F1: Miami Grand Prix 2024 Preview, Predictions, Race Schedule, and Circuit Details

F1: Miami Grand Prix 2024 Preview, Predictions, Race Schedule, and Circuit Details

Ero Samson
updated at April 30, 2024 at 2:56 PM
  • Formula 1 visits the United States for the first time in 2024 for the Miami Grand Prix
  • The Miami GP Race is set to feature the second sprint of the 2024 Formula 1 calendar
  • Sports Brief has compiled an extensive preview and predictions ahead of the US event

Formula 1 returns to Florida and to the United States for the first time in 2024 for the Miami Grand Prix.

The addition of the Miami GP to the Formula 1 calendar in 2022 was part of a strategic effort to expand the sport's fan base and bolster its presence in the lucrative US market.

Despite these efforts, Formula 1 has experienced somewhat subdued success in America since the rule change in 2022.

Formula 1, Max Verstappen, F1, Red Bull, Miami Grand Prix, Miami GP, Podium, Race winner
Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium after winning the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix at the Miami International Autodrome. Image: Eva Marie Uzcategul.
Source: Getty Images

The outcome of the 2024 edition of the Miami Grand Prix could serve as a critical indicator of Formula 1's success in America moving forward.

While discussions about Formula 1's financial aspects and accounting strategies are important, our focus is on the thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing action, the impact of the 'blue Ferrari', the Sprint Race controversy, and the racing strategies we anticipate at the Miami International Autodrome.

In light of this and as race weekend approaches, Sports Brief spotlights a preview, prediction and critical details of the 2024 Miami Grand Prix.

Miami Grand Prix schedule

The highly anticipated 2024 Miami Grand Prix is set to thrill fans with a packed schedule of racing sessions from May 3 to May 5.

May 3:

- Practice 1 commences at 12:30 (GMT -4)

- Sprint qualification follows at 16:30 (GMT -4)

May 4:

- The Sprint Race begins at 12:00 (GMT -4)

- Grand Prix Qualifying follows at 16:00 (GMT -4)

May 5:

- The Main Race kicks off at 16:00 (GMT -4)

Miami Grand Prix preview

The 2024 Miami Grand Prix will see F1 return to the Florida street for just the third time in the sport’s 74-year history, and many teams will be looking to improve on their early season performance.

Apart from Ferrari, who will be sporting a special blue livery to celebrate their 60th anniversary in the American market, several teams view the Miami race as the perfect opportunity to introduce their first upgrades of the season. McLaren Racing, off to a brilliant start in 2024, will debut their first upgrade for the MCL38 car at this event. The upgrades are expected to not only enhance overall performance but also address the team's struggles on tracks with long straights, such as Miami.

Mercedes AMG are also set to unveil significant upgrades this weekend, as hinted by Team Principal, Toto Wolff. The German team aims to improve their car and overall performance after a lacklustre start to the campaign.

On the other half of the grid, Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) are bringing much-needed upgrades following their disappointing outing at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Despite the numerous upgrades planned by various teams, the wheel-to-wheel action might not be as close as fans hope, as Red Bull Racing is expected to dominate the grid once again.

In the 2023 race, the Milton Keynes team established a 20-second gap between Sergio Perez and the next car, Fernando Alonso. This dominance, coupled with the apparent superiority of the 2024 Red Bull car, suggests another strong showing from the team.

The 2024 Miami Grand Prix introduces an element of unpredictability with the second Sprint race of the season. With only one practice session available for drivers and teams to acclimatise to the circuit's conditions and tyre degradation, fans can expect the uncertainty and excitement they always crave.

Miami Grand Prix predictions

The introduction of the Miami Grand Prix coincides with the start of Red Bull Racing’s stronghold on the sport. Hence, the Milton Keynes team has secured victory at the two editions of the Miami races held so far. Unfortunately for the remaining teams on the grid, none has been able to take the fight to Red Bull, despite being well into the new regulations and ground effect rules introduced in 2022.

Once again, Red Bull are poised to secure double podium finishes for both of their drivers, replicating their success in 2023.

We also anticipate another Sprint race victory for Red Bull, making it a seemingly flawless weekend for the Austrian team. Ferrari, with their special livery, are expected to show an improved pace compared to their performance in China. Mercedes, armed with upgrades to their W15 car, should also perform strongly, aiming for a deeper placement in the points standings than they have achieved thus far in the season.

Miami Grand Prix Circuit Information

- Circuit Name: Miami International Autodrome

- Debut Grand Prix: 2022

- Total Laps: 57

- Track Length: 5.412 kilometres

- Race Distance: 308.326 kilometres

- Lap Record: 1:29.708 - Max Verstappen (2023)

Miami Grand Prix Past Winners

- 2023: Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)

- 2022: Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)

Adrian Newey’s immediate future

Sports Brief also previously listed teams Red Bull's Adrian Newey could join following reports of his departure from the Austrian squad.

The 65-year-old could be ending his 19-year stint at Milton Keynes at the end of the 2024 campaign and could be snapped up quickly.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).
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