By Ally LaBrecque
May 13, 2022
Left to right: Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, and Carlos Sainz.
Formula 1 held its first Miami Grand Prix last weekend at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Other U.S. Formula 1 races have been held in Watkins Glen, New York; Long Beach, California; and Austin, Texas. With the sport becoming increasingly popular in North America, Formula 1 fans can expect to see more circuits being built across the country. Las Vegas plans to create a circuit that would pass by iconic locations like Caesars Palace by November of 2023.
With over 2 million viewers, the Miami Grand Prix has became the most-watched live Formula 1 race in US television history. 242,955 fans attended the event over three days, including 85,280 fans who joined a sold out crowd to watch the race on race day (the largest crowd on record at Hard Rock Stadium).
Many notable celebrities were spotted at the race, such as Michael Jordan, David Beckham, Serena and Venus Williams, Michelle Obama, James Corden, Logan Paul, DJ Khaled, Tom Brady, George Lucas, Post Malone, and Shawn Mendes.
As for the race itself, the front grid featured the two Ferrari drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, followed by Red Bull driver, Max Verstappen. All three finished with pole positions. Verstappen claimed his third victory of the season, followed by Charles Leclerc, who is currently in the lead for points and ahead of Verstappen after five races. Sainz finished third.
A moderate crash near the end of the race between Lando Norris and Pierre Gasly took place when the two came together during lap 41, causing both drivers to retire from the race.
Ally LaBrecque, Class of 2023, is a first-year sports reporter for the Dedham Mirror. She plays 3 sports for the Dedham Marauders. When she's not competing, Ally enjoys traveling and hanging out with friends.