Formula 1 Management have released a statement regarding a proposal to host a race in downtown Miami in 2019.
Formula 1 has been linked with a possible second race in the United States over the last few seasons, particularly now since the sale to new owners Liberty Media. Particular interest was paid to the east coast, due to Circuit of the Americas catering to the west.
According to documents release on Wednesday, meetings were held in Miami amongst city officials to sign off on initial agreement to pursue a contract with FOM for a Miami Grand Prix, with an initial contract from 2019 to 2028.
A statement from Sean Bratches, MD of Commercial Operations for F1, read: “Earlier today the City of Miami Commission took an important step by adding an item to their upcoming agenda, that if approved, will make way to bring Formula 1 to downtown Miami next season. We appreciate the community’s interest in hosting a Formula 1 race and look forward to working with local officials and stakeholders to bring this vision to life.
“With over half a billion fans worldwide, Formula 1 is the greatest racing spectacle on the planet, and Miami’s status as one of the world’s most iconic and glamourous cities, combined with its robust tourism infrastructure, makes Miami the perfect destination for Formula 1 and its fans.”
Recent rumours have suggested that the Miami race would replace the Azerbaijan Grand Prix slot as one of the early races in the season, with COTA running a late season slot.
Spokesman for the proposed venture in Miami is Stephen Ross: “Miami is a first-class global city and Formula 1 is a first-class global brand. In cooperation with the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County, I am confident we can deliver yet another global event that will be a destination for people from around the world and drive economic value to South Florida. From football and soccer to tennis and motorsports, Miami deserves only the best in music, food, art, fashion, and sports and entertainment, and that is exactly what we plan on delivering with a Formula 1 race.”
