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Top TSA official explains what to do if you don't have REAL ID
Top TSA official explains what to do if you don't have REAL ID

Fox News

time07-05-2025

  • Politics
  • Fox News

Top TSA official explains what to do if you don't have REAL ID

TSA Administrator Adam Stahl explained what Americans without REAL ID should do if they have an upcoming flight, and he addressed concerns about the potential for long lines as a result. Enforcement of REAL ID went into effect on Wednesday in order for people to fly domestically within the United States and enter some federal buildings, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Stahl told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that people who "do not have a compliant REAL ID will experience possibly additional vetting, additional screening at the checkpoint. Those that do not – We'll be working pretty aggressively to minimize any sort of impacts to the checkpoint, to travel to the checkpoint." REAL ID IS ABOUT TO GO INTO EFFECT. HERE'S HOW IT MAY IMPACT VOTING He noted that a military ID, a passport, and global entry are alternatives that somebody can use, but if they do not have any of those, they will make their flight. "You will still get through the checkpoint. You'll be okay. You may face some additional screening measures, and that's why we're really underscoring to folks to please go to the airport early. He noted that REAL ID's history stems from 9/11, even though the enforcement of the law has been pushed back several times. REAL ID DOCUMENTS HELD UP IN MAIL ACCORDING TO AMERICANS WHO ENROLLED BEFORE DEADLINE DHS noted that REAL ID will assist with immigration enforcement, as those in the country illegally will not be able to fly unless they are flying back to their country of origin. "This is a law that was passed in 2005 called the Real ID Law. And this was a critical vulnerability that was identified in the wake of 9/11. And this is really all about elevating identity and document integrity. And so, this administration, this secretary feels strongly that this is an important law to enforce and that really, this is critical to ensuring the safety and the security of our skies." Stahl also addressed skeptics of the law, who may be concerned that it could be used to keep a closer eye on the American public unnecessarily. REAL ID REJECTION BY AMERICANS MAY COME DOWN TO ONE SURPRISING FACTOR CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "The notion that we are creating some sort of national surveillance system is not true, it's not correct," Stahl said, saying the TSA's main focus is "safety" for travelers. "This is all about, again, ensuring and elevating document and data integrity to really ensure that we're ensuring the safety in our skies of our passengers and of the traveling public. So it has nothing to do with a national database. It's all about elevating document and identity integrity," he added.

Newark airport disruptions leave airline flyers scrambling as experts share tips for not being 'stranded'
Newark airport disruptions leave airline flyers scrambling as experts share tips for not being 'stranded'

Fox News

time07-05-2025

  • Fox News

Newark airport disruptions leave airline flyers scrambling as experts share tips for not being 'stranded'

Flight passengers departing and connecting through Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey are sharing concerns about travel delays amid recent airport mishaps — as experts share alternative ideas and bus companies report increases in ridership. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a ground delay for EWR due to staffing shortages, weather and construction issues as a recent report found that air traffic controllers briefly lost radar and radio signals last week. Brandon Blewett, the Texas-based author of "How to Avoid Strangers on Airplanes," told Fox News Digital he has found EWR to be less reliable in recent days, but would still use the airport. REAL ID DOCUMENTS HELD UP IN MAIL ACCORDING TO AMERICANS WHO ENROLLED BEFORE DEADLINE "If it was New Jersey, I'd likely still fly into Newark but choose the earliest flights, which typically face fewer delays," said Blewett. "I'd avoid any connections through EWR right now … for better reliability," he said. For travelers to and from New York City, Blewett suggested looking at other airports. "I'd consider alternatives to EWR like LGA and JFK until the runway reopens and ATC staffing stabilizes," said Blewett. "It may be more of a headache in traffic, but it seems you're less likely to be stranded for the time being." HIDDEN REAL ID HASSLES FACING AIRLINE TRAVELERS AND STATES TO AVOID Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert and author of the blog "View From the Wing," told Fox News Digital that passengers should avoid New York airports for connecting flights. "If you're connecting, it's often a good idea to avoid New York airports. If you originate in New York, it really depends on where in the city you're based," he said. "While Newark is facing significant problems right now, I'm not sure I'd bounce over to JFK if I lived on Staten Island," he added. "Weigh the evils." Some passengers have taken to social media to discuss the disruptions at EWR. One Reddit post entitled, "Newark airport unsafe???" in the "r/newjersey" forum garnered over 1,000 reactions and hundreds of comments. For more Lifestyle articles, visit The user asked, "Should I do the unthinkable and switch my EWR flight this weekend to JFK? how nervous should we be about this?" "I just flew into Newark this morning from New Mexico. I survived," commented one person. Another user shared, "Just flew into EWR … Flight delayed 1 hr, checked in bags on a different flight (2.5 hrs later) because of plane weight issues, and had to be pulled by a tug because the plane overshot the jet bridge by 1.5 ft." Said another person, "I flew into Newark yesterday and the delays were annoying." Some bus ticket sales are up more than 80% year over year. A Redditor commented, "I flew out of EWR last week and back yesterday. All the delays we had both times were infuriating. Never had that experience before. And the times just kept changing. I almost changed my flight yesterday to LaGuardia or Trenton." "The issue is [that] air traffic controllers are in demand and they're very understaffed," said one user. "EWR obviously has a lot of traffic, so I kind of get it." 'Bus travel a vital alternative' A spokesperson for Flix North America, the parent company of FlixBus and Greyhound, told Fox News Digital the company has seen an increase in riders. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "We can confirm Flix North America has seen a 35% increase in originating passengers at our Newark location across both Greyhound and FlixBus within a span of just three days," said the spokesperson. "Ticket sales at this location are also up more than 80% year over year." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The spokesperson added, "We are closely monitoring the situation and are well-prepared to welcome passengers impacted by flight cancellations and delays." The spokesperson also said, "In times like these, bus travel serves as a vital alternative, offering travelers an affordable, accessible and dependable way to reach their destinations."

CEOs of Microsoft, Adobe, IBM, Cognizant and 200-plus US companies 'raise alarm,' sign petition saying: US is falling behind, we must prepare our children to…
CEOs of Microsoft, Adobe, IBM, Cognizant and 200-plus US companies 'raise alarm,' sign petition saying: US is falling behind, we must prepare our children to…

Time of India

time06-05-2025

  • Business
  • Time of India

CEOs of Microsoft, Adobe, IBM, Cognizant and 200-plus US companies 'raise alarm,' sign petition saying: US is falling behind, we must prepare our children to…

Over 250 CEOs and technology leaders, including Microsoft 's Satya Nadella , Adobe's Shantanu Narayen, IBM's Arvind Krishna , and Cognizant's Ravi Kumar S, have signed an open letter warning that the United States is falling behind globally in preparing students for an AI-driven future. The coalition also includes prominent leaders from Airbnb, Uber, LinkedIn, and Salesforce, all calling for computer science and AI to become mandatory components of K-12 education nationwide. "In the age of AI, we must prepare our children for the future — to be AI creators, not just consumers," the letter states, pointing out that countries like Brazil, China, South Korea, and Singapore have already made computer science or AI mandatory for every student. Other prominent signatories include Marc Benioff (Salesforce), Michael Dell , CEO and founder of Dell, LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman , and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer . Just one CS course could boost wages by 8% for all students, says CEOs The campaign highlights research showing that just one high school computer science course can boost wages by 8% for all students, regardless of their eventual career path. Advocates argue that making these subjects required rather than elective could unlock $660 billion in economic potential annually and help close persistent skills and income gaps. Currently, only 12 states require students to learn even basic computer science. While all 50 states have taken steps to expand computer science education in the past decade, the letter's signatories argue this progress is insufficient given the rapid advancement of AI technologies across all industries. The bipartisan-supported initiative, spearheaded by organizations like and CSforALL, emphasizes that computer science education is not just about creating more tech workers, but about ensuring all American students have the foundation they need to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world economy. "This is not just an educational issue; it's about closing skills and income gaps that have persisted for generations," the letter continues, urging policymakers, educators, and communities to join the effort to make computer science and AI education accessible to every student. Read the complete open letter from CEOs 'WHAT IF A SINGLE CLASS COULD HELP CLOSE WAGE GAPS, UNLOCK $660 BILLION IN ECONOMIC POTENTIAL EVERY YEAR FOR EVERYDAY AMERICANS, AND ADDRESS THE SKILLS GAP WE CURRENTLY FACE? This is possible, today — if we include computer science and AI as a core part of every student's education. Just one high school computer science course boosts wages by 8% for all students, regardless of career path or whether they attend college. Yet, most students never even try computer science, because it's not a graduation requirement. Only 12 states require students to learn even basic computer science. This is not just an educational issue; it's about closing skills and income gaps that have persisted for generations. It's also about keeping America competitive. Countries like Brazil, China, S. Korea, and Singapore have already made computer science or AI mandatory for every student. The United States is falling behind. In the age of AI, we must prepare our children for the future — to be AI creators, not just consumers. A basic foundation in computer science and AI is crucial for helping every student thrive in a technology-driven world. Without it, they risk falling behind. How can we accept this? We have a responsibility to prepare the next generation for the new American Dream. We owe it to them to provide an education that reflects the demands of our time. Change is already underway. This movement has bipartisan support from leaders on both sides of the aisle. In the past 10 years, all 50 states have taken steps forward, and 100,000 teachers have started teaching computer science. But we can't stop here. We must make computer science and AI a required part of every school's curriculum. Together, we can unlock $660 billion in opportunity for everyday Americans, close wage gaps and ensure our children are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.' AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now

VIP ‘black cards', ‘rude' celebs & OnlyFans models swarming the paddocks…how the Miami GP became the Coachella of F1
VIP ‘black cards', ‘rude' celebs & OnlyFans models swarming the paddocks…how the Miami GP became the Coachella of F1

Scottish Sun

time04-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Scottish Sun

VIP ‘black cards', ‘rude' celebs & OnlyFans models swarming the paddocks…how the Miami GP became the Coachella of F1

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AMERICANS like to go BIG - and the Miami GP, being held this weekend, is no exception. Since first hitting the calendars in 2022, it's become an extravagant affair packed full of big-name celebs and influencers, with even the race itself becoming overshadowed by the glitz. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 15 Like Coachella, the Miami GP has become a celeb and influencer hotspot Credit: Getty 15 A-listers like Kendell Jenner have been spotted swanning around the paddock Credit: AP 15 Sand is imported to create an exclusive "beach club" area Credit: AP It's now one of the F1 season's biggest showpieces, a crucial part of their strategy to boost its popularity in the States. Last year saw celebs like Kendell Jenner and LeBron James pay the race a visit, and even Donald Trump showed up in a surreal appearance that caused security a headache. And just like the music festival Coachella, it's now full of internet-famous influencers who - many suspect - haven't got a clue about F1 itself but spend their time snapping selfies and posing with drivers A record-breaking 275,000 fans turned up to watch McLaren's Lando Norris clinch his first ever victory, and organisers are hoping this weekend's race will be even bigger. The Florida event has courted chaos ever since the inaugural race was held three years ago and it was decided to build the circuit at the city's Hard Rock Stadium, home to local NFL team the Miami Dolphins. It nearly didn't happen at all, after a handful of nearby residents filed a lawsuit over noise pollution complaints - though this was thrown out by a judge. A makeshift circuit was cobbled together - but it proved a dud, having to be resurfaced twice ahead of the race and seriously lacking grip. Many of the drivers lambasted it, with Sergio Perez labelling it 'a joke' and Lando Norris accusing the designers of just 'winging it'. But it would turn out that the track would be the least of the driver's worries. Come 2023, the spectacle was even more intense, much to their dismay. Fernando Alonso goes public with stunning new girlfriend Andrea Schlager after whisking her to US for Miami GP Prior to the race, each driver was required to present themselves in a full-on WWE-style showcase, led out one-by-one past an honour guard of cheerleaders, announced by the rapper LL Cool J. Meanwhile, in the background, Black Eyed Peas singer conducted a black-tie-clad 30-piece orchestra. Little wonder then the drivers found the showbizzy spectacle 'distracting'. 'I don't think there's any other sport in the world that 30 minutes before you go out to do your business that you're out there in the sun, all the cameras on you and making a bit of a show of it,' said George Russell. 'None of the drivers like it,' added Lando Norris. 'We do so much publicity for the fans [but] as drivers we all just want to sit down and focus on what we need to focus on.' Influencer heaven Too bad for them, then, that the Miami GP has only gone from strength to strength and is a must-attend event for everyone from A-list actors to Z-list influencers. 15 The 2024 Miami GP was won by Lando Norris Credit: Getty 15 Models and influencers shell out for pricey tickets to access to exclusive areas Credit: Getty 15 Security requirements made Trump's visit quite the headache for organisers Credit: Getty Even political big hitters have gotten involved - including last year when none other than Donald Trump himself turned up. Ten days before his visit the secret service spent hours scrutinising and surveying the venue for threats. Everything was given the all clear - but then just hours before the race his security team ordered major shutdowns in areas of the paddock. 'The Secret Service blocked off the walkway in the middle of the paddock for 20 minutes, and the teams were losing it because they were like, 'I have to cross,'' recalled Tyler Epp, President of the Miami GP. His bright orange tan lined up with the McLaren team's colours, at least, and he even told Norris that he was the British star's 'lucky charm'. And given how much Miami has become a hotspot for OnlyFans stars, with the sunny Florida weather always providing a great excuse to strip down to the bare essentials, it's no wonder the GP event has become a hit with online models. There have been some celebrities that no one even knows were here Tyler Epp While Trump was swanning around one part of the paddock giving his congratulations to Norris for his win, OnlyFans actress Veronica Rajek took the chance to pay the McLaren team a visit. Motoring media even fell for a hoax back in August that claimed OnlyFans was set to become the new title sponsor of the Alpine F1 team. The sensationalised spectacle that the race day has turned into has left plenty of die-hard fans wondering if all these famous faces have any clue about the sport itself. After all, despite being the voice of racing, not many of them seem to know the legendary Martin Brundle. 'Rude' celebs Back in 2022, the Sky Sports commentator was prowling a very crowded grid when he came up to tennis ace Venus Williams. But she was too busy saying hi to all the other famous faces and barely registered what he was saying, in an awkward but hilarious encounter. 'What's the question?' she laughed before whisking herself off somewhere else. 15 OnlyFans star Veronika Rajek posed for pictures with the McLaren team Credit: AFP 15 Ed Sheeran performed over the weekend at last year's GP Credit: Getty 15 Kendall Jenner and Lewis Hamilton even found time to hobnob with each other Credit: Getty 15 Venus and Serena Williams on the grid at the Miami race Credit: Getty Fast forward to 2024, and a huge list of celebs popped in to catch the racing - including Shakira, Rory McIlroy, Kendall Jenner, and tycoons Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. And with neighbours Inter Miami going from strength to strength, boss David Beckham also made an appearance, as did Zinedine Zidane. Even Taylor Swift turned up in the city, alongside her boyfriend NFL superstar Travis Kelce - proof enough that the Hard Rock stadium will be the place to be seen this Sunday - though Taylor skipped the race itself. Perhaps her presence would have been too awkward for driver Fernando Alonso, because at one point rumours were swirling that the pair briefly dated. Fortunately for the VIPs - and maybe to make up for Martin Brundle always trying to nab them for a chat - the GP's organisers are careful to keep the general public far away from them. Some celebs are even rumoured to attend in secret. We're trying to create an environment to make special memories that will last a lifetime Tyler Epp Beyonce and Jay-Z reportedly rocked up in 2022, while Michelle Obama attended as a guest of Lewis Hamilton. 'She showed up right on time, got to experience a session, and was in and out very, very quietly,' explained Tyler Epp. 'There have been some celebrities that no one even knows were here.' Also on offer is a 'Black Card' experience. It allows the rich and famous to drive on a special, entirely separate lane off the highway, taking them straight into a luxury car parking zone. 'You don't have any interaction with the general population from the time you leave your hotel to the time you get to your seat. It's all very protected and private,' added Tyler in an interview with Motorsport mag. Fake beach clubs Maybe this attention to detail will let Miami become the new Monaco. 15 The inner part of the circuit gets turned into the Hard Rock Beach Club Credit: AP 15 Fans were left bemused by the fake water Credit: AP 15 Sky's Craig Slater takes a 'swim' in the fake marina Credit: Reuters But then again maybe not - given the much-mocked attempt to copy the Mediterranean city with a fake marina was created by painting the ground blue, which even Sky's Craig Slater attempted to have a 'dip' in. They even stuck ten massive yachts inside it and imported heaps of fake sand to create a 'VIP Beach Club'. It was slammed as tacky - but to access this luxurious lake of concrete in the middle of the circuit, guests had to shell out at least $1,000. And it was $2,000 on top of that if you wanted a deck chair. When it was first revealed in 2022, bemused fans compared the set up to the notorious Fyre Festival. At least they had two pools to relax in and a performances from big hitters The Chainsmokers to enjoy as well. Forget Coachella itself - because now, the entire GP weekend has turned into something of a music festival in its own right. 15 In 2024, both DJ Steve Aoki and Ed Sheeran delivered performances to revellers at the Hard Rock Beach Club. And the entertainment on offer during race week is now spilling outside of the stadium itself, with the whole of Miami gripped by GP fever. Venues across the city are getting into the F1 spirit, including art exhibitions dedicated to exploring racing culture, and exclusive racing-themed pop-up bars in luxury hotels sponsored by F1's partner, the champagne company Moët & Chandon. Just be ready to shell out $550 - and that's for the most basic package on offer. This year, the Hard Rock beach club will once again be delivering a star-studded line up with performances by Pitbull, Kygo and DJ Tiësto. But given the Miami GP competes with two others F1 races in the states - in Austin and Las Vegas - organisers aren't ashamed to say they go out of their way to make the Florida race weekend stand out. 'We're in the memory making business at the end of the day, and we're trying to create an environment to make special memories that will last a lifetime,' added Tyler Epp. 'That's our goal.'

VIP ‘black cards', ‘rude' celebs & OnlyFans models swarming the paddocks…how the Miami GP became the Coachella of F1
VIP ‘black cards', ‘rude' celebs & OnlyFans models swarming the paddocks…how the Miami GP became the Coachella of F1

The Irish Sun

time04-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The Irish Sun

VIP ‘black cards', ‘rude' celebs & OnlyFans models swarming the paddocks…how the Miami GP became the Coachella of F1

AMERICANS like to go BIG - and the Miami GP, being held this weekend, is no exception. Since first hitting the calendars in 2022, it's become an extravagant affair packed full of big-name celebs and influencers, with even the race itself becoming overshadowed by the glitz. 15 Like Coachella, the Miami GP has become a celeb and influencer hotspot Credit: Getty 15 A-listers like Kendell Jenner have been spotted swanning around the paddock Credit: AP 15 Sand is imported to create an exclusive "beach club" area Credit: AP It's now one of the F1 season's biggest showpieces, a crucial part of their strategy to boost its popularity in the States. Last year saw celebs like Kendell Jenner and And just like the music festival Coachella, it's now full of internet-famous influencers who - many suspect - haven't got a clue about F1 itself but spend their time snapping selfies and posing with drivers A record-breaking 275,000 fans turned up to watch McLaren's Read More Features The Florida event has courted chaos ever since the inaugural race was held three years ago and it was decided to build the circuit at the city's Hard Rock Stadium, home to local NFL team the Miami Dolphins. It nearly didn't happen at all, after a handful of nearby residents filed a lawsuit over noise pollution complaints - though this was thrown out by a judge. A makeshift circuit was cobbled together - but it proved a dud, having to be resurfaced twice ahead of the race and seriously lacking grip. Many of the drivers lambasted it, with Most read in Motorsport But it would turn out that the track would be the least of the driver's worries. Come 2023, the spectacle was even more intense, much to their dismay. Fernando Alonso goes public with stunning new girlfriend Andrea Schlager after whisking her to US for Miami GP Prior to the race, each driver was required to present themselves in a full-on WWE-style showcase, led out one-by-one past an honour guard of cheerleaders, announced by the rapper Meanwhile, in the background, Black Eyed Peas singer conducted a black-tie-clad 30-piece orchestra. Little wonder then the drivers found the showbizzy spectacle 'distracting'. 'I don't think there's any other sport in the world that 30 minutes before you go out to do your business that you're out there in the sun, all the cameras on you and making a bit of a show of it,' said George Russell. 'None of the drivers like it,' added Lando Norris. 'We do so much publicity for the fans [but] as drivers we all just want to sit down and focus on what we need to focus on.' Influencer heaven Too bad for them, then, that the Miami GP has only gone from strength to strength and is a must-attend event for everyone from A-list actors to Z-list influencers. 15 The 2024 Miami GP was won by Lando Norris Credit: Getty 15 Models and influencers shell out for pricey tickets to access to exclusive areas Credit: Getty 15 Security requirements made Trump's visit quite the headache for organisers Credit: Getty Even political big hitters have gotten involved - including last year when none other than Donald Trump himself turned up. Ten days before his visit the secret service spent hours scrutinising and surveying the venue for threats. Everything was given the all clear - but then just hours before the race his security team ordered major shutdowns in areas of the paddock. 'The Secret Service blocked off the walkway in the middle of the paddock for 20 minutes, and the teams were losing it because they were like, 'I have to cross,'' recalled Tyler Epp, President of the Miami GP. His bright orange tan lined up with the McLaren team's colours, at least, and he even told Norris that he was the British star's 'lucky charm'. And given how much Miami has become a hotspot for OnlyFans stars, with the sunny Florida weather always providing a great excuse to strip down to the bare essentials, it's no wonder the GP event has become a hit with online models. There have been some celebrities that no one even knows were here Tyler Epp While Trump was swanning around one part of the paddock giving his congratulations to Norris for his win, OnlyFans actress Veronica Rajek took the chance to pay the McLaren team a visit. Motoring media even fell for a hoax back in August that claimed OnlyFans was set to become the new title sponsor of the The sensationalised spectacle that the race day has turned into has left plenty of die-hard fans wondering if all these famous faces have any clue about the sport itself. After all, despite being the voice of racing, not many of them seem to know the legendary Martin Brundle. 'Rude' celebs Back in 2022, the Sky Sports commentator was prowling a very crowded grid when he came up to tennis ace But she was too busy saying hi to all the other famous faces and barely registered what he was saying, in an awkward but hilarious encounter. 'What's the question?' she laughed before whisking herself off somewhere else. 15 OnlyFans star Veronika Rajek posed for pictures with the McLaren team Credit: AFP 15 Ed Sheeran performed over the weekend at last year's GP Credit: Getty 15 Kendall Jenner and Lewis Hamilton even found time to hobnob with each other Credit: Getty 15 Venus and Serena Williams on the grid at the Miami race Credit: Getty Fast forward to 2024, and a huge list of celebs popped in to catch the racing - including And with neighbours Even Taylor Swift turned up in the city, alongside her boyfriend NFL superstar Travis Kelce - proof enough that the Hard Rock stadium will be the place to be seen this Sunday - though Taylor skipped the race itself. Perhaps her presence would have been too awkward for driver Fortunately for the VIPs - and maybe to make up for Some celebs are even rumoured to attend in secret. We're trying to create an environment to make special memories that will last a lifetime Tyler Epp Beyonce and Jay-Z reportedly rocked up in 2022, while Michelle Obama attended as a guest of Lewis Hamilton. 'She showed up right on time, got to experience a session, and was in and out very, very quietly,' explained Tyler Epp. 'There have been some celebrities that no one even knows were here.' Also on offer is a 'Black Card' experience. It allows the rich and famous to drive on a special, entirely separate lane off the highway, taking them straight into a luxury car parking zone. 'You don't have any interaction with the general population from the time you leave your hotel to the time you get to your seat. It's all very protected and private,' added Tyler in an interview with Motorsport mag. Fake beach clubs Maybe this attention to detail will let Miami become the new Monaco. 15 The inner part of the circuit gets turned into the Hard Rock Beach Club Credit: AP 15 Fans were left bemused by the fake water Credit: AP 15 Sky's Craig Slater takes a 'swim' in the fake marina Credit: Reuters But then again maybe not - given the much-mocked attempt to copy the Mediterranean city with a fake marina was created by painting the ground blue, which even Sky's Craig Slater attempted to have a 'dip' in. They even stuck ten massive yachts inside it and imported heaps of fake sand to create a 'VIP Beach Club'. It was slammed as tacky - but to access this luxurious lake of concrete in the middle of the circuit, guests had to shell out at least $1,000. And it was $2,000 on top of that if you wanted a deck chair. When it was first revealed in 2022, bemused fans compared the set up to the notorious Fyre Festival. At least they had two pools to relax in and a performances from big hitters The Chainsmokers to enjoy as well. Forget Coachella itself - because now, the entire GP weekend has turned into something of a music festival in its own right. 15 In 2024, both DJ Steve Aoki and Ed Sheeran delivered performances to revellers at the Hard Rock Beach Club. And the entertainment on offer during race week is now spilling outside of the stadium itself, with the whole of Miami gripped by GP fever. Venues across the city are getting into the F1 spirit, including art exhibitions dedicated to exploring racing culture, and exclusive racing-themed pop-up bars in luxury hotels sponsored by F1's partner, the champagne company Moët & Chandon. Just be ready to shell out $550 - and that's for the most basic package on offer. This year, the Hard Rock beach club will once again be delivering a star-studded line up with performances by Pitbull, Kygo and DJ Tiësto. But given the Miami GP competes with two others F1 races in the states - in Austin and Las Vegas - organisers aren't ashamed to say they go out of their way to make the Florida race weekend stand out. 'We're in the memory making business at the end of the day, and we're trying to create an environment to make special memories that will last a lifetime,' added Tyler Epp. 'That's our goal.' 15 More than 275,000 fans are expected to attend this weekend Credit: Getty

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