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One of the most anticipated additions to this season’s calendar has started. The Miami Grand Prix is finally here.
The Formula 1 teams at the Miami party stage in the Hard Rock Stadium, by Formula 1 on TwitterAs one of the most anticipated and hyped up races of the season, the Miami Grand Prix has officially begun. The opening ceremony took place on Thursday morning at 1 am UK time. The race weekend is certainly one full of excitement as both teams and paddock personnel look forward to seeing the new track in action.
The opening ceremony kicked off with a great video produced by the Miami International Autodrome. Viewers also heard the infamous voice of F1’s David Croft (‘Crofty’) and W Series Racer and Sky Sports Broadcaster, Naomi Schiff.
The two introduced the W Series line-up of talented women racing in the 2022 season, which sees quite a few rookies and some new teams as well. Jamie Chadwick commented on the location of the opening round of the season. She said, “It’s incredible to be here” and that to race in Miami is “so cool.”
The F1 teams then came out one by one with the drivers and team principals. When asked by Schiff, Sebastian Vettel said: “The track looks exciting, it’s obviously a new venue so a new challenge for all of us. I heard it’s gonna be busy, a lot of people, so looking forward.”
Ferrari seemed positive about racing in Miami. Both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc said that this weekend is the perfect place to “bounce back” from their unfortunate weekend in Imola.
Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc and Mattia Binotto at the Miami GP opening party by @F1 on TwitterThe teams
As every team appeared on the stage, Crofty and Schiff spoke to some of the drivers and team principals about their expectations this weekend in Miami. 2021 title rivals, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were certainly favoured among the crowd as cheers filled the stadium.
Verstappen has had a mixed start to the 2022 season. He has had two DNFs but also two victories. When asked if he can continue the high from Imola and take the chequered flag, Verstappen said:
“I’m happy to be here first of all, and we are all excited to be driving here and then will see how we end up at the end of the weekend but just looking forward to a cool weekend”
The Party Kicks Off
Once the drivers and team principals left the stage, music DJ Kygo took to the stage. The Hard Rock Stadium came alive with music as the first song, Higher Love, was played.
Kygo was then joined on stage by Lando Norris, who filmed the crowd on his phone. More music continued to create an amazing atmosphere.
Lando Norris and Kygo at the stage of the opening party by @F1 on TwitterOnce Norris had departed the stage, more music artists joined Kygo. DNCE were the first of the special guests. The crowd went electric during the music performances singing along to every song.
Up next was Anitta, who performed her Latin music. Kygo then gave a sneak peek of his new song, Freeze, before Justin Jesso joined him on stage. Jesso graced the crowd with his new collaboration with Kygo called Stargazing.
The Formula 1 teams at the stage of the opening party by @F1miami on TwitterMiami Grand Prix
The inaugural Miami Grand Prix kicks off on Sunday 8th May at 20:30 UK time. W Series has two races this weekend. Race 1 is on Saturday at 19:30 UK time and Race 2 is on Sunday at 15:35 UK time.
The crowd is electric, the atmosphere is amazing and the new circuit is exciting. So let’s get racing.
Credit Featured Image: By Formula 1 on Twitter
