Hamilton gives new Miami track the thumbs down and says: ‘Let me design it’
Lewis Hamilton wants Formula One chiefs to allow him to design the sport’s new track in Miami.
The inaugural race, which is planned for October next year, is set to pass its first hurdle when the City Commission approve a 10-year plan. A further vote will then be taken by Miami County 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 NBA 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.”
Adding to his social media remarks, Hamilton said: “Miami is a super-cool place and I was very excited to hear about it, but when I saw the layout I was like ‘meh’. It could be a lot more fun.
“I know Miami quite well so there are a few better locations to put the track.”
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 the US, 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.
Hamilton heads into the opening leg of the European season in Barcelona with a four-point championship lead over Sebastian Vettel after he won fortuitously in Azerbaijan last time out.
The 33-year-old english man, who spent last weekend at the Met Gala in New York, is yet to sign an extension to his Mercedes contract which expires at the end of the season.
Hamilton and Mercedes had hoped to get a deal agreed before March’s opening race in Melbourne, but appear no closer to an announcement.
“When it’s signed, it’s signed,” Hamilton said. “Formula One is shifting and we don’t know what the sport is doing. All the teams come to the end of an agreement in 2020 so there is that, and my future to determine. I have got to decide how long I want to do it, how long I plan to be here, and that is why I am taking my time.”