Miami Grand Prix: Celebration of Speed and Community

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX kicked off on Thursday, as the race weekend officially got underway with a vibrant program of media activities and community engagement at the Miami International Autodrome. Following a five-week hiatus in the Formula 1 calendar, the opening day of this year’s race set the tone for a weekend that combines world-class sport with the culture and energy of South Florida.

At the heart of Thursday’s schedule was a program reinforcing promoter South Florida Motorsports’ ongoing commitment to community engagement, with a series of activities designed to connect local students from third grade through college to the world of motorsport. Through the MIA in Schools initiative, students from across Miami Gardens and surrounding areas were welcomed to Hard Rock Stadium for a day of immersive, hands-on experiences.

School Children During the 2026 F1 Miami Grand Prix on Thursday, April 30, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Photo by Brandon Brieger/F1 Miami GP)

Participants, including 20 students from Carol City Senior High School, were given special behind-the-scenes access, including a pit lane walk, a guided tour of the F1 Team Village, and an exclusive visit to the Mercedes garage, offering a firsthand look at the inner workings of a Formula 1 race team. As part of the program, students also engaged with Mission 44, the charitable foundation established by Sir Lewis Hamilton, through interactive sessions focused on inclusion, opportunities and pathways into STEAM careers.

A series of Q&A discussions with Formula 1 drivers from Red Bull, Audi, and Williams — including four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen — alongside industry professionals such as Katharina Nowak, President of the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX, provided further insight into the wide range of roles within the sport. The day culminated with Community Night: Igniting Possibilities, an annual highlight of race week.

“The opening day sets the tone for everything this event represents, bringing world-class sport together with meaningful community impact,” said Katharina Nowak, President of the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX. “Seeing students engage with the sport up close, alongside the excitement building across the city, shows the impact we’re creating on and off the circuit. And with the competitive Formula 1 action starting tomorrow, we’re looking forward to an unforgettable weekend ahead.”

Creative identity was also brought to life through the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX’s custom helmet initiative. In collaboration with local STEAM groups (Embrace Girls, S.E.E.K Foundation, Code/Art and Dibia DREAM) and professional artists, students worked to design bespoke racing helmets inspired by their culture, community, and personal experiences. The completed designs will be showcased for race fans throughout the weekend in the Community Zone. Together, these activities underline the event’s commitment to using its global platform to create meaningful local impact and give students a firsthand look at potential career pathways within the sport.

Beyond community engagement, there was a full day of dynamic media activity with a distinctly Miami twist, as Formula 1 drivers joined stars of the Miami Dolphins for a fun crossover challenge on the field at Hard Rock Stadium. Drivers and players teamed up for an interactive on-field contest combining elements of American football drills with a mini-kart driving challenge around an obstacle course.

World Championship points leader Kimi Antonelli set the fastest time in the light-hearted competition, ahead of his Mercedes teammate, reserve driver Frederik Vesti, and cornerback Ethan Robinson. Williams reserve Luke Browning and wide receiver A.J. Henning were third fastest, ahead of Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas and kicker Riley Patterson. Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar partnered with cornerback JuJu Brents. They finished ahead of McLaren young driver Leonardo Fornaroli, who partnered with quarterback Quinn Ewers.

Valtteri Bottas During the 2026 F1 Miami Grand Prix on Thursday, April 30, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Photo by Brandon Brieger/F1 Miami GP)

Fornaroli then returned the favor by giving high-speed passenger rides around the Miami International Autodrome for Dolphins Head Coach Jeff Hafley, General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, and defensive lineman Zach Sieler. Other players who enjoyed a thrill ride around the 19-turn circuit included quarterback Malik Willis, linebacker Tyrel Dodson, edge rusher Chop Robinson, and tackle Patrick Paul.

Beyond the events centered at Hard Rock Stadium, the energy of race week extended to the first-ever official Miami Grand Prix Fan Fest at Lummus Park. The free five-day event has already drawn enthusiastic crowds, bringing live entertainment, driver appearances, and big-screen track action to the heart of Miami Beach, further embedding Formula 1 within the city.

This weekend’s Formula 1 action gets underway tomorrow with the biggest on-track schedule in the five-year history of the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX. There will be an extended 90-minute Free Practice session beginning at 12:00 p.m. local time, followed by Sprint Qualifying in the afternoon, as well as practice for support series Formula 2, which is making its North America debut. Already today there has been practice sessions for Porsche Carrera Cup North America and the McLaren Trophy America series. This weekend’s event also marks the first home race for the new Cadillac F1 Team, and Mexico’s Sergio Perez shared his excitement about racing for the U.S. outfit in today’s official FIA Drivers’ Press Conference.

“It is very exciting being here, racing for an American team and having all the Latin support here in Miami — it’s always very special,” said Perez. “For me, this is one of the best races of the year, and you can feel the difference in atmosphere driving for an American team. The build-up to this weekend, the new colors, and our first race here at home — we are enjoying it a lot, and the fans have been amazing.”

Ahead of tomorrow’s on-track running, a high-profile, invite-only business leadership forum will take place at Hard Rock Stadium, featuring conversations with McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, General Motors CEO Mary Barra, Formula 1 CEO and President Stefano Domenicali, and Tom Garfinkel, Managing Partner of the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX. In a first for a Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Autosport Business Exchange has partnered with Miami to host the event on Friday morning.

For more information, visit f1miamigp.com.