Leclerc en Verstappen bij de start van de Miami GP — Photo: © LAT Images

Miami Grand Prix

Miami F1 verdict as critics urged to hold fire

The Miami facility was "second to none" but the racing "left a great deal to be desired"

Ian Parkes

Tuesday 10 May 2022 14:55

The inaugural Miami Grand Prix was the most eagerly anticipated event of the F1 season but did the only new venue on this year's calendar deliver?

Max Verstappen scored his third win of the season in dominant style from title rival Charles Leclerc to close the drivers' championship points gap to just 19.

GPFans editor-in-chief Ian Parkes was our man on the ground at the Miami International Autodrome and what follows is his verdict on F1's latest venture into the United States.

Miami verdict two-fold

"Breaking down the event overall into its two components, off-track, Miami delivered - and then some.

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"The entertainment, both at and away from the circuit, was incredible, and the facilities were second to none.

"But as we all know, a grand prix stands or falls by what happens on track, regardless of how amazing the venue may be.

"So looking at the second component in more detail, the race itself left a great deal to be desired.

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Wow! The #F1 paddock at the #MiamiGP is absolutely heaving ahead of qualifying. Can’t quite recall it like this on a Saturday pic.twitter.com/Qr3nymT1Rw
— Ian Parkes (@ianparkesf1) May 7, 2022

"We had a good opening few laps but then a relatively sterile period until Lando Norris' crash that led to the introduction of the safety car, leading to a more captivating ending.

"So did the track work? Just about, yes, because there were 45 overtakes, the second-highest total this year from the five races so far behind only Bahrain, so that in itself tells you it's not a dud.

"Of course, there was criticism across the weekend from the drivers, initially with regard to the chicane that simply is not suited to the current size and nature of an F1 car.

"And then there was the asphalt that was derided for lacking grip, particularly offline, inducing fears post-qualifying there would be little overtaking, but yet we still had 45 passes."

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Thank you #MiamiGP it’s been an absolute blast. A few tweaks to improve the #F1 racing and this event will become one of THE best on the calendar pic.twitter.com/bX6X1xPasU
— Ian Parkes (@ianparkesf1) May 9, 2022

Miami critics must hold fire

"The key here is to not be too critical immediately. This was only year one and with a facility that has been drawn up and constructed in less than a year, it was never going to be perfect out of the box.

"F1, the FIA and the circuit designers will now take stock on what can be improved for year two, with the chicane and asphalt the target areas.

"So let's see what changes are made on F1's return next year and whether there is an improvement. If not, then that will be the time to be more critical."