After we've all had some time to calm down from yesterday's "festivities" in Miami, let's take a slightly more measured approach to criticism and look at some realistic and genuine changes we need to see going forward in 2023 and beyond...
Image: F1 Miami Grand Prix on Twitter
Generally Speaking
I actually think that, upon reflection, the ingredients are there in Miami for a genuinely good F1 race. The first attempt at the recipe wasn't exactly ideal, however, and can be improved in a few small changes both on and off track. As such, I've split this accordingly into two sections: the circuit itself and the surroundings/presentation.
The Track
Unpopular opinion, maybe, but I actually really like the layout of the track. Even the chicane, although I think the elevation change is a little drastic, even for F1 standards, but it's actually not too bad, in my book. Charles Leclerc agrees, at least! There is a good mix of high speed and low speed corners, long straights, and traction zones. A good test of driving and engineering prowess. But it's by no means perfect...
Resurfacing
Priority number one has to be to resurface the circuit in its entirety. Mind you, this does not include the runoff areas, but still will be a costly and tedious effort. However, there is absolutely zero excuse for the seemingly poor surface quality, in terms of both composition and execution. This is the easiest way to make better racing, and everyone will benefit from a more predictable and normal surface. See Malaysia or Singapore for advice on creating good surfaces in a hot and humid climate, if that's the problem.
Safety Improvements
There are a couple of tweaks that could improve safety at this track; the first (and easiest) of which is to add the Tecpro barriers at the chicane section, and drivers have already requested this. It should be a no-brainer and is weird to see the FIA defend themselves with the excuse of "we didn't think you could crash hard there" instead of erring on the side of caution. Second is to reconfigure the pit exit; you just come out on the racing line, and it is a mess which can lead to problems in the race, but more importantly in qualifying. There should be space to open that up more so that the exit is not on the racing line.
The Rest
Well, this is the part that I'm less enthusiastic about, but there are some changes that can be made which might actually both make the fans happier, and make the promoters more money! Crazy that this is possible!
The Surroundings
The track surroundings are, for a large part, heavily confined by the structures already on-site at the Hard Rock Stadium complex. However, I think it's safe to say we can get rid of the fake marina. Turn that into a general admission area, or even a small stage for concert use or something, since it's in a semicircular corner anyways. This would be cheaper than craning in a dozen boats and surrounding them with plywood and stickers, AND it would be an additional general admission area, which could be used to make the promoters even more money! Yay!
The Presentation
You want to build this up like it's something crazy, that's a once-in-a-lifetime type event? Fine; but even by American standards the post race events were ridiculous. A big problem with this is the fact that the podium is so far away from the finish line and the paddock; so realistically it should be located next to (or on) the pit building. Additionally, there needs to be some serious effort to find someone both relevant and competent to conduct the post race interviews, because it was unbearable to watch Willy T. Ribbs and the top 3 talk after the race. And football helmets on the podium? No. Choose one gimmick and stick with it, rather than doing all of them at once. Realistically, F1 needs to just take a moment and say; what is this [gimmick] adding? If the answer is nothing, then don't do it.
Chances of Success
I actually have decent expectations for the second (and future, because let's not forget we are on a TEN year deal to race there) edition of the race will be better. The promoters seemed willing to make changes to the track, and surely they will have seen the outcry of people who called the ending shenanigans an "embarrassment" and will try to scale it back a little bit. I like to think, be it cynical or not, that they would rather not have their ego bruised by the hordes of people who were NOT entertained by all the hoopla. Because if there's one thing I can say for certain, it's that people here in America care a lot about what other people think about them and their work, even if they disagree with the popular opinion. Here's hoping Tom Garfinkel and Co. think the same, and we will see a more exciting race with less cheesy celebrations in the future.
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