Latest news with #SouthFloridaMotorsports
Miami Herald
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Night moves, U.S. future, Mercedes moving on: a Miami Grand Prix notebook
Not only will the Miami Grand Prix not be going anywhere as far as existence, it's not going anywhere geographically, either. And, it will remain a daytime race (for now). Yes, the people behind the Miami Grand Prix know about the traffic. That's some of what Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix managing partner Tom Garfinkel said Sunday, hours before lights out on the race's fourth edition. Garfinkel, also the Miami Dolphins' CEO, should be feeling pretty ebullient these days. This year's total attendance bumped back up after last year's small decrease, which he said might be partially blamed on world champion Max Verstappen's run of dominance in 2023 and 2024 that ended with the 2024 Miami Grand Prix. Formula 1 slapped another 10 years onto its existing deal with South Florida Motorsports, keeping the Miami Grand Prix on the calendar until 2041. It will stay in Miami Gardens, too. 'Moving downtown will not happen,' Garfinkel said. 'We're here to stay. There's a lot of reasons why downtown didn't make sense when we first got into this, and those reasons still exist. We've obviously made a big investment in this campus.' The Miami International Autodrome layout includes a number of temporary buildings, some of which might become permanent, Garfinkel said, if that creates a parking problem for Dolphins games and other events. With the length of the deal with F1, if Dolphins owner Stephen Ross' South Florida Motorsports wanted to install lights, they would shell out the $15 million to $20 million to buy them. Garfinkel called night race talks, 'very preliminary' and, 'there's no plans to do that right now' because of television time zone effects — a 7 p.m. start would be midnight in London, 1 a.m. in Berlin — and the surrounding Miami Gardens community. While neighborhood concerns about the event's noise quieted quickly, street congestion, especially on Northwest 27th Avenue after Friday, Saturday and Sunday events remains an issue. The drivers themselves mentioned traffic around Miami in general as a problem. Garfinkel said that's the one negative thing the 10 Formula 1 team principals mentioned this year in his discussions with them. 'This year, the traffic was an issue because there's construction on the turnpike,' he said. 'We can't control construction on the turnpike. But, we do spend countless hours working on egress and ingress, figure out how to get people in and out of here.' Garfinkel also said that's the reason organizers really aren't interested in bringing in too many more fans than the 275,000 they have drawn over the Friday-Saturday-Sunday race weekend. FIA president on Cadillac and U.S. karting Next year's Miami Grand Prix will be the first race in the United States for the Formula 1's second U.S.-based team, Cadillac, which revealed its logo but no liveries or hints at drivers at a South Beach launch party Saturday night. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the effort to get Cadillac in as F1's 11th team as 'to hell and back,' but believes the addition of a team carrying an iconic red, white and blue name helps Formula 1 unlock the vault of U.S. motorsports fandom money. 'The American needs to see his brand also,' said Ben Sulayem from an office overlooking the Miami International Autodrome front straightaway. 'This is why I believe we haven't scratched the surface here.' F1's popularity in the United States surges despite the lack of a driver with U.S. roots. It has been so long since a U.S. driver won a grand prix — 1978, Mario Andretti, Dutch Grand Prix — even Fernando Alonso wasn't born yet. No U.S. driver has taken the green since current IndyCar driver Alexander Rossi started seven races for backmarker Marussia in 2014 and 2015. The reasons are many. Gen Z and Gen Alpha might be the first generation to grow up with a broad affinity for and watching Formula 1 as opposed to IndyCar (Greatest Generation, pre-Boomers, Boomers, Gen X) and NASCAR (Gen X, Millennials). Also, F1's feeder systems truly begin with European go-karting and it takes money to advance even in karting not to mention upwards through other developmental stages. 'You have such an amazing culture for karting, but it's disorganized,' Ben Sulayem said. 'And, we need to have our federation here to embrace them, talk to them. We can elevate motorsport beyond what we have. If we harmonize the regulations between the United States and the rest of the world of FIA championships, we can really make our business more sustainable. There's so much here.' Mercedes and Hamilton still friends after divorce The marriage between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes might be the most successful in Formula 1 history. In 12 seasons at Mercedes after leaving McLaren, Hamilton racked up 84 of his record 105 Grand Prix wins and six of his record-tying seven world titles. Though Hamilton left Mercedes for Ferrari, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff wanted to make very clear he and his team aren't bitter ex-spouses. 'We're still great friends with Lewis,' Wolff said. 'I spent a lot of time with him, traveling, and I'm still seeing him. It came to a point last year where, you know, it's like spending 12 years in a row on holiday with your best friend. At a certain stage you say, well, maybe do something else this time around. 'And for Lewis, he needed a refresher, a reinvention. Ferrari is iconic, no doubt about that. Certainly he also got terms that were interesting for him.' Wolff's description of what's changed inside Mercedes partially echoes what Hamilton said about adjusting to Ferrari life. 'Lewis was part of the family. As a racing driver, he knew exactly what he wanted and the engineers and mechanics knew him. He knew them. We got along,' Wolff said. 'You have good days, bad days, strengths and weaknesses. But when you know someone that well, it's easy to manage that. Now the dynamic is different. George (Russell) has massively stepped up as a senior driver in the team. ' Bloodlines and Max as father Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner expects star driver Max Verstappen to be a 'very present father' doing his share of the babycare duties with wife Kelly Piquet and 'life will be very different for him now, in many respects, as a parent.' In addition to a four-time world F1 champion father, Verstappen's newborn daughter, Lily, has a three-time world champion maternal grandfather (Nelson Piquet) and a longtime F1 driver as a paternal grandfather (Jos Verstappen). 'I'm just thinking... the genes of that child are quite incredible. When you think of Verstappen and Piquet.. if a racehorse had those genes, it'd be worth a fortune!'
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Formula 1 secures long term deal with Miami Grand Prix until 2041
Formula 1 secures long term deal with Miami Grand Prix until 2041 (Image Source: Getty) Ever since it began in 2022, the Miami Grand Prix has become one of the most exciting and popular locations for Formula 1 motorsport, which has attracted fans from across the globe, not just the US. Now, the Formula 1 has announced that the Miami Grand Prix will remain on the calendar through 2041. The decision came forward following a 10-year extension to its existing agreement with the promoter South Florida Motorsports . This is a new deal that will make Miami the longest contracted event on the F1 calendar. Miami Grand Prix promoted local community and commerce It is indeed true that the Miami Grand Prix has helped the local economy by bringing in over $1 billion in just three years. The race organizers have also given it back to the community by creating more internship opportunities and have helped local charities. They are supporting small businesses. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Now, South Florida Motorsports has been named the 2024 Formula 1 Promoter of the Year . This award reveals how smoothly they have run the event and how much they care about both fans and the Miami community. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali reacts Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: 'In just three years, the Miami Grand Prix has established itself as one of the most important and spectacular events on our calendar, an extraordinary example of quality and vision that truly represents the spirit and ambition of Formula 1 in the United States.' Further, he said: 'Extending this agreement until 2041 is a strategic milestone of enormous importance, which strengthens our presence in America and consolidates the ever-deepening bond with our fan base there, which is constantly growing and passionate like never before.' He added: 'Miami is not only an extraordinary city, but also a truly global sporting hub, energetic, dynamic and culturally vibrant. All this would not have been possible without the far-sighted vision and tireless commitment of Stephen Ross and Tom Garfinkel , to whom I extend my sincere gratitude for the leadership, support and dedication with which they have helped transform the Miami Grand Prix into a world-class event Meanwhile, Tom Garfinkel, Managing Partner of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, said: 'Securing a 10-year extension with Formula 1 through 2041 is an extraordinary milestone for all of us at South Florida Motorsports and a true testament to the hard work of our team, the strength of our partnerships, the support of our community and the growth of the sport in the United States. To have been granted this extension after only our third event speaks to what we have felt from the very beginning – the Miami Grand Prix is here to stay.' He said: 'I want to thank Stefano Domenicali and Formula 1 for believing in our vision, as well as Stephen Ross for his investment and commitment to growing this event. From day one, our goal has been to create a world-class race that also reflects the spirit of Miami — vibrant, inclusive and culturally significant. This long-term commitment allows us to continue innovating, investing in the fan experience and deepening our impact across South Florida.' Also Read: F1's 2026 sustainable fuel could cost 10 times more, reaching upto $300 per litre: Report
News18
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- News18
F1: Miami Grand Prix Extended For 10 More Years; Set To Continue Till 2041
(Credit: F1 Media) Formula One has agreed a 10-year extension with Miami Grand Prix organizers ensuring the race will continue until 2041. South Florida Motorsports, a subsidiary of the NFL's Miami Dolphins, are hosting their fourth grand prix this weekend at the track which surrounds the team's Hard Rock Stadium.
Forbes
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Tom Garfinkel On Managing The Miami Grand Prix, Dolphins, World Cup And More
Lando Norris pilots his McLaren around the Miami Grand Prix circuit. (Photo by Rudy ...) With a new 10-year extension announced for the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, events hosted in and around Hard Rock Stadium are nearly non-stop. Managing it all is a testament to the Miami Dolphins organization. Formula 1 and South Florida Motorsports, a subsidiary of the Miami Dolphins, announced the extension of the Miami Grand Prix that will see the race on the calendar until at least 2041. It's a significant achievement and speaks to how well the event has been hosted. Last year South Florida Motorsports was named 2024 Formula 1 Promoter of the Year. The Miami Grand Prix is just one of many events hosted at Hard Rock Stadium. But the level of detail put into the F1 race and others speaks to a high level of coordination. Tom Garfinkel, who is Managing Partner of the Miami Grand Prix, as well as Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, has had a full plate, not only with the F1 event, but also with other aspects of the Miami Dolphins and events at the Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Grand Prix is still very young, so the event's progression each year has been significant. The Miami race was added to the F1 calendar starting in 2022. 'In year one, we were just trying to pull it off in 11 months in a post-pandemic world to get it launched,' said Garfinkel in an exclusive interview for Forbes. 'Year two was really focused on improvements, with the new Paddock Club building, putting the team hospitality paddock on the field, repaving the racetrack, investing in wider pedestrian bridges, etc. Year three was what I call refinement. And I would say now, in year four, we continue to not redefine, but refine how we do things. We're very customer-centric, and try to listen to the customers, adjust, and try to get better every year.' The Miami Grand Prix F1 circuit runs around Hard Rock Stadium, which gets heavily utilized for the event. The facility hosts the NFL Miami Dolphins, as well as the NCAA's Miami Hurricanes regularly, and as Forbes profiled in 2024, the Orange Bowl was Jan. 9, one of the College Football Playoff's semifinals, the 265-acre site will transform as the regular home to one of the largest tennis tournaments on the sport's calendar, hosting the Miami Open each spring since 2019. To add, the World Cup arrives in 2026. Garfinkel said doing it all is a 'big lift' with a sizable staff. We just had the college football semi. We have our Miami Open Tennis. Then we transition into this year's F1 Miami Grand Prix,' Garfinkel said. 'We've got eight or nine concerts this summer. We've got the Club World Cup. We then go back into Miami Hurricanes football and Dolphins football. Then we have the national championship game, tennis, the Formula One race, and the FIFA World Cup next summer. So, a lot is happening here, and many transitions are happening. It takes a lot of people and a lot of planning.' With the F1 Miami Grand Prix extension now announced, how the event continues to evolve will be what Garfinkel and the team that supports Hard Rock Stadium will add to their list. 'We take our responsibility to help Formula One grow the sport in the United States seriously,' Garfinkel said. 'I think having the extension secures that this event can be part of that for a long time, and it enables us to continue to invest in the event in ways that hopefully are innovative and additive to the fan experience and to the sport itself. We have kind of an ethos here to try to do things a little differently, to try to innovate, to try to create. Hopefully, we've done that, and now we can invest in trying to continue to do that moving forward.'
Forbes
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Formula 1 Reaches Deal To Extend Miami Grand Prix To 2041
Formula 1 will be racing around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami until at least 2041 after a 10-year ... More extension was reached. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Formula 1 will continue racing around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for many years after reaching a new extension. Just ahead of the first practice sessions for the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, it was announced that a deal to keep the race on the calendar will be extended to 2041 – a 10-year extension from the end of the current agreement. Miami was added to the F1 schedule in 2022. The deal extension was reached between F1 and South Florida Motorsports, the NFL's Miami Dolphins subsidiary. South Florida Motorsports was named 2024 Formula 1 Promoter of the Year. Financial terms between the sides were not revealed. 'In just three years, the Miami Grand Prix has established itself as one of the most important and spectacular events on our calendar, an extraordinary example of quality and vision that truly represents the spirit and ambition of Formula 1 in the United States,' said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1. 'Extending this agreement until 2041 is a strategic milestone of enormous importance, which strengthens our presence in America and consolidates the ever-deepening bond with our fan base there, which is constantly growing and passionate like never before.' 'Securing a 10-year extension with Formula 1 through 2041 is an extraordinary milestone for all of us at South Florida Motorsports and a true testament to the hard work of our team, the strength of our partnerships, the support of our community and the growth of the sport in the United States, 'said Tom Garfinkel, Managing Partner of the Miami Grand Prix. 'To have been granted this extension after only our third event speaks to what we have felt from the very beginning – the Miami Grand Prix is here to stay. 'I want to thank Stefano Domenicali and Formula 1 for believing in our vision, as well as Stephen Ross for his investment and commitment to growing this event. From day one, our goal has been to create a world-class race that also reflects the spirit of Miami — vibrant, inclusive and culturally significant. This long-term commitment allows us to continue innovating, investing in the fan experience, and deepening our impact across South Florida.' The race has grown in popularity since being added to the schedule. Last year, 275,799 fans attended the three-day race event weekend. ESPN saw a record for F1 viewership for last year's Miami GP of 3.1 million.
