Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Miami Grand Prix

In 2022, Miami will welcome Formula One to its shores following years of negotiations and hopes that the sport is primed for a return to the Sunshine State. For the first time in over sixty years, the pinnacle of motorsport will race in Florida—with names like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen set to do battle at Miami Gardens. Given ever-growing F1 fandom in the U.S.A., you can expect packed grandstands and a bustling paddock for arguably one of the most prestigious events the city will host all year.

There is no better time for Formula One and Miami to partner up, with both parties offering something exciting for the other. After several failed attempts for F1 to win the hearts of Americans, recent years have seen a seismic shift in how the U.S. perceives the sport. This evolution is partially attributed to Austin, TX and its purpose-built 'Circuit of the Americas,' which has hosted the U.S. Grand Prix since 2012. The event continues to shine through as a phenomenal success, with sellout crowds filling every grandstand and transforming the city into a three-day festival each year.

Another major factor is at play as well. The incredibly popular Netflix documentary Drive to Survive has opened the door to usher in millions of new fans worldwide: providing unprecedented insight into what exactly goes on in the exclusive F1 paddock and transforming drivers and team personnel into recognizable television personalities beyond their superstar sporting abilities. In May of this year, these very same celebrities will descend upon Miami and put on a live show like no other.

This isn’t not just some sales talk, either. The 2022 Formula One season is set to offer some of the best racing in years, as the sport enters its new season on the back of a titanic 2021 championship duel between Hamilton and Verstappen. The two men entered the final round in Abu Dhabi on equal footing points-wise, and it took until the very last lap of the season before Verstappen stole the crown from his seven-time champion rival.

Although these evenly matched heavyweights are worth the price of admission for a grandstand seat, it's the cars that will make the headlines in 2022. A drastic redesign—years in the making—launches this year, with one (and only one!) impetus driving this change: racing improvements. While some racecar regulations target safety or environmental concerns, 2022's singular purpose is to allow closer competition that will boost the fun factor for fans. As we said, there's no better time for Miami and Formula One to join forces.

As for the venue, after years of negotiations briefly suggesting the Port Boulevard area would host the circuit, the F1 paddock will actually set up shop at the home of the Miami Dolphins. As such, Hard Rock Stadium grounds will transform into a street circuit worthy of challenging the best drivers in the world. A 19-corner layout spanning 5.41km (3.36mi) offers a high-speed blitz with an estimated average lap speed of 223km/h (138mph). Yes, you read that right: that's only the average speed. The highest speeds will top out around 320km/h, or just under 200mph.

Drag Reduction System, or DRS, zones provide three straights on the track. These special circuit areas allow drivers to adjust to race car aerodynamics so they can close in on their rivals during close competition; expect to see peak speeds on these sections of track, making grandstand seat tickets here some of the best on the market.

Nevertheless, other seats will offer views unlike anything else in Formula One. Hard Rock Stadium's cable car system will run parallel to—and briefly above—the circuit. Hence, riders will be treated to a spectacular sight as these monsters of engineering are unleashed and scream their way around the Miami Gardens complex below.

Formula One proceedings will get underway on Friday, May 6, with two practice sessions and a third on Saturday morning before an afternoon qualifying session. The race itself is on Sunday afternoon. It's worth mentioning that Formula One will not be alone in its appearance at Hard Rock Stadium. Rather, attendees will enjoy a weekend chock full of entertainment, whether they’re sitting in the grandstand or visiting the luxurious Paddock Club. Porsche's North American championship and the all-female single-seater W Series are set to appear as supporting events, as well.

Formula One continues to gain steam and has become increasingly popular in the U.S.A. over the past decade, with no signs of letting up. The inaugural 2022 Miami Grand Prix will undoubtedly serve as the latest American success story for F1 and the State of Florida as well. Mark your calendar and make sure you don’t miss the best party in town this spring (5/6-5/8).