Miami GP: How we got here, will the race ever happen?

Miami GP

Miami GP: How we got here, will the race ever happen?

Everything you need to know about F1's latest race.

Matthew Scott

Wednesday 16 October 2019 13:00 Updated: 16:27

Miami GP: What happens next, will the race happen?

The Hard Rock Stadium circuit is mostly located on ground owned by the arena. The stadium's owner Stephen Ross is also the chief promoter of the event, so there is certainly more alignment in F1's latest plan than the previous one.

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However, sections of public roads are once again included in the new plan, which means the decision is back in the hands of local authorities.

The City Commission will again hold the key to green-lighting the race and this is where F1 could run into problems.

As those in the Bayfront district did before, residents of Miami Gardens have spoken out against the plans for the race, which would cause disruption before and after F1 cars have raced there.

The area's commissioner Barbara Jordan has already voiced her opposition to the plans after meeting with local residents.

She said "It solidified my position as a no in terms of something this community does not want."

Miami Gardens mayor Oliver Gilbert is running to replace Jordan and has also voiced his opposition to the plans, potentially putting F1 in the middle of an awkward political tug-of-war that may not have been foreseen.

As with the previous plans, concerns over traffic congestion, noise and air pollution and overcrowding of residential areas are chief among locals' concerns.

Bratches has already tried to limit the damage, claiming: "Hosting the race at the stadium site limits the work that has to be done to public streets, which means very little disruption to surrounding residents and businesses as we prepare for the race."

Another problem could lie in the proposed date for the race. May is an already packed month for F1 with the start of the European season and the Monaco Grand Prix unmovable from its slot late in the month.

The world’s greatest racing @f1 has never been to S. Florida. Imagine people coming to this region from around the World in May. Multiple passing zones and world-class clubs and amenities. Barcelona, Monaco... Miami... make it happen. pic.twitter.com/OxxUP4NFUN
— Tom Garfinkel (@TomGarfinkel) October 15, 2019

Zandvoort's new race has been slotted in early May and won't be going anywhere in a hurry thanks to Max Verstappen's popularity in the Netherlands.

The Spanish GP is also in May, although the race almost dropped off the 2020 calendar, and does not have a deal for 2021.

Next year's schedule has already swollen to a record-breaking 22 races, with teams voicing concerns over the welfare of their staff members, especially the mechanics, who are employed right up to the limits of curfews that were introduced to stop them sleeping in the garage during race weekends.

How those teams would feel about potentially travelling from Europe to the United States and back in quick time remains to be seen.

Liberty's reason for chasing the Miami race is clear and they claim that the impacts for the local area would be huge. However, despite the recent suggestion of a breakthrough, it appears the roadblocks are only just surfacing once again.