a good improvement was made to the chicane this year.”
Sergio Perez, runner-up to Verstappen in the race, described off-line through Turns 7 and 8 as “like ice” but emphasized “the rest of the circuit has been a very good improvement (on 2022).”
Garfinkel is also receptive to a larger support package next year. There was only Porsche Carrera Cup North America alongside Formula 1, with 2022 support W Series not racing in 2023. Compared to some rounds it was thin; for example, last month’s Australian Grand Prix had Formula 2, Formula 3, Supercars and Porsche Carrera Cup, creating a packed on-track festival from Thursday morning.
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