Four down, nineteen to go and this week, it's a trip to the Hard Rock Stadium for the 2023 Formula One Miami Grand Prix. Here's all to look out for.
Image credit: Red Bull Content Pool
Last weekend, the Formula One community saw what was perhaps the dullest Azerbaijan Grand Prix in history. That wasn't helped by the infuriating Sprint race format essentially spoiling the Grand Prix result 24 hours before it even took place.
But it's good news for fans looking for a more exciting race as the F1 paddock heads to the USA and Miami for the 2023 Miami Grand Prix... Oh wait.
Yes, Formula One is making a seemingly unnecessary trip across the Atlantic for a single race on the American continent before once again returning to Europe. All for the series' second time out at the Miami International Autodrome which runs through the car park of the Hard Rock Stadium.
The challenges of the new track surface will certainly be different to those of last year. Whereas the 2022 running of the event saw very bumpy tarmac accentuate the problems of the new cars, this new surface is supposedly much smoother. However, with brand new, unused tarmac comes the issue of asphalt oils leaking out and surface damage.
In fact, new track surfaces that haven't had much running prior to a Grand Prix weekend tend to deform under the load of F1 cars. Track damage comes in the form of intense tram lines that get more pronounced over a weekend and the extraction of oil from within the asphalt. A famous and recent example of this would be the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix in which damp running felt like ice to the drivers due to the presence of oil all over the racing surface.
Expect driver radios to constantly mention the track surface throughout the weekend.
One driver that will be positive leaving Baku is Sergio Perez. The Mexican once again earned his "King of the Streets" title by dominating over his teammate throughout the weekend. And with a Miami layout that somewhat resembles that of a street circuit, chances are he will be looking to carry this momentum through the first quarter of the year.
Finally, McLaren seemed to get the handle of its 2023 car at Baku having brought a number of upgrades. They will hope to continue their run of form in the United States before embarking on a European leg through Imola, Barcelona and Monaco in coming weeks.
What are you looking forward to for the 2023 Formula One Miami Grand Prix?
Image credit: Red Bull Content Pool
Last weekend, the Formula One community saw what was perhaps the dullest Azerbaijan Grand Prix in history. That wasn't helped by the infuriating Sprint race format essentially spoiling the Grand Prix result 24 hours before it even took place.
But it's good news for fans looking for a more exciting race as the F1 paddock heads to the USA and Miami for the 2023 Miami Grand Prix... Oh wait.
Yes, Formula One is making a seemingly unnecessary trip across the Atlantic for a single race on the American continent before once again returning to Europe. All for the series' second time out at the Miami International Autodrome which runs through the car park of the Hard Rock Stadium.
Resurfacing complications
As aforementioned, the 2023 Miami GP will be Formula Ones second visit to the Miami International Autodrome. Although it isn't entirely the same venue as it was last year. Whilst the location and layout remains unchanged, the entire track has been resurfaced since its last use. This new surface will provide plenty of unknowns to teams and should spice up the racing.The challenges of the new track surface will certainly be different to those of last year. Whereas the 2022 running of the event saw very bumpy tarmac accentuate the problems of the new cars, this new surface is supposedly much smoother. However, with brand new, unused tarmac comes the issue of asphalt oils leaking out and surface damage.
In fact, new track surfaces that haven't had much running prior to a Grand Prix weekend tend to deform under the load of F1 cars. Track damage comes in the form of intense tram lines that get more pronounced over a weekend and the extraction of oil from within the asphalt. A famous and recent example of this would be the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix in which damp running felt like ice to the drivers due to the presence of oil all over the racing surface.
Expect driver radios to constantly mention the track surface throughout the weekend.
Who looks strong after Baku?
Leaving Baku, it seems Ferrari is once again closer to the Red Bull pairing. Charles Leclerc was able to snatch pole and keep Fernando Alonso from continuing his podium streak at the sea-front circuit. However, with much warmer temperatures announced for the Miami GP and a Ferrari that eats its tyres faster than you can say "Pirelli," an Australia-esque order may be on its way.One driver that will be positive leaving Baku is Sergio Perez. The Mexican once again earned his "King of the Streets" title by dominating over his teammate throughout the weekend. And with a Miami layout that somewhat resembles that of a street circuit, chances are he will be looking to carry this momentum through the first quarter of the year.
Finally, McLaren seemed to get the handle of its 2023 car at Baku having brought a number of upgrades. They will hope to continue their run of form in the United States before embarking on a European leg through Imola, Barcelona and Monaco in coming weeks.
How to watch the 2023 Miami Grand Prix?
Being a fly away event on the American continent, European Formula One fans will be staying up later than usual to catch all the action this weekend. However, it's nowhere near as late as many of us will be getting up for the Las Vegas Grand Prix later on this year. Here are all the Formula One session times for the weekend.- FP1 - 20:00 CET / 14:00 Local Time
- FP2 - 23:30 CET / 17:30 Local Time
- FP3 - 18:30 CET / 12:30 Local Time
- Qualifying - 22:00 CET / 16:00 Local Time
- Race - 21:30 CET / 15:30 Local Time
What are you looking forward to for the 2023 Formula One Miami Grand Prix?
