MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — As sleek race cars zoomed around the Miami Grand Prix circuit, the atmosphere was electrified by pulsating electronic beats, reminiscent of a nightclub scene. Many spectators enjoyed the high-adrenaline environment from the comfort of shaded trackside suites, while others cooled off by dipping their feet in a pool at the Hard Rock Beach Club, a vibrant day club known for showcasing some of the top musical acts in the city.
The organizers at Hard Rock Stadium are accustomed to hosting premier sporting events, including the Super Bowl, renowned tennis tournaments, and college football’s national championship. Introducing Formula One into this mix has only enhanced the venue’s reputation as a destination for dazzling annual events.
With F1’s rising popularity in the U.S., partly due to the hit Netflix series “Drive to Survive,” the Miami Grand Prix has quickly become a must-visit on the F1 roster. The event combines the thrill of racing with a festival vibe, packed with concerts and parties, attracting a diverse crowd to the race track.
“Fan bases are cultivated at events, not through television,” stated Tom Garfinkel, managing partner of the Miami Grand Prix. “People become fans when they experience the event. By creating an engaging festival environment for casual spectators, we aim to foster a love for racing.”
Besides the Miami event, the U.S. hosts two other F1 races each year. Las Vegas joined the schedule in 2023, and races are also held at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. However, Miami Grand Prix prides itself on its unique focus on music, entertainment, and local culture.
“When you think of Miami culture, you envision sunshine, exquisite culinary experiences, and phenomenal music,” said Keith Sheldon, Hard Rock’s president of entertainment and brand management. “Though other F1 races successfully include top-notch musicians and performers, Miami seamlessly integrates music and entertainment throughout each race day.”
Now in the fourth year of a two-decade tenure in Miami, the event boasts a vibrant lineup of pop and Latin music acts, drawing both locals and global visitors. Approximately 275,000 attendees were anticipated over the three-day event, the majority hailing from Florida, particularly South Florida.
Dutch DJ Tiesto was scheduled to perform at the commencement and conclusion of Sunday’s race, while Pitbull headlined a concert that evening. Other featured performers included Miami-born DJ Steve Aoki and the electro-dance duo Sofi Tukker.
Saturday proved action-packed, with Lando Norris triumphing over McLaren Racing teammate Oscar Piastri in a thrilling sprint race under rainy conditions. Later, Max Verstappen narrowly outpaced Norris by just 0.065 seconds in qualifying, securing pole position for Sunday’s race.
Races were broadcast on an enormous outdoor screen at the beach club, located by Turns 11, 12, and 13. The club, adorned with sprawling white cabanas provided refuge from the intense South Florida sun. Centered within the club, a vibrant bar and adjacent pool added to the laid-back vibe, which transitioned into a concert area for Aoki’s dynamic set later in the evening.
“You get all the amazing aspects of Miami,” said Stacey Mageropoulos, a Ferrari enthusiast from nearby Sunrise. “With Formula One and the beach atmosphere, it’s like attending a festival while being a part of F1. It’s truly the best of both worlds.”
Music extended its influence right outside the team garages, where upbeat tracks from the upcoming “F1” summer movie soundtrack were played. The event provided many attendees their first opportunity to enjoy songs by artists such as Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, and Roddy Ricch.
“I love the fusion of these worlds,” expressed Ricch, experiencing an F1 event for the first time, on Saturday. “It’s incredible to see how people like Travis Scott interact with WWE wrestlers. Bringing together people with a passion for entertainment and culture creates amazing synergy.”