MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Amidst the thundering sounds of vehicles racing around the circuit, energetic club-style electronic music filled the air at the Miami Grand Prix.
A number of guests enjoyed the view from relaxing seats in shaded track-side lounges. Others cooled off by dipping their feet into a pool at the Hard Rock Beach Club, which serves as the notable daytime venue at the Miami International Autodrome offering a lush setting for many top musical performers in town.
The Hard Rock Stadium organizers are accustomed to staging major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, tennis tournaments, and college football’s national championship game.
Formula One is merely the most recent yearly event featuring top-tier celebrities.
With Formula 1 becoming more popular in the U.S. recently — partly due to the hit Netflix show
“Drive to Survive”
— The Miami Grand Prix has emerged as one of the most attractive fixtures on the F1 schedule, transforming race weekends into festival experiences complete with concerts and parties to attract larger crowds to the circuit.
Fan communities are formed at events rather than through TV broadcasts,” stated Tom Garfinkel, the managing partner of the Miami Grand Prix. “In my opinion, people become enthusiasts when they attend these events. Therefore, if we can establish an incredible festive environment here for new fans and draw them in, they will surely develop a passion for the races.
Each year, there are two additional Formula 1 races held in the United States. In 2023, Las Vegas joined the calendar, and Formula 1 also visits the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. However, the Miami Grand Prix distinguishes itself with its focus on music, entertainment, and showcasing Miami’s cultural scene.
When you reflect on Miami at nightfall, you’re considering the sunlight, savoring fantastic food options,” stated Keith Sheldon, who leads entertainment and brand management for Hard Rock, “but you’re also contemplating incredible music experiences.
Other Formula 1 events have certainly excelled at featuring remarkable musicians and artists to enhance their lineup,” Sheldon noted. “However, I believe that Miami integrates this aspect into each event seamlessly. Whether during practice sessions, qualifying rounds, or elsewhere, there’s an abundance of musical and entertaining activities taking place.
During the fourth year of the event’s
20-year stay in Miami
A blend of pop and Latin performers was chosen for the entertainment schedule to attract both a local and international crowd. According to Garfinkel, approximately 275,000 people were anticipated to join this three-day racing event. It was noted that about 60% of these visitors came from Florida, mostly residing in the southern part of the state.
The Dutch music producer DJ Tiësto was scheduled to perform at the beginning and end of Sunday’s race. Pitbull was slated for a headline performance later that same night. Throughout the weekend, additional acts featured Miami-native DJ Steve Aoki and the electronic dance group Sofi Tukker.
On Saturday, Lando Norris defeated his McLaren Racing team mate Oscar Piastri to emerge as the winner.
eventful, rain-soaked
The sprint race took place early in the afternoon. Max Verstappen narrowly beat Norris by 0.065 seconds.
in qualifying
Later that day to secure the pole position for Sunday’s race.
The two races were shown on a massive outdoor screen located near the beach club, close to Turns 11, 12, and 13. Spacious white cabanas stretched across the space, offering some respite from the intense South Florida sun. In the middle of this open-air venue stood a bar, with a swimming pool adjacent to it.
That night later, the spot transformed into a concert pit for Aoki’s energetic performance.
It brings together everything great about Miami,” stated Stacey Mageropoulos, a devoted Ferrari enthusiast who traveled in from the neighboring town of Sunrise. “Here you have Formula One action, coupled with the iconic beach culture that Miami is famous for. … While attending F1, I’m also enjoying a vibrant festival atmosphere. It truly offers the perfect blend.
Music was also prominently featured right outside the team garages at the circuit, playing energetic melodies that compose the background score of
this summer’s “F1” movie
It marked the debut. The Miami Grand Prix provided many with their first opportunity to hear these recordings, featuring an array of performers including Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, and Roddy Ricch among others.
I believe it’s fantastic to bring these realms together,” Ricch stated during Saturday’s event, which was his inaugural experience at an F1 gathering. “Just like how Travis Scott integrates himself with WWE and the wrestlers, you witness various individuals coming together—people who simply adore and revel in both entertainment and culture. Merging such distinct spheres has always been a positive approach.
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AP auto racing:
https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
Alanis Thames, The Canadian Press
