Track specialist Tilke has resurfaced the Hard Rock Stadium track for this year’s Miami Grand Prix after problems with the inaugural event in 2022.

However, the pavement still caused problems for drivers who lacked grip – especially off the track – which led to a number of incidents throughout the weekend.

One factor limiting the grip provided was the decision by Miami race directors not to spray the surface with water – which helps remove a layer of asphalt and oil that exists on the freshly laid asphalt.

But while that took some toll on this weekend, Miami GP managing partner Tom Garfunkel said the move will now pay off as more natural surface aging will make it better over the long run .

“It would have lasted a little longer if it hadn’t been sprayed,” explains Garfinkel.

“It also changes over time. I think this climate with sun and humidity and some other things affect the track, but it should get better with age.”

While the track surface was difficult for the drivers in practice and qualifying, race winner Max Verstappen felt it was good enough for the race.

“I think things have improved over the weekend,” said the Red Bull driver. “I’m a little scared, of course, it’s going to be worse with the rain, but most places are fine.

“It’s a street circuit. You can’t expect it to be great off-line, that’s all. But overall I think it’s a lot more fun to drive compared to last year. I think the tarmac is a lot better. So yeah, this Absolutely no problem. I don’t think it’s a bad track.”

Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo C43

Photography: Alfa Romeo

Another factor that didn’t help the track surface was the lack of a supporting series, with only one Porsche race alongside F1. This limits the amount of rubber put in place on race weekends to help improve grip.

Asked if Miami was considering more support races in 2024, Garfunkel said: “We’re thinking about it. I think if you get more rubber off the track, you’re going to get better at the races.” Racing. It’s just more entertainment, more racing fans. So, if we can do that, it might make sense.”

Garfunkel also thinks Miami’s changes to the configuration of Turn 15/16 are also very effective.

Last year, the layout was criticized for being too tight, causing some concern among drivers after Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon spun into a wall in that part of the track.

The profile of the guardrail and chicane has been revised, which Garfinkel says has been praised by drivers – while several bumps have been removed.

“Last year it was a bit bumpy in places, but the feedback we got from the drivers was that it was much smoother,” he said.

“Then the easing of rounds 15/16 was actually after we got feedback from George Russell. We talked to all the drivers, we talked to all the team principals, we talked to the FIA, F1, everyone was on 15 /16 has a different take on what we should do.

“But the conclusion is really that F1 and the FIA ​​are trying to soften the apex a little bit and lower the curb a little bit.

“It’s smoother there. It’s a harsh corner initially for safety reasons and trying to slow the car down before you go through there.

“This year, we’ve softened that a little bit, and the feedback we’ve had is that they like it more.”