Miami GP chief outlines major change for 2024 after F1 driver criticism

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Miami Grand Prix president Tyler Epp has now outlined the ‘very viable’ change the organisers have in store for the track for 2024 after criticism from some F1 drivers.

Formula One will go to Miami for a third time in 2024 after the race’s debut on the calendar in 2022. But despite the successes of the first two editions, the Grand Prix has still drawn a few complaints from the drivers. Now, the organisers have a new idea to placate their concerns.

Both of the Miami Grand Prix so far sparked some frustrations from the grid about the track surface. Drivers lamented the track surface deteriorating in 2022 after portions of the circuit broke up. The surface also still annoyed some despite being re-laid for the 2023 Grand Prix.

Perez and Russell led the F1 driver’s criticism of the Miami GP track surface

Hermann Tilke’s company resurfaced the track around the Hard Rock Stadium for the race in 2023. Miami GP organisers sought to address the break-up problems and its lack of grip. But some drivers still found the new track surface offered a lack of grip as F1 returned this May.

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez and George Russell of Mercedes were amongst the drivers most critical of the Miami GP track surface when F1 returned in 2023. Perez described the surface as being ‘like inter conditions’ given the ‘very low grip’. While Russell noted the off-line risks.

“It’s been no improvement on last year,” Russell said after qualifying for the 2023 Miami GP, via quotes by Autosport. “On-line, it’s good grip. But as soon as you put one wheel wide, there’s no grip. So, overtaking is going to be really challenging.”

What has Epp got in store to improve the F1 race in 2024?

Now, Epp has shared what changes the Miami GP organisers have in store to try to improve the race when F1 returns in 2024. He has also confirmed that the organisers are speaking to the FIA and Formula One about improving the show by increasing the support race package.

Increasing the number of cars on track over the weekend should increase the grip levels for the F1 drivers. But Epp also acknowledges that the re-laid surface for 2023 helped to deliver a better Grand Prix. A more weathered surface come 2024 could also help improve the race.

“We have had conversations with the FIA and F1 about trying to get a little more rubber laid onto the race track prior to the F1 cars going out,” Epp said, via quotes by Autosport. “That’s something we’re looking into for next year.

“We’ll try to make it the very best environment possible. But it was almost two seconds [a lap] better and we saw an increased number of passes, including a pass for the lead. I think it’s very, very viable that we would go back to two support races supporting F1 next year.

“Exactly what those are, we’re still working through. But I will tell you it’s being driven by trying to make sure the F1 races and practice sessions are performing in the best possible way that they can, not necessarily just trying to fill the schedule.”

The 2022 Miami GP included W Series and Porsche Sprint Challenge North America on the support bill for F1’s debut race around the Hard Rock Stadium. But the Miami GP only had Porsche Carrera Cup North America on the support bill in 2023 besides the Pirelli Hot Laps.