Miami Approves 10-Year Plan to Host Formula One Race

The City Commission voted to allow a street circuit Grand Prix beginning in 2019.

Brendon Hartley of New Zealand driving the (28) Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 Honda stops in the Pitlane during practice for the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya on May 11, 2018 in Montmelo, Spain.  (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Brendon Hartley of New Zealand driving the (28) Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 Honda stops in the Pitlane during practice for the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya on May 11, 2018 in Montmelo, Spain. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
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On Thursday, Miami officials voted in favor of a Formula One proposal that would have the city host a Grand Prix on its downtown streets some time next year.

The unanimous vote by the City Commission gives the city time to negotiate the terms of Miami’s 10-year deal with F1, which is now slated to run from 2019 to 2028.

It’s believed the race would be held in addition to, not in replacement of, the U.S. Grand Prix which has taken place in Austin, Texas, since 2012.

“Formula 1 in Miami represents a fantastic opportunity to bring the greatest racing spectacle on the planet to one of the world’s most iconic cities, and we are delighted that the journey is underway,” said F1 commercial managing director Sean Bratches.

Not everyone is as delighted with the deal as Bratches, however. Reigning F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton expressed concern with the proposed route for the 2.57-mile circuit.

“Miami is a super-cool place and I was very excited to hear about it, but when I saw the layout I was like, meh. I think it could be a lot more fun,” Hamilton said. “You have got two of the longest straights, but maybe when you drive it will be fun.”

Hamilton’s objections aside, here’s a look at the potential route for the race:

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