Miami Grand Prix 2026
F1's glittering American showpiece set around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens — where celebrity glamour, blistering heat, and on-track drama collide in one of the newest and most talked-about races on the calendar.
Circuit Facts
Miami International Autodrome
Miami Gardens, Florida, USA
2022
19
Street-style temporary circuit
1:29.708 — Verstappen (2023)
About the Miami International Autodrome
The Miami International Autodrome is one of Formula 1's most ambitious modern creations — a 5.412 km circuit constructed entirely around the Hard Rock Stadium, home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins. Built on car park and road infrastructure surrounding the stadium, the circuit winds past the venue's exterior before returning through a sequence of flowing medium-speed sections and tight chicanes. Though temporary in nature, it was designed with racing in mind from the outset, featuring multiple DRS zones and varied corner types to encourage overtaking.
Despite being one of the newest additions to the calendar, Miami has already generated memorable racing moments. The inaugural 2022 edition saw Max Verstappen charge from a midfield starting position to take a dominant victory. The 2024 edition saw Lando Norris score his maiden F1 victory here in a stunning drive that signalled McLaren's arrival as genuine title contenders, with Norris then defending brilliantly to win again in 2025.
One of the circuit's most distinctive features is the artificial marina constructed alongside the pitlane — a themed waterfront environment complete with boats and beach clubs that creates a festival backdrop even though the water is not actually connected to the sea. The design reflects the broader philosophy of the event: maximum spectacle and entertainment wrapped around the racing itself.
Key Corners
Miami's 19 corners blend hard-braking hairpins with sweeping medium-speed sequences, creating a circuit that is deceptively challenging despite its short history.
Turn 1 — The Hairpin
A heavy braking zone at the end of the main straight where the field bunches at race start. Drivers arrive at over 300 km/h before scrubbing speed for this tight right-hander, making it a prime overtaking spot throughout the race whenever DRS is in play.
Turns 11–12 — The Sweepers
A fast left-right combination taken at high speed, demanding commitment and precise car balance. Getting this sequence right is critical for momentum onto the following straight and feeds directly into the second DRS detection zone, making it pivotal for lap time.
Turns 14–16 — Marina Chicanes
Threading through the themed marina section, these tight chicanes are set against the artificial harbour backdrop. The surface is slightly bumpier here, which unsettles cars and can generate rear tyre degradation for drivers who are aggressive over the kerbs.
Turn 17 — Final Hairpin
The last major braking point before the pit straight, one of the slowest corners on the lap and a key overtaking opportunity late in the race. Track position and tyre condition at this hairpin can be the difference between holding or losing a position.
Race Atmosphere
The Miami Grand Prix has established itself as one of the most extravagant events on the entire F1 calendar. From celebrity-filled paddock appearances to pool parties and live music stages, the atmosphere is unlike any traditional European race. The Hard Rock Stadium provides a natural focal point, and the circuit's design ensures fans in the grandstands can see the cars pass multiple times per lap.
The Florida heat is a constant factor — temperatures regularly exceed 30°C on race day, creating a beach festival feel around an American football stadium. The crowd mixes dedicated F1 fans with event-goers drawn by the spectacle, giving Miami a unique energy that has attracted millions of new fans to the sport globally since 2022.
Tyre Strategy
Miami is a Hard/Medium circuit where intense Florida heat accelerates tyre degradation significantly. The abrasive surface and combination of long straights with hard braking zones wear both front and rear tyres at an unusually high rate, often making a two-stop strategy the quickest approach.
Safety cars appear frequently on this street-style layout — teams must be ready to react immediately, as a well-timed stop under a safety car can overturn a 20-second deficit in seconds. Pit window timing and managing thermal degradation are the two defining strategic challenges of the Miami race.
How to Watch the Miami Grand Prix in the UK
The Miami Grand Prix is broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports F1, covering every practice session, qualifying, and the race. Due to the time difference between the UK and Florida (EDT is UTC−4), race sessions typically begin around 9pm UK time — ideal for a Sunday evening broadcast.
Channel 4 broadcasts a free-to-air highlights programme after the race with extended coverage and analysis. To watch live you will need a Sky Sports subscription or a NOW TV Sports Pass. Streaming is available via Sky Go. Visit our TV schedule page for confirmed UK session times.
Previous Miami GP Winners
| Year | Winner | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 2024 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 2023 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing |
| 2022 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing |