The Miami International Autodrome is a challenging street circuit, offering unique features for drivers and fans alike. Since its debut in 2022, it has delivered memorable races and moments.
F1 has returned to Miami for the fourth round of the season, bringing with it the spectacle of the Miami International Autodrome. Since joining the calendar in 2022, this circuit has quickly become a favorite among fans and drivers. Here’s your guide to what makes this venue tick.
- **Length**: 5.412 km - **Turns**: 19 - **Laps**: 57 - **Race Distance**: 308.326 km - **Lap Record**: 1m 29.708s – Max Verstappen (2023)
Located in Miami Gardens, the circuit winds around the Hard Rock Stadium, creating a thrilling atmosphere for fans. The track’s design, with its challenging corners and straights, is a true test of driver skill.
Miami made its F1 debut in 2022, with Max Verstappen clinching the first victory. He repeated this feat in 2023, but McLaren has dominated more recently. Lando Norris secured his first Grand Prix win here in 2024, followed by Oscar Piastri’s victory last season.
The track has also hosted Sprint events, with notable performances such as Kimi Antonelli’s first Sprint pole in 2025. As the drivers gear up for the 2026 race, the stakes are high.
The Miami track is a street circuit, with narrow walls that demand precision. It's faster than Monaco but shares some characteristics with Melbourne’s Albert Park. The track’s three straights and the tricky Turn 14-15 chicane challenge drivers to be at their best.
Braking efficiency is crucial, especially at Turns 11 and 17, which offer prime overtaking opportunities. The track was resurfaced in 2023, earning driver approval for its improved grip.
Jolyon Palmer, a former F1 driver, praises the circuit's blend of high-speed straights and technical corners. "Miami is a mix of big braking events, with opportunities for overtaking but also for mistakes," he explains. The first sector’s sweeping corners test drivers’ precision, while the triple apex left-hander at Turns 6-8 is tough on tyres and crucial for maintaining speed onto the straights.
This year, the circuit sees the introduction of 'Active Aero', replacing traditional DRS. Drivers can engage 'Straight Mode' to reduce drag on straights, without needing to be within a second of another car. This feature is available down three main straights: from Turn 8 to 11, between Turns 16 and 17, and the start-finish straight.
Overtake Mode allows drivers an extra boost when within a second of a car ahead at the detection point between Turns 17 and 18. This could be decisive for moves into Turn 1.
- No race has been won from pole or even the front row here. - Valtteri Bottas could reach his 250th race start this weekend. - Miami was the 11th U.S. venue to host an F1 race. - It's one of five tracks where Lewis Hamilton hasn't won. - Max Verstappen holds the most wins and the lap record.
With its unique challenges and history of thrilling races, the Miami International Autodrome is a must-watch event on the F1 calendar. Whether it’s the high-speed straights or the nail-biting turns, this circuit is sure to deliver another exciting race.