Miami Grand Prix moves a step closer

Formula 1's plan to introduce a Miami Grand Prix to the 2019 calendar moved a step closer on Thursday as the City Commission approved the event. Liberty Media's desire to secure a second race in the United States had led them to Miami, although the race is not without potential pitfalls.

Although opposition from disgruntled locals has been quelled at this stage, Liberty may know have to sate their own drivers and fans, who have expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed circuit through downtown Miami.

An image shared on social media by district commissioner Ken Russell shows a route through downtown Miami and over the Port Boulevard bridge to Dodge Island - the location of the two long straights.

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The track will also circle the American Airlines Arena, home of NBA's Miami Heat, and the Freedom Tower.

Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton has been a particularly vocal critic of the proposal and said at the Spanish Grand Prix on Thursday that drivers ought to be given a say in future track designs.

"I don't get why, for example, in golf you get all the great golfers who design golf courses, and then you've not got any of the top racing drivers ever in history who ever designed a race track," said Hamilton.

"I don't want to make an assumption before we've even driven it, but if there's time, and anyone wants to approach me or any of the drivers, I'm sure we could give some good insight into what the layout's like, and how it could be better."

Thursday's approval from the City Commission is not confirmation of the race's place on the 2019 calendar, however a statement hinted at the deal's advanced position.

Is Miami the sporting event capital of the world? The Commission just passed a resolution to allow the administration to negotiate a deal to bring Formula One racing to the Magic City! #sports #racing #f1 #formulaone #formula1 ???????????????? — City of Miami (@CityofMiami) May 10, 2018

It read: "The City of Miami will enter negotiations with the organizers of Formula One racing, following the approval of... a resolution of the Miami City Commission supporting the efforts to bring the Formula 1 Racing Circuit to the city of Miami for the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix from 2019 to 2028, and to direct the city manager to formalize the necessary contractual agreement between the city of Miami and Formula One World Championship Limited."