Formulation 1 Miami Grand Prix president Tyler Epp has admitted he was improper to query the addition of a dash race to the occasion earlier this 12 months.
Having hosted its first grand prix in 2022, the Miami Worldwide Autodrome was one in every of six circuits introduced as staging one in every of F1’s dash races this season.
Max Verstappen took victory within the 19-lap race on the Saturday earlier than title rival Lando Norris secured his maiden F1 win within the grand prix a day later.
Miami has since been confirmed as retaining a dash race for 2025. The only planned change to the roster sees Belgium replacing Austria among the many six tracks allotted the shorter race format.
Epp concedes he was incorrect to have initially been cautious of introducing a dash race in Miami – having since seen the business profit and the constructive response of followers.
“I used to be improper concerning the dash race, I used to be very involved concerning the worth proposition there, however I couldn’t have been extra improper,” he instructed Motorsport.com.
“I can be clear in saying I wasn’t within the camp once we first did the deal however the suggestions and the info we obtained confirmed that 12 months over 12 months our attendance was up on a Saturday, they usually have been there early for a dash race.
Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38
Picture by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Photos
“Once we take a look at gate scans and we take a look at information, they weren’t coming for qualifying, they have been coming for the dash race.
“I used to be improper, it has been a extremely, actually good factor for us. I perceive it hasn’t been that approach for each promoter, however we actually have loved and see actual business worth in internet hosting a dash race, it has been improbable for us.”
In addition to the dash race staying in place, Epp revealed he additionally expects the assist race schedule to look very comparable subsequent 12 months.
F1 Academy debuted in Miami in 2024 having been staged in Austin in its inaugural season the earlier 12 months, whereas the Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America is more likely to return for a 3rd consecutive 12 months.
For Epp, these occasions usually are not simply so as to add to the spectacle for the spectators however are additionally key to making ready for higher circumstances for the F1 races.
“It does matter what goes on the observe earlier than Formulation 1 does. In 12 months one it was made very clear that no one will get on the observe earlier than they did as a result of they needed to be the primary on the brand new observe,” he stated.
“In 12 months three assist races have been profitable for us, placing Porsche on the observe and F1 Academy on the observe, was an actual constructive. Now, the racing traces aren’t all the time precisely the identical however simply laying rubber down did affect what the race groups have been coping with on observe.
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing RB20
Picture by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Photos
“From our perspective, we’re very dedicated to 2 assist sequence in some capability, and we predict to have the same line up subsequent 12 months.
“We discovered quite a bit in years one and two, we tackle challenges and errors and are sincere about it, we attempt to assault them full throttle.
“Yr two to 12 months three was nearly tweaks and in years 4 and 5 I believe it’s simply as vital we hearken to our prospects – we’ve put a giant emphasis on that within the final 12 months.”
