Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome

[René]

We're back on the Miami street circuit. Opinions were quite divided about this new track, but let's see how it is again.



Of course Red Bull is again a huge favorite, but Ferrari will bring their first major update for this race. The past two races they already made a step with the set-up, but it will have to be seen in the coming races whether the championship has already been run or whether we can still expect some serious opposition from the red cars. Mercedes still seems to be searching too much and I don't expect Aston Martin to be able to handle Red Bull in a title fight. Let's wait and see...



But a big mess-up by Red Bull this weekend would certainly fire up the championship again!

[robmarsh]

Hoping for a Red Bull double DNF

[René]

May 5, 2023 11:36:36 GMT robmarsh said:

Hoping for a Red Bull double DNF

   (I am quoting John here... )

[Carl]

"Miami International Autodrome will combine the prestige of Formula 1 with the culture of Miami to create an unparalleled racing experience. With incredible sightlines, exclusive access, and local chef-inspired menus, the Miami Grand Prix will offer an array of hospitality options sure to make an unforgettable weekend." - f1miamigp.com

Prestige! Culture! Unparalleled! Incredible! Exclusive! Unforgettable!

The more hyperbole used to sell something, the more it will cost.  Those in the most luxurious, exclusive and expensive seats are like the emperor with new clothes, unaware of the con, most aware of constant flattery.  I'll be wearing cotton pajamas and a frown, but I'll be watching 

Miami is essentially a cultural black hole waiting for rising sea levels to rinse away the endemic corruption.

...uninspired

[René]

May 5, 2023 17:32:31 GMT Carl said:

Miami is essentially a cultural black hole waiting for rising sea levels to rinse away the endemic corruption.

...uninspired

Including the orange idiot I may hope!

[René]

It's looking close so far. Charles was a bit over the limit but pole position is certainly on the cards for Ferrari. Can they translate this to a strong race?



Verstappen still the man to beat.

[René]

Aarghh, sometimes Charles is too much like Gilles! Brilliant the one day and overdoing it the next. He can put a car on pole that really doesn’t belong there but today he had a car capable of pole and he slams it in the wall… again. What a shame. But okay, not all is lost with Max starting further down.

Congrats to Checo, that was a very good lap! A Spanish speaking top 3 with Alonso in second and Sainz third. Nice for Kevin to end up in p4! Could be fireworks tomorrow. 

[chrisb]

I watched the brief highlights and these things are just so fast, I was thinking about Charles's lap that ended in tears and thought - good try- bust as you say Rene a shame. great lap by Kevin and really pleased for that but odds against Max doing something temperamental?

The one I was surprised by was Lewis that is just not good.

[Carl]

The early action was on the celebrity grid walk as stars of sport, stage and screen congratulated each other on their fame. Martin Brundle was smart to avoid the Williams sisters.  Serena has dangerous levels of testosterone and an intense dislike of men smaller than either of her arms.

Brundle summed up the current state of Formula One, declaring correctly that Perez was defenseless despite leading with ten laps remaining. A race leader should never be defenseless.

The voluptuous blonde in Levi's cutoffs and Red Bull shirt/cap assemblage was impressive. She cheered so madly for so easy an overtake and may be agreeable to other passes as well...

[René]

Excellent race report and analysis Carl. Nothing to add.

[robmarsh]

That was boring, no yellow flags even and no cars retired. They obviously were not pushing hard enough. Really after all the millions spent on this new formula, that was supposed to change the world, one season in and we are back to tyre dominated, one make dominated, no passing, races. Shocking. It would have been cheaper just ban to all aero aids apart from wings the same size and shape as 1982 and reduce the length of the cars so more than one can fit on the straight.

[René]

May 8, 2023 10:21:35 GMT robmarsh said:

... and reduce the length of the cars so more than one can fit on the straight.

   Brilliant Rob!

[René]

The Miami Grand Prix thread has by far the least replies and views compared to the other GPs... just an observation. 

[robmarsh]

The tackiest race in the season in the tackiest city of the season, and there are quite a few of the latter. Why are they trying to make F1 like Indycar racing on boring street tracks. I drive around the country lanes in England, complete with blind curves and off camber corners and no run off area and marvel on the fact that roads like these were what the old Grand Prix circuits were like.

[René]

May 11, 2023 7:00:43 GMT robmarsh said:

The tackiest race in the season in the tackiest city of the season, and there are quite a few of the latter. Why are they trying to make F1 like Indycar racing on boring street tracks. I drive around the country lanes in England, complete with blind curves and off camber corners and no run off area and marvel on the fact that roads like these were what the old Grand Prix circuits were like.

It was the tackiest event of the season, I agree Rob. Too many so called important people showing off their latest outfits and watches while having no idea what the racing is about.



And the track is also useless. And then to think there are several great race tracks in the US. Classic tracks like Watkins Glen or Road America or the fabulous circuit in Alabama. F1 is Americanizing in the wrong way.