‘Intermediate-like’ track conditions has F1 drivers concerned over the rest of Miami Grand Prix

Many Formula 1 drivers believes the resurfaced Miami Grand Prix track offers no grip. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez goes as far to say that the track was equivalent to running on intermediate tyres.

The Miami Grand Prix was introduced to the Formula 1 calendar during the 2022 season. During that year, the asphalt started breaking up. Therefore, Formula 1 organisers told the Hard Rock Stadium and grand prix managing director Tom Garfinkel to relay the circuit.

The new surface helped the cars go much quicker than last year. This was shown as Max Verstappen topped FP2, setting a lap record. The Dutchman set a 1:27,930, beating his 2022 pole time by 1.134s.

Although the new surface allowed the cars to go quicker, there was plenty of complaints about the lack of grip on track.

Haas driver Nico Hulkenburg was the first to pay the price, bringing out a red flag in FP1 after the German sent his Haas car spinning. His teammate Kevin Magnussen also was sent into a spin. However, the Dane was lucky to get away with no damage, as he hit the wall.

Many other drivers had close calls, especially at the tricky chicane section at Turn 14.

However, it would be Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc to end all of the mistakes with ten minutes to go in FP2. The Monegasque tried to get his Ferrari turned in for Turn 8. However, he lost the rear of the car and went nose first into the barriers.

Track felt like intermediate conditions

Sergio Perez ended Friday’s sessions with a fourth place finish in FP2. The Mexican could not get close to his team-mate Max Verstappen. The 31-year-old was not happy with the grip provided. Perez said, as quoted by Motorsport.com:

“The conditions out there are very low grip, especially in FP1.

“It felt like inter conditions pretty much. We were measuring wet conditions to inter conditions.

“I think the conditions [are why he is struggling]. Getting a read on these low-grip conditions, especially with the things that we’ve tried on FP1.”

Mercedes drivers also wary of lack of grip

Mercedes driver George Russell, who topped FP1, reckons that overtaking will be very difficult with the new surface. Formula 1 fans have complained with the lack of overtakes seen this season. A much anticipated Azerbaijan Grand Prix was left with hardly any action.

Last year, there was a total of 45 overtakes, despite drivers complaining of the lack of grip off the racing line. However, the whole track has a lack of grip, making off the racing line have even less grip.

“It can be really difficult to race because you can’t drive off-line.

“You’ve seen with a few people, myself included, you put one wheel off and there’s no grip whatsoever.”

Lewis Hamilton also acknowledged the grip at the circuit, describing it as “quite low”.

“A lot of sliding for a lot of people and including me, and so lots of overheating of the tyres.

“We’re just trying to find that balance that keeps the tyres somehow in the right spot, but they’re generally always over the peak of the temperatures.”

A similar situation happened at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix, as the circuit was resurfaced. It was worsened on race day with it being in wet conditions, sending many drivers into spins.

Feature Image Credit: Rudy Carezzevoli via Getty Images