Sunshine, speed, and Miami vibes
Last updated April 2026
The Miami Grand Prix is one of the newest races on the Formula 1 calendar and one of the fastest to find its identity. The circuit is temporary, the city is permanent, and the combination of the two is unlike most race weekends you will experience.
The Miami Grand Prix is one of the newest races on the Formula 1 calendar and one of the fastest to find its identity. The circuit is temporary, the city is permanent, and the combination of the two is unlike most race weekends you will experience.
What to Expect in This Guide• Why the Miami Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket list • Where is the circuit? • Travelling to Miami: what you need to know • How many days should you spend at the Miami Grand Prix? • Miami Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glance • Best places to stay for the Miami Grand Prix • Best grandstands for key moments at the Miami Grand Prix • Where to go next after your trip to the Miami Grand Prix • Money-saving tips for the Miami Grand Prix • Frequently asked questions Estimated reading time: 12 minutes Why the Miami Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket listThe Miami Grand Prix has become one of the most popular events on the Formula 1 calendar since its debut in 2022. At that first race, Daniel Ricciardo captured the mood in a few words: "Miami knows how to put on a show."
Other drivers have said the same. Pierre Gasly said he loves "everything about it," describing Miami as a city where you feel the atmosphere. Nico Hulkenberg put it simply: "It's so different, how it looks, how it feels." The circuit loops around the Hard Rock Stadium, crosses an exit ramp, and passes under highway bridges. The most technical section is the chicane at Turns 14 and 15, where drivers climb uphill, crest a rise in the middle, and drop sharply on exit. 
Miami International Autodrome
at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens
Heat and humidity are a genuine factor. The race takes place in May, and conditions can be physically demanding. Max Verstappen has called it "one of the most physical tracks, especially with the heat and humidity."
Racing under the palm trees at Miami International Autodrome
Teams regularly produce Miami-specific merchandise and special-edition helmets for the weekend. For many fans, the race is as much about the city as it is about the racing. Miami is one of those Grands Prix where people come for the sport and stay for everything else. 
Lando Norris scores his landmark first career win at the Miami Grand Prix
Where's the circuit?The Miami Grand Prix takes place at the Miami International Autodrome, a temporary circuit built around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, about 15 miles north of downtown Miami.
The track has been part of the Formula 1 calendar since 2022. It is rebuilt each year around the stadium and its surrounding roads. Sections of the lap run through open parking areas, producing a mix of fast, wide stretches and tighter technical corners. Traveling to Miami: What you need to knowMiami International Airport (MIA) is about 8 miles northwest of downtown Miami. It is the main airport for most F1 fans. If you are travelling within the United States, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is around 15 miles from Miami Gardens and takes roughly 20 minutes by car.
Flights to Miami operate from across Europe and North America, with direct services from many cities. Many nationalities can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. Entry requirements vary by nationality, so check the latest guidelines for your situation before you travel. If you are eligible for visa-free entry, you will need to complete an ESTA application online. Most applications are approved quickly, but the process can take up to 72 hours. It is worth applying as soon as you book your trip. Arriving a day or two before the race weekend gives you time to explore the city and adjust to the local time zone, particularly if you are travelling from Europe. Our full Miami travel guide covers what to do, where to stay, and how to get around. How many days should you spend at the Miami Grand Prix?It is best to plan for three full days, from Friday to Sunday. You will see every Formula 1 session and the full programme of support races across the weekend.
Support events include Porsche Carrera Cup North America and McLaren Trophy America, which makes its Formula 1 debut at Miami. Miami Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glanceHere is a quick breakdown of what happens each day at the Miami Grand Prix.
Friday starts with Formula 1 practice around midday, along with sessions for Porsche Carrera Cup North America and McLaren Trophy America. Sprint qualifying takes place in the late afternoon. Saturday brings the Formula 1 Sprint race around midday, with support series races through the day. Formula 1 qualifying takes place in the late afternoon, setting the grid for Sunday. Sunday rounds out the weekend with support series races and the drivers' parade before the Miami Grand Prix, which starts in the late afternoon. 
Miami International Autodrome
Best places to stay for the Miami Grand PrixMost fans choose between three areas: Miami Beach», Downtown Miami», and Brickell». Each gives you a different balance of location, atmosphere, and convenience.
Miami Beach Miami Beach» is about 17 miles (27 kilometres) from the circuit. If you want to combine the race with beach time, this is the natural choice. There’s a wide mix of places to stay, from large beachfront resorts to smaller boutique hotels. It’s lively, especially around Ocean Drive. Nights can be noisy, so if you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the street. Hotels in Miami Beach» include: • Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel» • Cadillac Hotel and Beach Club, Autograph Collection» • Hotel Victor South Beach» • The Betsy, South Beach» • The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach» • Marriott Stanton South Beach» 
Miami Beach
Downtown Miami If you plan to use the Brightline train to reach the circuit, Downtown Miami» is the most practical base. The train runs from Miami Central Station to Aventura during race weekend, with a free shuttle to Hard Rock Stadium from there. It is about 15 miles (24 kilometres) from the circuit. There’s plenty to do in the evenings, with restaurants and bars nearby. Hotels in Downtown Miami» include: • Eurostars Langford» • Kimpton EPIC Hotel» • InterContinental Miami by IHG» • Hyatt Regency Miami» • Yotel Miami» • The Grayson Miami Downtown» Brickell Brickell» is just south of Downtown Miami», about 17 miles (27 km) from the circuit. It’s quieter than Miami Beach», with a modern feel and a strong mix of hotels, restaurants, and bars. If you want somewhere calmer to return to after a long day at the track, Brickell» is a good fit. Hotels in Brickell» include: • Novotel Miami Brickell» • Aloft Miami Brickell» • Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami» • Hotel Indigo Miami Brickell by IHG» Best grandstands for key moments at the Miami Grand PrixMain Grandstand (Start/Finish)
The Main (Start/Finish) Grandstand puts you at the heart of the circuit. You'll see the race start from here, with clear views of the pit lane, starting grid, and team garages. Turn 1 Grandstand From the Turn 1 Grandstand, you can watch cars coming down the Start/Finish straight and braking hard into Turn 1. You then see them accelerate through Turns 2 and 3, where cars often run close together. Marina Grandstands The Marina Grandstands give you views of Turns 6 and 7, followed by the cars accelerating onto the long South straight. It's a good spot if you enjoy watching drivers work through technical corners. Beach Grandstand The Beach Grandstand is at Turns 11 and 12. Turn 11 is a tight hairpin, which forces drivers to brake hard. You can watch cars slow into the corner and accelerate back out through Turn 12. Turn 18 Grandstand The Turn 18 Grandstand is at the exit of the circuit's second-fastest straight. If you want to see wheel-to-wheel racing, Turns 18 and 19 are one of the better spots on the track for it. 
Where next?If you are extending your trip, there are a few options worth knowing about.
The Everglades are about an hour from Miami Gardens. An airboat tour is the easiest way to see them, and wildlife including alligators is common. 
Everglades National Park
The Florida Keys are a straightforward drive south on the Overseas Highway. Key Largo and Islamorada are worth a stop. Key West is around three hours from Miami. Bimini in the Bahamas is around two hours by ferry from Miami. It is a small island, quieter than the city, with good beaches and clear water. The Best Booking Resources for F1 TripsThis is the fun part for some and the stressful part for others.
If you’d rather skip the hassle, we’ve got you covered. We love putting together Grand Prix trips so you don’t have to. From travel logistics to hotel bookings and everything in between, think of us as your F1 travel support crew. Take a look at our Grand Prix ticket & travel packages » Prefer to do it all yourself? You’re welcome to take what you’ve learned here and build your own trip from scratch. I keep going back to these travel companies because they’re reliable, easy to use, and usually have the best value. They’re where I start every time I plan a trip. Tickets Motorsport Tickets and Grand Prix Tickets are the two agencies I’ve trusted for years. They’ve always been reliable, easy to deal with, and quick to help if something comes up. Hotels ZenHotels is one of my go-to sites for hotel bookings. It pulls prices from loads of smaller sites you might not know about, so it’s great for finding deals. I also check Expedia and Booking.com when I want more options. Excursions Viator is packed with walking tours, attraction tickets, and local experiences. It's especially handy if you're heading to a new Grand Prix city. It’s a great place to find extras to add to your trip. Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Miami Grand Prix held?
The Miami Grand Prix takes place at the Miami International Autodrome, a temporary circuit built around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, about 15 miles north of downtown Miami. Which airport should I fly into for the Miami Grand Prix? Miami International Airport (MIA) is the main option, about 8 miles northwest of downtown Miami, which means transfers into the city are quick. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is an alternative, around 15 miles from Miami Gardens and roughly 20 minutes by car. Do I need a visa to attend the Miami Grand Prix? Many nationalities can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. You will need to complete an ESTA application online before you travel. The process can take up to 72 hours, so apply as soon as you book. How many days should I spend at the Miami Grand Prix? Three full days, from Friday to Sunday. This covers every Formula 1 session and the full support race programme, including Porsche Carrera Cup North America and McLaren Trophy America. What is the Miami Grand Prix schedule? Friday has Formula 1 practice and Sprint qualifying, Saturday has the Sprint race and qualifying, and Sunday is race day, which means there is track action across all three days. Where is the best area to stay for the Miami Grand Prix? Most fans choose between Miami Beach, Downtown Miami, and Brickell. Each suits a different type of trip, whether you want beach time, easy train access to the circuit, or a quieter base after the track. What is the weather like at the Miami Grand Prix? The race takes place in May when heat and humidity are a genuine factor. Come prepared with sun protection and water. What can I do near the Miami Grand Prix? Miami's beaches and neighbourhoods are easy to reach before or after sessions. The Everglades, the Florida Keys, and Bimini in the Bahamas are all accessible if you have extra days. Money-saving tips for the Miami Grand PrixBook early
Race weekend in Miami is busy, and hotels in popular areas such as Miami Beach can sell out months in advance with prices rising as availability drops. Stay in a less central area Areas further from Miami Beach often cost less. You can still reach the circuit each day using the Brightline train from Downtown Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Consider a Campus Ticket The Miami Grand Prix's equivalent of General Admission is the Campus Ticket. It is the lowest-cost ticket option, which means you can attend the race for less even though you will not have a reserved grandstand seat. Share your room if possible Many Miami hotels offer rooms with two beds or a sofa bed, which means sharing can reduce the cost per person, particularly in peak-priced areas like Miami Beach. Use the Brightline train The Brightline train from Downtown Miami to Aventura, with a free shuttle to Hard Rock Stadium, is a straightforward way to reach the circuit and avoids the cost of parking or rideshares during peak times. Be aware of rideshare pricing after the race Prices can increase sharply when demand is high after the race, which means using the Brightline train for your return journey can help you avoid higher fares. |
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Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar. Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips. His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park. |
