Miami approves plans to host 2019 race

A Formula 1 Grand Prix through the streets of Miami came a step closer to official confirmation today when the City of Miami Commission unanimously agreed on a vote to hold the race in the Flordia city.

The proposal was well received across the board, including Miami mayor Francis Suarez who says that bringing Formula 1 to Miami will turn it from a gateway city into a global city.

He said: "F1 is a worldwide sport with approximately 1.8 billion TV viewers annually. I believe it will help in the transition of the City of Miami from a gateway city to a global city. It has a potential economic boost of over $2.8 billion, [a figure recorded] between the years of 2012 and 2015 in downtown Austin, which is the only other city in the United States that has an F1 race.

"We would be probably the only city in the world that has F1 and all five major [U.S.] sports. This is a first step, and hopefully at some point there will be an agreement come before this commission that has been vetted by the community and be voted on."

Commissioner Jose Pepe Diaz added: "It is something for our community that would be incredible; this is the pinnacle, to add all of the sports together so we can be the world leader in all of sports. 

"I believe this can be an incredible financial gain for the city and South of Florida. Way beyond the levels of what we’ve seen before – like basically having the Super Bowl every year."

Negotiations will now take place over a deal, and it is believed that Miami is looking to sign a ten-year contract. It was also rumoured that the Miami race could slot in at the cost of the German Grand Prix, which would keep the race calendar at 21 events.

The Port of Miami was also supportive of the event, amid concerns around restrictions over access. A Host City Contract will now be drafted up, which will be presented to the City Commision before July 1st. 

Fergal Walsh