Industry News

F1 weighing up Miami grand prix

The Formula One motor-racing series is considering launching a new event in the US city of Miami.

The series was bought by US mass media company Liberty Media back in January and the sport’s new owners are keen to further grow the profile of F1 in its home market.

There is currently one US Grand Prix on the F1 calendar – at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Liberty Media has identified North America for further events.

According to the Miami Herald newspaper, executives and engineers associated with the series were in Miami last month to discuss the prospect of a race with city officials. The newspaper said that a number of routes are being considered, including one that incorporates AmericanAirlines Arena (pictured), home of NBA basketball team Miami Heat.

It is hoped that a race could be organised in Miami for 2020. Vicente Betancourt, an events director and Miami’s film and culture administrator, said, according to the Herald: “It’s like the Super Bowl of auto racing. Hopefully we can make it happen.”

The Circuit of Americas first staged an F1 grand prix in 2012 and the track has a 10-year hosting contract.

Other possible sites for a new US Grand Prix include Las Vegas and New York. The 2017 F1 season concluded last weekend in Abu Dhabi.