Downtown Miami GP F1 race location plans scrapped

Plans for the proposed Miami Grand Prix Formula 1 race to take place in a downtown location have been scrapped.

F1 is set to add a race in the Florida city to its calendar from next season, though the exact location has been a point of discussion throughout. An inaugural Miami GP was originally scheduled for 2019 but the plans have been delayed, with a 10-year-deal now set to begin in 2020.

The Miami Herald reports that promoters behind the race, including Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, and F1 owners Liberty Media have mutually agreed to scrap plans to bring the race to a downtown location incorporating areas such as Bayfront Park and Biscayne Boulevard, following local opposition and postponed discussions to approve the race.

Instead, promoters and F1 hope to move the circuit layout adjacent to the 65,000-seater Hard Rock Stadium venue in Miami Gardens, which will host the 2020 Super Bowl.

“We want to do something great for Miami,” Tom Garfinkel, vice chairman and CEO of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, told the Miami Herald.

“But unfortunately when we finally received the detailed report of what it would take to build out a street circuit each year, the multiple weeks of traffic and construction disruption to the port, Bayfront Park and the residents and businesses on Biscayne Boulevard would have been significant; which Steve and I felt defeated the purpose.

“A lot would have to happen for us to be able to do it, but we have over 250 acres of land so adding an F1 race to where Hard Rock Stadium and the Miami Open sit means we can create a world-class racing circuit that is unencumbered by existing infrastructure.

“It also means better ingress and egress, better amenities, unprecedented sight-lines, and opportunities for the best hospitality anywhere in racing. We only want to do it if we can create world-class racing, a great fan experience, and a lot of value for Miami.”

Miami hosted an F1 Fan Festival event last year near the initial proposed site for the race.