McLaren’s Lando Norris secured his first Formula 1 win at the Miami Grand Prix, overtaking Max Verstappen and ending his near-perfect weekend. The British racer had previously held the record for the most podium finishes without a win. The race saw Verstappen leading until a mid-race safety car put Norris in the lead, allowing him to claim victory. Verstappen finished second, with Charles Leclerc of Ferrari taking third. American Logan Sargeant of Williams had a disappointing weekend, retiring from the race due to a crash. The event was sold out, attracting around 275,000 spectators, including celebrities like Ed Sheeran, Brad Pitt, and Kendall Jenner.
Notable figures like former president Donald Trump and French football star Zinedine Zidane showed their support at the race. Trump attended his first Formula 1 event and took a tour of the McLaren garage with team CEO Zak Brown. The addition of the Las Vegas Grand Prix last year did not diminish the appeal of the Miami race, according to drivers and team bosses. Lewis Hamilton highlighted the growing popularity of the sport in the US, with F1 becoming a part of the culture. Team owner Zak Brown emphasized the positive impact of the Miami Grand Prix on the growth of the sport in North America, noting the unique personality of each Grand Prix.
Alpine driver Pierre Gasly expressed motivation to perform well with the presence of new American investors, including Patrick Mahomes, at the Miami race. The president of the Miami Grand Prix, Tyler Epp, emphasized the uniqueness of the event, representing the food, culture, and entertainment of the city. Despite initial concerns about slow ticket sales, the event sold out all grandstand and luxury tickets one day before the race. The Miami race has seven years left on its 10-year contract with Formula 1, with potential for extension. The Las Vegas race, in its second year, implemented changes to attract diverse fans, aiming to replicate the economic success of the debut Grand Prix.
Formula 1 events like the Miami Grand Prix have a significant impact on the local economy, generating billions of dollars in economic impact and creating opportunities for service workers. The debut Grand Prix in Las Vegas last year contributed substantially to the economic stimulation in the area, enhancing the livelihood of service industry workers. The presence of high-profile individuals and celebrities at these events further boosts their appeal and highlights the growing popularity of Formula 1 in the US. Overall, the success and positive impact of these races indicate a bright future for the sport in North America.
