The quest for a second Grand Prix in the United States may have received a much-needed breakthrough, as Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris has offered a joint resolution with Hard Rock Stadium.
Written by Andrew Lwanga edited by Sam Stewart
Previous attempts to host a Formula 1 race in Miami had been met with resistance from residents who expressed concerns over noise and air pollution. In October 2020, in fact, more than a dozen Miami-Dade County residents opened a federal lawsuit against then-mayor Carlos Gimenez seeking to block the race.
Current Mayor Rodney Harris was also previously opposed to the idea of hosting a race in South Florida but has now offered a resolution to Stephen Ross, the owner of Miami Dolphins and also the man spearheading the campaign for the race. The resolution aims to address the concerns of the residents of Miami-Dade that led to them protesting the race.
As part of the resolution Hard Rock Stadium and race promoters will have to raise noise mitigation barriers in sections of the proposed race track namely the north-side of any section of the track adjacent to the Snake Creek Canal to protect residents. Additionally promoters will have to monitor air and noise pollution during the race.
Another crucial part of the memorandum is an economic package that includes a 5 million dollars commitment to residents and local businesses. Included in the package is also a STEM program in the city and also providing internships to residents.
The Miami City Council will vote on the resolution on Wednesday, and should it go through the race could join the Formula 1 calendar as early as 2022, bringing a conclusion to the 3-year bid for the race in Southside Florida.
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