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MIAMI – He is only two years old and he is already a symbol: the Miami Grand Prix this weekend perfectly illustrates the new direction taken by Formula 1 which, in search of show and show, will discover the world capital, Las Vegas, in November.
Since the American company Liberty Media took control of Formula 1 in 2017, it has implemented an expansion strategy, particularly in the United States, country of Nascar and IndyCar, with three races in 2023 and the show as the main leitmotif.
More and more night races are also organized in Asia and the Middle East and sprint races could multiply.
Well supported by the series Netflix “Drive to Survive”, which is a hit in the United States and has boosted its popularity around the world, Formula 1 is changing, but somewhat to the detriment of historic events, some of which are set to disappear from the calendar.
France thus lost its Grand Prix this year and Belgium, despite the popularity of its Spa-Francorchamps circuit, should disappear from the landscape next year. Monaco, perhaps the most legendary race, narrowly saved its head.
These novelties seem to please the pilots, even if they wish to preserve the identity of their sport by preserving certain historic races.
“Finding a balance”
“I like the new direction taken by F1, assures Lewis Hamilton, star of F1 whose aura goes far beyond the world of motorsport. I’ve been here a long time and love the changes that have taken place. It’s great to go all over the world, to discover new circuits and I really hope that we will soon be going to all the continents and especially to Africa. »
“But of course I like historic circuits like Silverstone or Monza and those will always be my favourites. I think it is important to keep these races which are part of the DNA of F1. We have to find a balance, ”hopes the seven-time British world champion.
An opinion shared by Frenchman Pierre Gasly, who has never hidden being a big fan of Miami.
“The Miami Grand Prix and the Las Vegas Grand Prix are truly incredible in terms of experience, showspectacle for the spectators and what that brings to our sport (…) We also have to keep historic Grands Prix, we have to find the right balance, ”explains the Alpine driver.
The organizers of the Florida race have once again put on a big show this year by creating a spectacular paddock. And the stables have set up their reception facilities on the lawn of the impressive Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the Miami Dolphins, the local American football team.
As of Friday, several thousand spectators took their places in the upper part of the stands to try to see their idols. As soon as the pilots appeared on the giant screens, they were entitled to thunderous applause, even shouts of groupies for the most popular!
Jackpot expected in Las Vegas
The list of stars expected in the paddock this weekend is also much longer than at other races, with among others Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, actors Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez, musicians Martin Garrix and Wyclef Jean and many athletes such as Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, several NBA basketball players and former tennis queen Serena Williams.
The economic benefits, estimated at $350 million last year for the first edition, should explode this year with a show even more spectacular. The circuit will welcome 270,000 spectators during the weekend compared to 240,000 last year and this attendance is expected to increase in the coming years.
These impressive figures are however far from the jackpot expected in Las Vegas, which “will be the greatest race of all time”, predicts Lewis Hamilton.
According to a cabinet report Applied Analysis, the economic impact of the Grand Prix has been estimated at $1.3 billion. Potentially twice as much as those of the Super Bowl ($600 million), the No. 1 sporting event in the United States.
2023-05-07 00:07:00
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