Miami International Autodrome nearly complete for Formula 1 race

|Thoughts Racing (Wade Productions)|

Photos courtesy of Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix

Miami International Autodrome nearing completion ahead of Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2022

  • New Miami International Autodrome track “95 percent complete” ahead of its debut race in May
  • Work started on the 5.41km track in April 2021 with the final lift of asphalt completed in March
  • The final work to include curb painting and installation of temporary safety barriers.
  • Recently released fly-through video revealing the full layout of the incredible variety of spaces and experiences on offer to fans around the campus is available by clicking on the above video.
  • Campus Pass is on sale now and available to purchase here.

By Paola Argueta

Manager, Corporate Communications, Formula One Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix

The construction of the Miami International Autodrome is 95 percent complete ahead of its staging of the first-ever Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix on May 6-8, 2022.

Work on the 5.41km circuit started in April 2021 and all permanent structures, such as the pit building, garages and race control tower are close to completion, and the final lift of asphalt laying was finished in March. The focus in the final weeks will shift to the final fit of the temporary structures around the Miami campus and minor works, such as painting curbs, which is already under way, and installing temporary safety barriers.

“We’re in the final stages of this incredible circuit that will host the first-ever Formula 1® race in Miami,” says Richard Cregan, CEO of the Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. “We are delighted with the progress we have made, and it’s a huge credit to the hard work of the team here in Miami, in consultation with both Formula 1® and the FIA to get this circuit finished in a tight timeline. We have tried to create a track that drivers love to race on and a campus that offers unique, best-in-class fan experiences. And we can’t wait for the first weekend in May to be here.”

The state-of-the-art Miami International Autodrome has been constructed in Miami Gardens, Fla., within the campus of the Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins NFL team. The 19-turn track is the newest circuit built to host a round of the FIA Formula 1® World Championship.

The state-of-the-art Miami International Autodrome, at Miami Gardens, Fla., sits on the campus that’s home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

The circuit features three straights — the longest being 1.28km in length — three DRS zones and simulations predict drivers will be on full throttle for 58 per cent of the lap, with an estimated top speed of 320km/h.

(DRS stands for Drag Reduction System. According to George Howson of the F1 Chronicle, it “is an overtaking aid, . . . a tool used by drivers to increase their top speed, which promotes more overtaking and therefore more entertaining races. DRS was first introduced to the rear wing of Formula 1 cars in 2011 to promote overtaking during a grand prix and to mitigate the effects of driving in dirty air. DRS is now also used in Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula Renault 3.5, Super Formula, and Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters to help facilitate overtaking in those categories.

In Formula 1 DRS opens a flap on the car’s rear wing to reduce aerodynamic drag and gives the trailing car in the turbulent air a speed advantage of 10-12km/h to make an overtaking move on the leading car who is in clean air.

A Formula 1 wing is made up of horizontal elements including the main plane and a flap and is a marvel of motorsport technology. When activated, DRS allows the wing flaps to lift a maximum of 50mm to reduce drag, resulting in less downforce. Less downforce means faster acceleration, and depending on the car and its setup, a higher top speed. When DRS was first implemented, it was monitored to ensure overtaking could be made easier, without reducing the skill level needed from the driver.)

Apex Circuit Design laid out the Miami course.
Apex Circuit Design laid out the Miami course.

Planning of the Miami International Autodrome began in the summer of 2019, while the ground-breaking process started in April 2021. Over the past 12 months, 24,000 tons of asphalt have been laid, with the final top lift completed in February 2022. The foundations of the Pit Building started on September 1, 2021 and a total of 1,130 tons of concrete has been used across the site.

The layout of the track has been formulated by Clive Bowen’s Apex Circuit Design company and work on the design has taken place in close consultation with both Formula 1® and the sport’s governing body, the FIA, to ensure the track is a challenge for the drivers and adheres to the rigorous safety standards of a modern Grand Prix facility.

The circuit is 5.41 km (3.36 miles) long and features 19 turns.
The circuit is 5.41 km (3.36 miles) long and features 19 turns.

Around the 5.41km circuit, a total of 2,870 Geobrugg blocks have been installed with 118 in place along the pit wall. Extending the length of the Miami International Autodrome are 37,000 feet of concrete barriers and debris fences (the equivalent to seven miles in length). There are also 14 pedestrian bridges that span the track — the most of any F1® circuit — to enable ease of access around the Miami Campus.

“There has been no compromise on any aspect of the circuit design or quality of construction,” says Cregan. “In my experience of working with new venues over the years, I’ve never seen as much effort on perfecting the surface of the track as we have done in Miami. Everything was exactly per the design, and everyone involved in construction has done an incredible job.”

The Miami International Autodrome will roar into life on the weekend of May 6-8, 2022 and will be the 11th different venue in the USA to host a Formula 1® race since the championship started in 1950. This year’s inaugural event will form round five of this season’s 23-race schedule.

Miami International Autodrome is the 11th different venue in the United States to host a Formula 1 race.
Miami International Autodrome is the 11th different venue in the United States to host a Formula 1 race.

Follow F1’s Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix on social media at:

Facebook – F1 Miami Grand Prix

Twitter – @F1Miami

Instagram – @F1MIA

LinkedIn – F1 Miami Grand Prix

About the Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix

Scheduled to make its debut on May 6-8, 2022, the Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix is the sport’s newest race on the Formula 1® calendar. Located in Miami Gardens, Fla., the world’s top drivers are set to compete on a brand-new circuit located within the complex of the Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the legendary Miami Dolphins NFL team. The 5.41km Miami International Autodrome features 19 corners, three straights and has an estimated top speed of 320km/h (198.83 mph). The race also will provide an additional tourist boost and economic impact to local businesses in the greater Miami region. Formula 1® and South Florida Motorsports are working closely with the local community to provide an allotment of discounted tickets for the residents of Miami Gardens, ensuring they have the opportunity to experience the thrill of the sport. Additionally, South Florida Motorsports have launched a program to support both local businesses and the community to ensure they get the full benefits of the race being held in Miami Gardens. This includes a STEM education program through F1 in Schools, as well as the opportunity for local restaurants to be part of the race weekend.