After a short break since China, we’re back racing in the Magic City, but we don’t want you to have to use your mystic powers to try and guess what to expect, so we’ve packed everything you need to know into one handy guide.

Miami is among the brightest and most vibrant spots on the calendar. Nestled in the south of the Sunshine State of Florida, it is packed full of beautiful beaches and a lively art and music scene, not to mention the city’s rich sporting heritage.

Racing takes place in the heart of Miami on its famous streets around a circuit designed with close racing in mind. And for the second round in a row, it’s a Sprint, so we’ve got a bumper weekend of racing action in store for you.

To preview the action, we’ve gathered the thoughts of Team Principal Andrea Stella, Lando, and Oscar, a guide to the circuit, some tips on what to wear, and a recap of our season so far.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Miami. It’s the first US race of the year, and the fans always bring such an electric atmosphere.

“We had a positive race in China, securing our second podium of the season. I had time to celebrate with the team in MTC and go over the data ahead of Miami with my engineers. I’m sure it will be a challenging weekend, but nothing we cannot overcome. Everyone has done a great job to put us in a good position to improve further. Let’s go!”

“Miami GP up next and I’m really looking forward to racing on American soil for the first time this season. It’s only my second time at this circuit but it was a really cool atmosphere last year and I’m excited to experience it again, especially given the fans come out in full force.

“I’ll be sporting a new special helmet based on the classic Miami colours that I think looks really cool. I loved the energy around the event last year so I was inspired to create a special design this time.

“We’ve reflected on China as a team and I’ve spent some time in the sim back at the MTC so I can’t wait to touch down in the US.”

“After demonstrating strong pace in China, we now head to Miami for the very different demands of a street circuit, in the first of three visits this season to America.

“The Miami Grand Prix is another busy Sprint event and combined with the challenging nature of the circuit and potentially warmer weather, there are both opportunities and challenges that the team are preparing for. We are ready once again to maximise our performance and continue to compete at the front of the field.”

Track insights

After investigating 75 potential layouts and simulating 36 of them - a mixture of permanent and street circuits - the 5.412km, 19-corner-long temporary Miami International Autodrome was constructed.

The street circuit famously weaves its way through the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium and is reminiscent of Australia's Albert Park Circuit in that it feels like a permanent, purpose-built track.

The circuit has a top speed of roughly 340km/hand three DRS zones, which create three possible overtaking opportunities. The first comes at the start of the lap, at Turn 1, following the 400-metre-long pit-straight. The following two are both left-handers, the first at Turn 11 after a DRS straight and the second at Turn 17, which follows the tight and twisting Turns 11-16 sequence, where cars are bunched up ahead of the circuit’s longest straight.

The circuit is mainly flat, with only a few elevation changes, such as the uphill approach into the chicane at Turns 14 and 15, before cars head back downhill into Turn 17.

The season so far

Despite Team Principal Andrea Stella warning ahead of the weekend that the Chinese Grand Prix circuit may not suit the MCL38’s characteristics, Lando and Oscar managed to continue our streak of scoring double points in every race so far this season, meaning we remain the only team to do so.

Lando notched his second podium in three races, fighting his way through from fourth to finish second behind Max Verstappen. Oscar finished eighth, managing to maintain a points finish despite taking damage after getting hit by Daniel Ricciardo. Their haul of 27 points strengthens our stronghold on third place in the Constructors’ Championship, with a 44-point advantage over fourth.

F1 translations: Track evolution

F1 is full of specialist slang and complicated jargon that can stump even the most avid of fans, which is why we’ll be explaining common F1 terminology ahead of each grand prix this season. This week, it’s track evolution… 

All tracks undergo some form of evolution over a race weekend, but temporary street circuits experience more dramatic changes, which is why it’s particularly relevant in Miami.

Track evolution occurs in two main ways. Firstly, when cars first hit the track on the weekend and blow off any leftover dust, dirt, or grit that has been laid down since the last racing use. Secondly, when the tyres lay down rubber onto the track surface as they wear and it is compressed onto the racing line. This forms a layer of rubber on the track and improves grip – tyres are effectively running on thin layers of themselves. This is referred to as ‘rubbering-in’.

This differs between circuits as a permanent track will be used more regularly during the year. Therefore, the surface starts off with a base layer of rubber that has been left down by tyres in previous races and creates more grip.

Meanwhile, with street circuits taking place on real-life roads and being primarily used by road cars, the surface lacks this base layer of rubber and begins the weekend covered in more dust, grit, and dirt than a circuit that is used regularly.

Track evolution is also more pronounced after a circuit has been resurfaced, with any previously laid-down rubber removed, as Miami was ahead of the Grand Prix in 2023.

F1 icebreaker

Stuck for conversation with your F1-loving friends? Spark up a discussion with our F1 icebreaker…

Each of the 118 pit-wall barrier blocks weighs 6.5 tonnes, roughly the same as the combined mass of the Miami Dolphins NFL squad.

The fit: A magic fit for the Magic City

It should be sunny and warm in Miami this weekend, so it’s time to whack out your favourite printed shirt and shorts, your New Era hat of choice and, of course, a set of SunGod sunglasses.

Wait… What’s that? You’ve nothing bold enough? Well, luckily for you, we’ve got the PERFECT fit for the Magic City’s sandy beaches, sunshine and vibrant art deco scene. The only appropriate way to describe this fit is ‘Miami’. Pair Reiss’s bold shirt and short combo with either the New Era Miami 9FIFTY snap cap or the bucket hat, along with SunGod’s limited edition Miami shades.