Changes to the Miami route
During this weekend's Formula 1 Grand Prix in Miami, the drivers will face a modified circuit compared to the one that made its debut in F1 in 2022. Here are the details of the changes to the circuit.
After the shortening of two DRS zones on this Miami track, it is now the circuit itself that is undergoing modifications.
Main change, the asphalt has been completely redone on the entire circuit. During last year’s inaugural event at the Miami International Autodrome, certain parts of the track composed of limestone and granite showed early signs of damage even before the start of the race.
During the first race, which took place on the Hard Rock Stadium circuit last year, the tires behaved as expected on a rather unique asphalt, especially due to a very high “micro-roughness,” explained Mario Isola, the head of Pirelli F1.
We know that the track has been completely rebuilt and we will have to check during the usual inspection prior to the start of the weekend, if there are any significant changes in its characteristics.
According to Pirelli, the Miami circuit, with 19 predominantly slow turns and three straight lines, is moderately demanding on the tires.
The Italian manufacturer has decided to bring a selection of mid-range compounds for this year’s race.
« The Miami circuit requires average levels of downforce, as it has a wide variety of turns, but also a very long straightaway, added Isola.
We brought the mid-range tires (C2, C3, and C4) also because we can expect very high temperatures: last year, the asphalt reached nearly 60°C.
Minor changes
Here is the list of changes announced by the FIA:
– Reduction of the clearance area of turn 1 on the left side with realignment of walls and barriers.
– Reduction of the clearance area at turn 4 on the right side with realignment of the walls and barriers.
– Reduction of the clearance area at turn 7 on the right side with realignment of walls and barriers.
– Reduction of the clearance area at the exit of turn 11 with realignment of walls and barriers.
– Realignment of the walls between turn 13 and turn 14 on the right.
– New curved wall at turn 14 on the left.
– Adjustment of the curve 15 path.
– Realignment of the walls between turn 16 and turn 17 on the left, in the area of the pedestrian walkway.
– Shortened pit exit line.
– Shortened pit entry line.
