Formula 1
This is what you need to know about the Miami Grand Prix
This year, Max Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Pérez are the top favourites. photo
© Lynne Sladky/AP/dpa
The favorites compete in a special outfit. The victory in Florida should only lead to Red Bull. Unless the duo is out of control. And otherwise?
Grand Prix number five in this Formula 1 season. The four previous ones ended with a winner in the Red Bull. The team, which is currently so dominant, is bringing something special to the Miami Grand Prix: the cars of defending world champion and leader Max Verstappen and his challenger Sergio Perez are given a special paint job – fans were allowed to come up with their ideas submit.
Will the two Red Bull drivers decide the victory among themselves again?
Verstappen warns: “It will definitely not be easy.” However, the 25-year-old last year’s winner also means the challenges that the fast course at top speeds of up to 340 km/h poses and the weather in Florida with temperatures up to or above 30 degrees. After the drivers criticized the surface a year ago, it was renewed. None of this should change anything about Red Bull’s position as the favourite. Only then, at the European start on May 21 in Imola, can major updates be expected from the challengers and pursuers – all of the former industry leader Mercedes, which continues to weaken.
How did the race go a year ago – the first in Miami?
Verstappen had to fight hard for the premiere victory. “I need a drink first,” he radioed to the pits, bathed in sweat, after the exertion. However, it only got exciting on the last laps of the debut under the Florida sun. Verstappen fought a tough duel with the then title rival and world championship leader Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari, which had started from pole position. His teammate, Carlos Sainz, was third, Verstappen’s stable rival Sergio Perez fourth.
What makes the Grand Prix there so special?
It’s a US-style event. This time they have moved the accommodations for the teams directly to the Hard Rock Stadium, where the Miami Dolphins usually play and where the Miami Tennis Open was recently held. According to the organizer, 12 days 24 hours was worked for it. Entertainment and sound reinforcement is provided on all Grand Prix days, with performances by DJs and pop stars being broadcast throughout the Miami International Autodrome campus. And there shouldn’t be a lack of stars for the parade in the starting line-up on Sunday.
What, when and where will it be broadcast?
Miami is six hours behind Central European Summer Time. Therefore, it will be a late pleasure for German fans. The first free practice takes place on Friday at 20:00 CEST. At 11:30 p.m. CEST, the second hour of practice begins. The third free practice on Saturday starts at 18:30 CEST, the qualification at 22:00 CEST. The race on Sunday starts at 21:30 CEST. The Miami Grand Prix will be broadcast by pay channel Sky.
