The FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX officially commenced Thursday, launching a thrilling race weekend filled with media activities and community engagement at the Miami International Autodrome. After a five-week break in the Formula 1 calendar, the opening day promised a blend of elite motorsport and the vibrant culture of South Florida.
A focal point of the day’s events was the MIA in Schools initiative, aiming to deepen community ties by introducing local students—ranging from third grade to college—to the world of motorsport. Students from Miami Gardens and nearby areas experienced a day of hands-on activities at Hard Rock Stadium. Among the 20 students from Carol City Senior High School were lucky participants who enjoyed exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas, including a pit lane walk, guided tours of the F1 Team Village, and a special visit to the Mercedes garage.
This initiative also included sessions with Mission 44, a charitable foundation founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton, concentrating on inclusion and pathways into STEAM careers. In addition, interactive Q&A sessions featured prominent figures in the sport, including four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen and industry experts like Katharina Nowak, President of the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX. Notably, the day culminated with Community Night: Igniting Possibilities, which highlighted the importance of community impact linked to the sporting event.
As part of efforts to inspire creativity in young minds, the event introduced a custom helmet initiative. Collaborating with local STEAM organizations and professional artists, students designed unique racing helmets that reflected their cultural backgrounds and personal stories. These helmets will be displayed throughout the weekend in the Community Zone, showcasing the event’s commitment to creating meaningful local impact.
In addition to community outreach, the day was filled with dynamic media activities infused with Miami’s distinctive flair. Formula 1 drivers participated in a crossover event with Miami Dolphins players at Hard Rock Stadium, engaging in a light-hearted on-field challenge that mixed American football drills with kart racing. Among the highlights, World Championship points leader Kimi Antonelli clinched the fastest time, edging out his teammate Frederik Vesti and Dolphins cornerback Ethan Robinson.
Drivers also treated Dolphins players to exhilarating ride-alongs around the challenging 19-turn Miami International Autodrome. Notable participants included quarterback Malik Willis and linebacker Tyrel Dodson, who both enjoyed the high-speed experience.
Beyond Hard Rock Stadium, the atmosphere of race weekend expanded into Miami Beach with the inaugural Miami Grand Prix Fan Fest at Lummus Park. Over five days, the free event has attracted large crowds, celebrating the excitement of Formula 1 through live performances, driver meet-and-greets, and a big-screen showing of track action.
Tomorrow marks the start of competitive racing, featuring the most extensive on-track schedule in the five-year history of the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX. Kicking off with a 90-minute Free Practice session at noon, the day’s agenda includes Sprint Qualifying and practice for support series Formula 2, which is making its debut in North America. Excitingly, this weekend will also herald the first home race for the new Cadillac F1 Team. Driver Sergio Perez expressed his enthusiasm about racing for an American team, highlighting the special sense of community and support he feels from the local Latin audience.
Ahead of the on-track action, a high-profile, invitation-only business leadership forum will convene at Hard Rock Stadium, featuring discussions involving various industry leaders, including McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. This collaborative event, named the Autosport Business Exchange, marks a first for a Formula 1 Grand Prix, showcasing Miami’s role as a burgeoning hub for motorsport events.
