Ferrari Could Find in Miami GP a New Home

Miami is gearing up to host in May the second United States Formula 1 Grand Prix. The vibrant city in South Florida is home to the biggest sports events including NFL, NBA, MLB, and MLS. Miami is also home to other international events such as the Miami Open. This new addition makes South Florida the most exciting place to live.

The circuit is being developed in Miami Gardens, a street circuit circumnavigating the Hard Rock Stadium, strategically located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. These two cities constitutes the two biggest sporting hubs of South Florida. Floridians are going to be great hosts for Formula 1, having the habit of watching Ferraris flying down the streets of South Beach and Las Olas, as the Sunshine State is one of the top markets for the Cavallino.

A big following of Floridians  will be cheering for Scuderia Ferrari’s Leclerc and Sainz Jr. These fans come with high expectations for the race. What we evaluated is that the Miami GP design displays similarities with the Power Tracks in Monza and especially Mugello.

Miami GP and the Mugello track

Let’s analyze the Miami GP and compare it with Mugello, and how the circuit design is more like a power track, rather than a downforce track.

First, everyone knows that many would consider teams’ odds in the race based on the type of track- whether it can be a Power track or a High-Downforce track.  A team bases its success on the car’s performance. In a power track, acceleration and top speed derived from engine output are key performance metrics. In these circuits, slow corners are common features. On the other hand,  on a high-downforce track performance derives from the aerodynamic force produced, rather than the engine’s power. With shorter straights, there is much more build up in drag and downforce on curves.

The Miami GP has one of the longest straights in Formula 1, between turns 16-17, which promises to reach speeds around 320 km/h or 198 mph. Very close to turns 11 and 17 we find the DRS (drag reduction system) zone, right after the straight that will bring much emphasis to the engine’s power. These features are the biggest features  that define the Miami GP in addition to the race on another power track, joining the likes of Gran Prix in Russia, Mexico, Canada, Baku and especially, Monza and Toscana (Mugello) GP.

Ferrari Forte

Long straights have been Ferrari’s “forte” over the decades, making the Scuderia a strong competitor in Power Tracks. On top of that, Miami recalls Mugello’s design, with a long straight between turn 15-1 (similar to Miami’s 16-17).  It is also surrounded by DRS detection zone in turn 15 (as Miami’s turn 11) and DRS zone in turn 1 (as Miami’s 17).  You can see more similarities when comparing  Mugello’s sector 1 and 2 with Miami’s turn 7 to 11.  However, this semi-straight sector is made to unleash more power than other sectors of the track. Another indication of the similarities between Mugello and Miami is on the shared average lap speed of 138 Mph!

A Feeling of Home

Mugello is Ferrari’s home. Ferrari owns the Italian circuit and hosts many of its racing events, from Corso Pilota to Ferrari Challenge. Ferrari calls its final race Finali Mondiali, which also takes place at Mugello.  In addition, Mugello is the private testing track for all the Scuderia Ferrari models. Rubens Barrichello recorded the fastest lap at Mugello of 1:18.704 with the F2004 with a V10 engine.

Leclerc and Sainz Jr. can become serious competitors at the new American track because of similarities between Miami and Mugello.  A power-track combined with the South Florida market, and the circuit design should evoke feelings of “home” in Miami.

Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale can’t wait until May 8th when we can finally cheer on team Scuderia Ferrari at the inaugural race at Miami International Autodrome. If you are interested in attending the Miami GP, you can purchase tickets here.