F1 makes presence felt with big event in Miami
DJ’s spinning at the beach. Drinks flowing in the marina. Celebrities roaming the grounds in the shadow of an NFL stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., with fans nearby trying to catch a glimpse of some real Netflix stars.
Formula One, the sleek, wealthy globetrotting series that has exploded in popularity in North America, formally opened its three-day Miami Grand Prix Friday with a must-be-there vibe and the promise of more to come. There are two F1 events in the United States for the first time since 1984.
Promoters wanted this event even before F1’s popularity soared behind “Drive To Survive,” the wildly popular Netflix series that has made F1 the hottest property in motorsports.
The enthusiastic reception on a hot, humid day in South Florida didn’t surprise seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who is credited for “manifesting” this event in 2017 when he chose Miami as his dream destination for a new race when American company Liberty Media bought the series.
“I think [it’s] perhaps more a cultural thing here in the States,” Hamilton said. “It’s the NBA. It’s NASCAR, IndyCar and in my 16 years coming over here, it’s been such a slow build, trying to bring awareness to the sport. The Americans have to wake up at odd times in order to watch grand prix.
“But I think the new step that’s been taken into bringing awareness, you know, the Netflix show, it’s really brought in that amazing fanbase,” Hamilton said. “And now maybe it’s time to start focusing on how we can include more people here because it’s such a diverse country.”
Championship leader Charles Leclerc was fastest in first practice and George Russell gave Mercedes a massive boost by pacing the second session.
Lewis not happy
Hamilton protested the FIA’s crackdown on body piercings by showing up at the Miami Grand Prix wearing every piece of jewelry he could fit on his body and suggesting he was willing to sit out races over the issue.
“I couldn’t get any more jewelry on today,” he said.
The FIA on Thursday tightened its ban on non-regulatory underwear and body piercings when new race director Niels Wittich issued a bulletin.
Martin honored
Hall of Famer Mark Martin will be a major presence at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, just like he usually was during his stellar NASCAR career. Martin will have not one, not two but three commemorative throwback schemes in his honor when the “Lady In Black” celebrates NASCAR history with its races this weekend.
Derby season
Dale Earnhardt Jr. will experience a different type of horsepower before NBC’s coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series season revs up next month. The retired NASCAR star will be at the Kentucky Derby for the second time on Saturday before contributing to the network’s Indianapolis 500 coverage on May 29.