World champion Hamilton wants to design new track in Miami

Lewis Hamilton wants Formula One chiefs to allow him to design the sport’s new track in Miami.

The inaugural race, which is penned in for October of next year, is set to pass its first hurdle when the City Commission approves the 10-year proposal this week.

A further vote will then be put to the Miami County later this month.

F1 is set to face opposition from local groups, with large parts of the city likely to be affected, but the sport’s American owner Liberty Media is confident of getting an agreement over the line.

Sean Bratches, F1’s commercial boss, was in Miami yesterday to run through the proposal which, if approved, will be the biggest coup of Liberty’s reign so far.

The proposed 2.6 mile track includes the port, runs along Biscayne Boulevard and loops around the American Airlines Arena, home of National Basketball Association side Miami Heat.

Hamilton gave the track the thumbs down last week, however, writing on Instagram: “OK, so I’ve just seen the design of the Miami track. Nah bruh, it’s not the one. Let me design it.”

Hamilton, who was speaking ahead of this week’s Spanish Grand Prix, added: “All the great golfers design golf courses, but no top racing drivers have ever designed a track.

“Maybe it is a hit but if there is time and anyone wants to approach me or any of the drivers, I am sure we can give some good insight, and how the layout can be better.”

A spokesperson for F1 said that the track could yet be adapted.

F1’s owners have made no secret of their desire to stage more races in America, with New York and Las Vegas also under consideration.

A deal to race in Miami would also be the first struck in the post-Bernie Ecclestone era.