EVERYHING You Need to Know About the 2024 Miami F1 GP Weekend
- Nicole Nolte
- May 1, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 6
Origin Story
The Miami Grand Prix is a new addition to the F1 calendar, which means it brings a fresh challenge for the teams and drivers. They have less data and experience to rely on, making the race more unpredictable and exciting. The race takes place at the Miami International Autodrome in Florida, USA. For the first time since their first race in 2022, Miami has been chosen as one of the six venues to host a Sprint race in 2024. This means that the Miami GP will guarantee three days of competitive action - and as fans, we’re in for a TREAT.
Quick Facts About the Circuit
The fact that the circuit is designed not to disrupt local residents means that it’s a semi-permanent circuit. This could affect the track surface, as it’s not solely used for racing, potentially leading to more unpredictable grip levels. The track is a permanent style circuit with temporary infrastructure, such as barriers and fences, which will be removed when there is no racing. It is also one of the newest racetracks in the United States.
Circuit Layout
The layout of a circuit plays a significant role in the type of race we can expect. The presence of 19 corners suggests a technical track where downforce and car balance are crucial. Three potential DRS zones could lead to more overtaking opportunities and the estimated top speed of 320km/h indicates that engine power will also be a key factor. The elevation changes present this year can add an extra challenge for the drivers as it affects the car’s balance and grip - the main elevation change can be found between Turns 13 and 16, with the track heading over an exit ramp and under various flyovers across uneven ground.
Teams Expected to Perform Well
Certain teams’ cars perform better on certain tracks due to their design philosophy. For example, Red Bull’s car might be well-suited to this track if it has a good balance of power and downforce. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the last two editions of the Miami GP and is once again the favourite for victory, with the RB20 proving to be near-unbeatable in 2024. Mercedes and McLaren are also expected to perform well, as they are bringing major upgrades to the Miami GP. All eyes are on Ferrari this weekend - expected to sport a snazzy blue (maybe?) livery and some major technical upgrades.
Weather Expectations
Weather plays a crucial role in a race - rain can make the track slippery, leading to more challenging driving conditions and potentially more mistakes while high temperatures can affect the car’s cooling and tire degradation. The Miami Grand Prix weekend is set to be one of the hottest of the season so far with temperatures in the high 20s. It is expected to be generally sunny, but there is still a small chance of rain for all three days of action in the United States.
Tyre Degradation
Tyre degradation is a critical factor in a race - if the tires degrade quickly, teams might have to pit more often, which could influence their race strategy. The type of asphalt can significantly affect tyre degradation, and the asphalt that makes up the layout of the brand new Miami track, made of limestone and granite, is highly abrasive and will lead to significant tyre degradation. The McLaren team, in particular, is looking to improve the optimisation of the tyre operating window, especially in race performance.
The Sprint Race
The Sprint Race is a relatively new format in Formula 1, introduced in 2021. It’s a 100km dash to the chequered flag, with no pit stops unless repairs are needed. The race should last around 30 minutes. The aim of the Sprint Race is to promote dynamic, attacking racing rather than strategic racing. Points are awarded to the top eight finishers, with eight points for the winner, descending to one point for the eighth-place finisher.
In 2024, six venues will host F1 Sprint events: Brazil, Austria, Austin, Qatar, China, and for the first time, Miami. The Sprint Race weekend is still a three-day affair, with the Grand Prix as the main event. However, two of the regular practice sessions are replaced. A Sprint Qualifying session sets the grid for the Sprint and replaces FP2 on Friday afternoon. The Sprint itself replaces FP3 on Saturday, before qualifying for the Grand Prix happens as normal in the afternoon.
Mercedes
Mercedes has revealed that they will introduce their first significant updates to the car in Miami. The upgrades are intended to cure an “underlying balance” that is “causing difficulty” with the car. The team is planning to be ‘ambitious’ in the Miami Sprint.
McLaren
McLaren has confirmed that they will introduce their first round of upgrades of the 2024 Formula 1 season at the Miami GP. The update is designed to improve how the car takes care of the tyres, with rear degradation being a key differentiator.
Ferrari
Ferrari is planning to bring a special upgrade to the Miami GP. This upgrade is not just technical but also aesthetic. Ferrari will sport a special livery for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix. The design change will be a one-off and will feature two historic shades of blue – Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino. This special livery is to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Ferrari’s presence in North America.
In terms of technical upgrades, Ferrari is bringing a new floor component which aims to improve aerodynamic performance and car efficiency. The reduction in wake losses allows the rear of the car to receive higher energy flow, improving downforce generation as a result. The extra winglet provides some additional outwash to help keep front wheel wake losses further away from the bodywork.
Driver Market Situation
Nico Hulkenberg, who is currently with Haas, has been confirmed to join Sauber in 2025. After that, he will drive for Audi when they enter Formula 1 in 2026.
There are ongoing speculations about Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli potentially replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams. The rumors have been fueled by Sargeant’s performance, as he has been trailing Alex Albon in every session. Reliable sources, including seasoned F1 journalist Joe Saward, suggest that the Miami GP could be Sargeant’s last F1 race. Antonelli, who has won every car racing championship where he completed the season, is seen as a promising replacement. However, these are just rumors and nothing has been officially confirmed yet. Williams team principal James Vowles has stated that while he has no doubt that Antonelli will make it to F1, it doesn’t necessarily mean he will be at Williams.
Rumors about Adrian Newey
There are some rumors about Adrian Newey, the Chief Technical Officer of Red Bull, potentially leaving the team. However, Red Bull has stated that Newey is under contract at least until the end of 2025. It’s worth noting that these are just rumors and nothing has been officially confirmed yet - but we can’t deny that a Newey move to Ferrari or another team would DEFS spice things up.
Conclusion
The 2024 F1 Miami GP is shaping up to be an exciting event. With its unique circuit layout, the introduction of major upgrades from teams like Mercedes and McLaren, and the potential for a driver change at Williams, there’s a lot to look forward to. The weather could also play a significant role, with high temperatures expected throughout the weekend. The abrasive track surface is likely to lead to high tyre degradation, adding another strategic element to the race.
Whether you’re a seasoned F1 fan or new to the sport, the Miami GP promises to deliver a thrilling weekend of racing. Now all that's left to do is count down the minutes till it's lights out and away we go.
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