F1 moves nearer to 2022 Miami GP after crucial resolution vote passed

Formula 1

F1 moves nearer to 2022 Miami GP after crucial resolution vote passed

Miami's Hard Rock Stadium is slated to hold the race

Ian Parkes

Thursday 15 April 2021 09:39 Updated: 13:52

Formula 1 has moved a step closer to a Miami Grand Prix in 2022 after a crucial resolution vote was passed by city commissioners on Wednesday.

F1 has so far faced a two-year battle to hold a race in Miami after real estate mogul Stephen Ross signed a contract in 2019 to promote the event around the Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins American football team, both of which he owns.

Opposition from local residents has repeatedly thrown a spanner in the works, in particular, as they were initially supported by mayor Rodney Harris.

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Harris, however, recently backed a new resolution to bring F1 to the city that included a number of initiatives designed to offset the effects of the sport on the local community.

Despite listening to two hours of protests from residents during a meeting, Miami Gardens city commissioners have voted in favour of the latest resolution.

Notably, it includes a promise there will be no racing before 2.30pm on school days and/or after sunset, posing a minor time constraint issue for Friday practice.

The resolution also declares that 'noise mitigation barriers of industry quality' will be constructed on the north side of the circuit, while there would be strict monitoring of air and noise quality.

Ross has also pledged $5million across the 10-year length of the contract that would fund community benefits programs and businesses in the city.

An initial $1m would be paid after the first race, with sums of $444,444.44 payable after the following nine annual events.

A further commitment has been made to ensure any race will leave a lasting positive legacy to Miami Gardens.

Despite the ongoing pandemic requiring strict lockdown in most US states, Florida has remained largely open, welcoming other sports such as NBA, boxing, and the wrestling brands World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) to set up home there and continue to show events.