GP Florida: Miami is one step away from F1

Formula 1 announced on Wednesday its plan for a Grand Prix in Downtown Miami for 2019 season. Miami City Commission will vote the proposal for a ten-year agreement next week.

Formula 1 has long sought to expand its presence in the United States. A race in Miami would be the second in the country, joining the GP in Austin, Texas. It would be the fourth in North America, which also includes Mexico and Canada.

“Miami’s status as one of the world’s most iconic and glamorous cities, combined with its robust tourism infrastructure, makes Miami the perfect destination for Formula 1 and its fans,” said Sean Bratches, F1’s managing director for commercial operations.

Miami’s race would be the latest action from Liberty Media, the group that took control of Formula 1 in 2017. The group plans to expand the reach of the category, including adding new races to Asia’s calendar. Also, a live streaming service is about to be released.

Miami’s mayor Francis Suarez and Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross backed the race in Florida, but details of how their achievement would be funded were not revealed.

Formula 1 was out of the United States between 2008 and 2012, returning with the race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, built specifically to receive the category. A street race would be the first in the country since 1991 in Phoenix.